German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78.
The world champion died on Sunday, his family confirmed, as tributes poured in from the footballing world.
Beckenbauer’s health has increasingly deteriorated since the death of his son Stephan in 2015. Since then, the legendary former player and manager has struggled with Parkinson’s disease and dementia and has undergone heart surgery.
He leaves behind his wife Heidi and his four other children.
“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,” the statement reads.
Franz Beckenbauer, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has died at the age of 78
The German icon is one of three men to have won the World Cup as a player and coach
Beckenbauer is survived by his wife Heidi, whom he married in 2006, and four of his five children.
Before his death on Sunday, concerns about the former player’s deteriorating health were mounting
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“We ask that you grieve in silence and not ask questions.”
Concerns grew over the former Bayern Munich superstar earlier this month – and his brother failed to allay public concerns.
“If I told you now that he is doing well, I would be lying, and I don’t like lying,” Walter Beckenbauer told ARD on January 2.
“He doesn’t feel well. It goes up and down all the time.’
As his health declined, he faded from the public spotlight until his death on Sunday. German media reported that his judgment and memory had “significantly deteriorated” in recent months.
In 2019, it was revealed in the magazine Bunte that Beckenbauer, nicknamed “The Kaiser”, lost sight in one eye after participating in a golf tournament in his name: the Kaiser Cup.
“I suspected an eye infection in one eye,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I can no longer see with my right eye.” And I have to be careful with my heart.”
Beckenbauer was at Stephan’s bedside when he died at age 46 after a battle with a brain tumor, and the experience had a lasting — and deteriorating — effect on him.
Stephan’s death made Beckenbauer regret focusing too much on football instead of family.
“I was a bad father because I was never there,” he said in a 2005 television interview.
Beckenbauer is unanimously considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
He was part of the West German team that lost to England in the 1966 World Cup final.
Beckenbauer is in an exclusive club as he is one of only three men to have won a World Cup as a player and coach, including France coach Didier Deschamps and Brazilian icon Mario Zagallo, who died last week.
“We are very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has passed away,” former England striker Gary Lineker wrote on social media.
“One of the absolute greats of our game.” The Kaiser was the most beautiful footballer who won everything with grace and charm. REST IN PEACE.’
Football commentator Darren Fletcher posted his own tribute, writing: “Players who redefine a position and change the way the game is played deserve special recognition.”
“True greatness on the field is rare. Franz Beckenbauer was a great soccer player. REST IN PEACE.’
Beckenbauer won the World Cup for the Federal Republic of Germany in 1974 as a player and as a coach in 1990 (pictured with Bobby Moore in 1985).
The decorated player is one of nine men to have won the World Cup, European Cup and Ballon d’Or (pictured in 1970).
Piers Morgan said: “RIP Frank Beckenbauer, 78th German football legend, who was one of only three men to win the World Cup as player and coach.” “Solid defender, great manager, great ambassador for the game.”
Comedian David Baddiel added: “The great Beckenbauer is gone now, so soon after Bobby Charlton.”
“Bobby had the job of silencing him during the 1966 World Cup final. Perhaps this is a very profound example of human-to-human coverage.”
Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach and world champion with Spain, Xabi Alonso, wrote: “Rest in peace, Emperor!”
Beckenbauer was born in post-war Munich in 1945, the son of postman Franz Beckenbauer Sr. born. and his wife Antonie.
He moved to Bayern Munich in 1964 and played over 400 games, establishing himself as the greatest player of all time.
The former player, who started as a striker in his youth, won four league titles and three European Cups in Bavaria before winning the World Cup as a player in 1974.
As coach of the German national team, he would lift the trophy again in 1990.
Beckenbauer is credited with creating and mastering the role of sweeper for defense.
During his career, the defender played in both the German Bundesliga and MLS with New York Cosmos (pictured in 1978).
The Bayern Munich legend played a major role in the development of the modern sweeper role
A two-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, which is awarded to the best player in the world for a calendar year, he spent his career in the Youth divisions at Bayern, then an old-fashioned constellation.
Originally a striker, he was later deployed as a left winger on his debut in 1964.
Beckenbauer slowly returned to the pitch and moved into midfield, where he would play the key role in Bayern’s promotion to the Bundesliga.
He was named captain before the 1968/69 season and was immediately inspirational in leading the team to the Bundesliga.
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Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
