Franz Beckenbauer, a major figure in world football, has passed away
The German Football Association has announced that Franz Beckenbauer, one of the most important figures in world football, has passed away. Beckenbauer was 78.
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Franz Beckenbauer, who served as president and later honorary president of Bayern Munich, has died at the age of 78. Beckenbauer had been struggling with health issues for some time.
In an interview with "Bunte" magazine in 2022, he said the following:
"I had a so-called ocular infarction in one eye. Unfortunately, I can no longer see anything on the right side. I can handle that. And I have to be careful with my heart."
WHO IS FRANZ BECKENBAUER?
Born on September 11, 1945, Franz Beckenbauer was a former German footballer, coach, and executive. The former president of the Bayern Munich club, his nickname was "der Kaiser," meaning the emperor. His leadership qualities, dominant playing style, and the fact that his first name was Franz (reminiscent of Austrian emperors) led to him receiving this nickname.
He wore the number 5 jersey for most of his career, and took number 6 at the Cosmos team. He was one of the world's most famous defenders and is considered the creator of the modern libero concept. He was included in lists of the best and most respected players by all football authorities for his ability to bring the ball out of defense and his dribbling. He was also famous for his curling shots.
When selected for the German National Team, he was considered among the best footballers in Europe. He introduced the modern libero concept to football. He played for the national team 103 times and took the field as captain of the German National Team 50 times. He was named European Footballer of the Year in 1966 and 1968 in Germany, and in 1976 in Europe. With the Bayern Munich jersey, he won 4 Bundesliga titles, 4 German Cups, 3 European Champion Clubs' Cups (1974, 1975, and 1976), and 1 European Cup Winners' Cup (1969).
He received acclaim for his successful football with the German National Team, which became European Champion in 1972 and World Cup winner in 1974. He played in the finals of the 1966 FIFA World Cup and the 1976 European Football Championship with the German National Team.
Between 1977 and 1980, he continued his football career in the USA at the New York Cosmos club. He scored an own goal in his testimonial match.