Franz Beckenbauer has died. Perhaps the most influential figure in German football died on Sunday at the age of 78, his family announced to the German Press Agency on Monday. Beckenbauer is one of the best players in world football. He became a world champion as a player and coach and brought the 2006 World Cup to Germany. Beckenbauer was considered a much-celebrated luminary.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday surrounded by his family,” the family said. “We ask that you mourn in silence and ask no questions.”
As an elegant libero, Beckenbauer won four championship titles and the Champions League's precursor, the Master's Cup, three times with Bayern Munich. The crowning moment of his career came in 1974 with the World Championship title. Two years ago he captained the team that won the German European Championship. After a few years in America with Cosmos New York, where he played in a legendary team with Pele, Beckenbauer returned to Germany and won another championship title with Hamburger SV in 1982.
He won the World Cup as a coach
In 1984, Beckenbauer became the team captain of the German national team without a coaching license and led the team straight to the 1986 World Cup final against Argentina, which they lost 2–3. Four years later, they got their revenge against Diego Maradona and Co. with a World Cup victory. Beckenbauer returned to coach FC Bayern in the mid-1990s when the Munich team was in crisis.
The DFB used his charisma and polyglot brilliance in their bid for the 2006 World Cup. The summer fairy tale was Beckenbauer's highlight as an officer — while also proving difficult for him personally. Allegations were made when the questionable payments became public. Through Beckenbauer's impressive career, the allegations surrounding the World Cup award with questionable payments of millions leave a nasty backlash.
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