…Family confirm passing of former World Cup-winning player and manager
German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78, his family have announced.
Beckenbauer won the 1974 World Cup in a formidable playing career, which earned him the nickname ‘Der Kaiser’, before lifting the trophy again while managing the Germany team in 1990.
A supremely prestigious career saw him voted the world’s best player twice, at the 1972 and 1976 Ballon d’Or ceremonies, along with several other titles – many of which were won with Bayern Munich.
A family statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that husband and father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
“We ask that you be able to mourn in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
Beckenbauer grew up in post-war Munich and joined Bayern as a schoolboy, despite supporting local rivals 1860 Munich. In 14 years at the club, he won the Bundesliga four times along with three European Cups and four German Cups.
In 1977, he followed in the footsteps of Pele to join New York Cosmos in the United States – again lifting a hat-trick of league titles – before returning to Germany to win the 1982 Bundesliga with Hamburg.
In that time, he won 103 caps for Germany before taking charge of the national team in 1984, shortly after his playing retirement. His team broke English hearts by knocking the Three Lions out en route to lifting Italia 90, after which he won league titles as manager of Marseille and Bayern and became club president of the Bavarian giants.
No cause of death has been announced at this stage.
Tributes have poured in from around the footballing world following the news of Beckenbauer’s death.
Former England striker Gary Lineker wrote on X: “Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.”
German giants Borussia Dortmund posted: “Borussia Dortmund mourns the loss of a great German footballer. Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. ‘Der Kaiser’ will forever be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and all relatives.”
A Premier League statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football’s greatest ever players. A World Cup winner as both player and manager, ‘Der Kaiser’ was as elegant as he was dominant. He will forever be remembered.”
Real Madrid wrote: “Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and love to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones.”
A UEFA statement read: “Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football’s greatest sons, has passed away aged 78. ‘Der Kaiser’ was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other.”
Evening Standard
