German Soccer Legend Franz Beckenbauer Dead At 78

Franz Beckenbauer — a German soccer icon broadly considered one of many best within the sport — has died at 78 years outdated, his household introduced.

Beckenbauer was a legend within the sport … main his dwelling nation of West Germany to 3 World Cups — as soon as as a participant in 1974, and once more as a head coach in 1990. He’s certainly one of three folks in historical past to have gained as each a participant and a coach.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbaur, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by family,” his household stated in a press release.

Beckenbauer was born in Munich and went on to star for Bayern Munich from 1964 to 1977. Throughout his time on the membership degree, he gained three European cups and 5 league titles.

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer launched a press release about his passing … talking on the influence Beckenbauer left on the membership.

“There are no words to express how great our grief is, and the gap that Franz Beckenbauer leaves behind,” Hainer stated.

“As a player, he brought a sense of effortlessness, elegance and magic to the pitch. Franz Beckenbauer brought the glamour. Even after his playing career, he left an indelible mark on FC Bayern and football, and his legacy cannot be measured in titles. The FC Bayern family is eternally grateful to him, and I personally mourn the loss of a friend.”

Beckenbauer’s excellence on the pitch earned him the nickname “Der Kaiser,” which interprets to “the emperor.” He performed in 103 worldwide matches for Germany … serving as a captain for 50 of them.

Der Kaiser had a really adorned particular person profession … having gained the Ballon d’Or award in 1972 and 1976. In 1977, he determined to take his profession worldwide, becoming a member of the New York Cosmos.

He performed for the Cosmos from 1977 to 1980, and one remaining time in 1983. Throughout that interval, he performed alongside Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, successful three North American Soccer League trophies.

The soccer legend introduced his retirement in 1983 on the age of 38, however continued to obtain accolades previous his profession. Beckenbauer was named to the Nationwide Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1998. In 2000, he was named Germany’s Footballer of the Century for his wonderful efforts. He additionally acquired the FIFA Centennial Participant and Soccer Persona Award in 2004.

One in every of his remaining nice achievements was as an official … serving to his dwelling nation Germany win its bid to host the 2006 World Cup.