Former German legendary footballer and coach, Franz Beckenbauer, has passed away aged 78, as per news agency, dpa. As per their report, Franz was suffering through multiple health ailments in the past few years.
Franz Beckenbauer was a legendary footballer and had led West Germany to the FIFA World Cup title in 1976. His footballing prowess and pedigree knew no bounds and his dribbling skills oozed class and consistency.
“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,” the family of Franz Beckenbauer told news agency, dpa.
“We ask that we be allowed grieve in peace and spared any questions,” they also said.
Beckenbauer had several accolades to his name and was a legendary midfielder of Bayern Munich. He played an aggressive brand of football and had won 1 World Cup (as a player), 4 German Cups, 5 Bundesliga titles, 3 European Cups and 3 NASL titles among several other glittering trophies. ‘
Individual accolades also existed: Beckenbauer won the FIFA Ballon d’Or twice and was selected Germany’s football player of the year four times. It makes sense that in the 1966 World Cup final, Charlton, the best player in England, was told to man-mark the guy they called “Der Kaiser,” or the Emperor.
Franz Beckenbauer played 427 matches for Bayern Munich
A legendary figure in the defensive setup of Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer played 427 games for the German giants and netted 60 goals. He not only played as a defender, but also sometimes fulfilled the roles and responsibilities of a midfielder in the Bayern Munich side.
Having moved on from Bayern Munich in 1977, Franz Beckenbauer plied his trade for New York Cosmos for 3 years, having played 80 games for them.
He again staged a comeback to this side in 1983 and played 25 matches for them, and scored 2 goals during that stint.
Beckenbauer took up coaching from 1984
It was in 1986 that Franz Beckenbauer led West Germany to another World Cup title and this time, he was the manager. His popularity knew no bounds and he was easily a living legend in the footballing world.
Beckenbauer’s impact was unparalleled, exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. His death is a huge loss to the footballing community of the world and the hardcore football lovers will dearly miss his presence.
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