Germany football legend Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78
Franz Beckenbauer, one of the greatest football players of all time, has died at the age of 78.
Beckenbauer, nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’, won the World Cup with West Germany as captain in 1974 and a manager in 1990.
The DFB called Beckenbauer “one of the best players this sport has seen and a natural leader” and said that he passed away on Sunday in Munich. No cause of death has been revealed.
Beckenbauer led West Germany to two World Cup triumphs, first as a player in 1974, then as a head coach in 1990.
As a player, he starred with German Bundesliga side Bayern Munich from 1965 to 1977, winning five league titles and three European Cups over the course of his 582 appearances.
“The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now, and always. RIP, Der Kaiser,” the Bundesliga wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday,
Known by his nickname “Der Kaiser” (“The Emperor”), Beckenbauer left an indelible mark on the game as a commanding, attacking defender who transformed the role of the sweeper.
He played in 103 international matches for Germany, serving as team captain on 50 occasions, according to the federation.
Beckenbauer also successfully headed his country’s bid to stage the 2006 World Cup.
“‘Der Kaiser’ was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other,” European soccer governing body UEFA wrote on X, while the Premier League said that he was “as elegant as he was dominant.”
