German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, revered for his indelible impact on the sport as a player, captain, and coach, has died at the age of 78, as confirmed by the German Football Association on Monday.
“Franz Beckenbauer was definitely the biggest German footballer of all time, and above all one of the greatest men who I have known,” expressed DFB vice president Hans-Joachim Watzke.
The DFB announced Beckenbauer’s passing on Sunday, marking the end of an era for a man who, as a player and coach, was among the elite few to clinch the World Cup in both roles.
As the former captain of the 1970s German team, Beckenbauer had been battling health issues in recent years, leading a largely secluded life in Salzburg, near the German border.
Often referred to in Germany’s football realm as ‘the Kaiser,’ signifying ‘the Emperor,’ Beckenbauer played a pivotal part in some of the country’s most glorious sporting accomplishments.
However, his legacy faced scrutiny due to his involvement in controversies surrounding Germany’s successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup.
