2024-01-08 17:10:00
(CNN) — German soccer icon Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78. reported the German Football Federation this Monday.
The federation said Beckenbauer died Sunday in Munich. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Beckenbauer, considered one of the best footballers in history, was born on September 11, 1945 in Munich.
With the national team he won two World Cups, one as a player (1974) and the other leading the West Germany team (1990).
In the 1974 final, played in his hometown once morest the Netherlands, Beckenbauer was a magnificent presence, inspiring his teammates to a 2-1 victory once morest the seemingly unbeatable brilliance of Dutch “total football.”
After winning as a player, he led his country to the 1986 final and became one of the few to win the World Cup as captain and coach in 1990.
He played 103 international matches for Germany, and captained the team in 50 matches, according to the German Football Federation.
Beckenbauer also successfully led his country’s bid to host the 2006 World Cup.
(Crédito: Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty Images)
As a player, Beckenbauer played for Bayern Munich from 1965 to 1977. He was also president of the club. He was best known as an imposing offensive defender who transformed the role of libero.
Following his time at Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer spent two seasons in the United States with the New York Cosmos, with whom he won the Soccer Bowl three times and played briefly alongside Brazilian great Pelé.
“A true icon, then, now and always”
The Bundesliga tweeted on Monday: “The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now and always. RIP, Der Kaiser.”
“‘Der Kaiser’ was an extraordinary player, a successful coach and a popular commentator who shaped German football like no other,” European football’s governing body UEFA wrote in X, while the Premier League said he was ” as elegant as it is dominant.”
Messages in honor of the German multiplied on the networks.
“I’m very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died,” wrote former England international Gary Lineker in X. “One of the absolute greats of our football. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won everything with grace and charm.”
Beckenbauer lifts the World Cup trophy following West Germany’s 2-1 victory once morest the Netherlands in Munich in 1974. (Credit: AP)
The palmarés of Franz Beckenbauer
Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1972 and 1976.
With Bayern Munich he won the European Cup, today the Champions League, in 1974, 1975 and 1976. He also won the Intercontinental Cup in ’76.
He was the first player to win three European Cups as captain of his club, with which he also won four Bundesliga titles.
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