Franz Beckenbauer Has Died Soccer

[Ginger Ted]

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away today aged 78.

Absolute legend of the game and one of the greatest ever.

He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990.

The former defender played 582 times for Bayern Munich, winning the German top flight as both as a player and a manager.

Nicknamed Der Kaiser, as a player he also won the European Championship in 1972, as well as the Ballon d'Or twice.

A statement from his family to German news agency DPA read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.

Beckenbauer is one of only three men to have lifted the World Cup as both a player and a manager, along with Brazil's Mário Zagallo and France's Didier Deschamps.

As a player at Bayern, he won four league titles and was captain for the German giants' three European Cup wins in 1974, 1975 and 1976. He also won the Bundesliga with Hamburg.

"The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now, and always. RIP, Der Kaiser," the league said.

Current Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann said: "For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history.

"His interpretation of the role of the libero [sweeper] changed the game, this role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man.

"Franz Beckenbauer was able to float on the lawn. As a footballer, and later also as a coach, he was sublime - he stood above things. When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up."

Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association (DFB), said Beckenbauer was "one of the best players our sport has ever seen".

"With him, we are losing a unique footballer and a lovable person," he said.

"With his lightness, his elegance and his overview, he set standards on the field.

"Franz Beckenbauer leaves a great legacy for the DFB and football as a whole."

 

[Franco Pinion]

Beckenbauer was one of the best to ever play the game. He defined the role of the Libero operating out of the centre of defence. Not only was he great in defence, but his ability on the ball is what separated him from others. His passing range was tremendous, and he was also able to dribble through the other team to start the counterattack. His ability to score goals from his deep-lying positions made him unique.

 

[Tom]

One of the true legends of the game. Fantastic player who changed the way the game is played forever.

 

[David76]

An outstanding player, easily one of the best defenders that has ever played the game. One of the best midfielders, too. He imposed himself on the game in a way seldom seen, he was, simply, in charge, and virtually all his opponents knew it.

 

[Birdman]

Come across as a very humble man who oozed class on the field and always loved listening to him when interviewed. Another legend lost who I'm sure will be surely missed across the football World and wider.

Have a look at his list of honours from 1972 till about 76. Off the top of my head he won a slim downed Euros, World Cup, three European cups off the spin as well as shed load domestically. A true giant of the game.

 

[Scotty G]

A legendary footballer and an iconic figure. You simply can't imagine any "Best XI" Mannschaft without Beckenbauer wearing the armband and leading them onto the pitch.

The picture of him carrying on for 50 minutes with a broken collarbone and a makeshift sling in The Match of the Century (vs Italy World Cup Semi-Final 1970) will ever be one of the most renowned moments in football history. It never mattered how many years had passed or which replay of that game we were watching, my dad would always make the same comment with unabated respect and adoration: "Just look at him. Der Kaiser. That's the Germans for you, sheer determination and commitment".

Which, for the people of my father's generation, meant a lot. The world has moved on, and thank God for that, but it may be lost on younger generations how big a burden the Germans born right after the war had to carry on their shoulders. He did a world of good for Bayern Munich and Germany, and all the respect and praise he received, he fully deserved it. May he rest in peace.

 

[Cappuccino Kid]

"Legend" is probably used too loosely in football… Beckenbauer WAS a legend.