I am deeply saddened by the news of German Football Player Franz Beckenbauer’s passing, which comes shortly after Mario Zagallo’s. Joining them in 2018 as a World Cup winner, both as a player and coach, was an immense honor. My grief today is as profound as the joy I felt sitting at the table with these two giants of international football.”
Franz Beckenbauer was primarily a world-class player, possessing remarkable talent and authority as a defender. His demeanor radiated a level of class and self-assurance that served as an inspiration for many.”
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed, “Franz Beckenbauer brought a radiant energy to every room he entered, rightfully earning the title ‘shining light of German football.’ Despite facing health challenges and strokes of misfortune, he maintained an aura that endured until the end. I feel grateful and proud to have known him, and his memory will always be cherished.”
Franz Beckenbauer played a pivotal role in German football, redefining the defender’s role and leading West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup, following their defeat in the 1966 final. He achieved further glory as the coach when West Germany won the tournament in 1990, a significant moment during the country’s reunification, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Franz Beckenbauer played a key role in securing the hosting rights for the highly successful 2006 World Cup in Germany. However, his legacy faced scrutiny amid allegations of bribery in the process, which he consistently denied.
Franz Beckenbauer, along with three other members of the committee, became criminal suspects in 2016, facing suspicions of fraud related to multi-million euro payments associated with the 2006 World Cup and FIFA. However, he was not indicted in 2019 due to health reasons, and the case concluded without a judgment in 2020 as the statute of limitations expired amid delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2014, FIFA’s ethics committee temporarily suspended Franz Beckenbauer from all football-related activities for non-cooperation with prosecutor Michael Garcia’s investigation into alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. The suspension was lifted during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after Beckenbauer agreed to cooperate.
Franz Beckenbauer, affectionately known as “Der Kaiser,” faced a tarnished public perception for the first time due to allegations of impropriety. Previously, he had been regarded as almost untouchable in the eyes of the German public. His actions, including divorce, strained relationships with his children, entanglements with tax authorities, and personal escapades, contradicted the stereotypical expectations of a German figure.
Franz Beckenbauer revolutionized the role of “libero,” a position characterized by a free-roaming defender who advanced to threaten the opponent’s goal—a role rarely seen before his era and almost absent in modern football. Known for his elegance, composure, and visionary play, Beckenbauer captained Bayern Munich to three consecutive European Cup titles from 1974 to 1976.
In his debut World Cup as a player in 1966, West Germany, led by Beckenbauer, reached the final but faced defeat against host nation England. Beckenbauer was tasked with marking England’s standout player, Bobby Charlton, during the match.
In the 1970 World Cup, Beckenbauer, despite nursing a shoulder injury and playing with his arm strapped to his body, led Germany to a memorable semifinal but faced defeat against Italy. However, the turning point came in 1974 when, as captain, Beckenbauer guided West Germany to the World Cup title on home soil.
Following his successful stint with Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer left for New York in 1977, cherishing the time spent in the United States. He fondly recalled the significant step of joining the Cosmos, with club officials sealing the deal by arranging a helicopter ride from the roof of the Pan Am Building in Manhattan to the Giants stadium in New Jersey.
