A Storied Career On and Off the Field
Tributes Pour In for 'Der Kaiser'
Football fans around the world mourn the loss of legendary German footballer Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away at the age of 78. Beckenbauer, often referred to as 'Der Kaiser,' made an indelible mark on the sport, achieving the rare distinction of winning the World Cup both as a player and a manager.
A Glittering Playing Career
Born in Giesing, Munich, in 1945, Beckenbauer rose through the ranks at Bayern Munich, initially as a forward before establishing himself as a world-class defender. He led Bayern to domestic and European glory, claiming three European Cups and three Bundesliga titles between 1972 and 1976.
Beckenbauer's international success was equally impressive. He earned 104 caps for West Germany, captaining the team to victory in the 1974 World Cup and repeating the feat 16 years later as the team's manager in Italy. His elegant and dominant style of play revolutionized the role of the sweeper, earning him the nickname 'Der Kaiser.'
Managerial Success and Legacy
After retiring from playing in 1984, Beckenbauer transitioned seamlessly into coaching, guiding West Germany to the final of the 1986 World Cup and securing the trophy at the 1990 edition in Italy. His managerial achievements mirrored those of Brazil's Mario Zagallo, marking him as one of the few to achieve success both on the pitch and from the touchline.
Beckenbauer's legacy, however, faced challenges in his post-playing career. Accusations of corruption linked to the 2006 World Cup surfaced in 2017, leading to legal inquiries. The trial against Beckenbauer concluded without a verdict in April 2020. Additionally, he received a 90-day suspension from FIFA in 2014 for failing to cooperate in an inquiry into alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.
Global Tributes for 'Der Kaiser'
Football luminaries and colleagues paid heartfelt tributes to Beckenbauer. Lothar Matthäus, who captained Beckenbauer's team in 1990, described the loss as profound, emphasizing his impact on football and Germany. Gary Lineker remembered Beckenbauer as one of the game's absolute greats, while Sir Kenny Dalglish expressed deep sadness at the passing of a true icon.
A Bittersweet Conclusion
Franz Beckenbauer's death comes amidst a wave of remembrance for football legends, following the recent passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. Despite the controversies surrounding his later years, Beckenbauer's contributions to the sport remain etched in history, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the challenges he faced off the field.
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