Monday January 8, 2024
Beckenbauer raises the World Cup trophy in Munich in 1974.
Soccer icon Franz Beckenbauer, widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game, has died aged 78, according to the German football federation (DFB).
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.
“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 was best known 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.”
Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the men’s game, in 1972 and 1976, becoming the only defender ever to win the award twice.
Beckenbauer celebrates with the World Cup trophy in 1990.
He is also the only man to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager.
“Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died,” former England international Gary Lineker wrote on X. “One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm.”
After his time at Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer had two stints in the United States with the New York Cosmos, winning the “Soccer Bowl” on three occasions and briefly playing alongside Brazilian great Pelé.