Frank Beckenbauer, 'Der Keiser' German Football Legend Dies At 78 (image-instagram/franzbeckenbauer)
Frank Beckenbauer, the German legendary footballer, regarded as ‘Der Keiser – The Emperor”, the one who captained the country’s team to World cup in 1974, died at the age of 78.
The German football great marched his country to victory as a captain as well as a coach.
“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,” his family said in a statement on Monday.
His career is adorned with great achievements. Being born in Munich in 1945, he helped establishing the country’s greatest club, Bayern Munich.
The footballer was born on September 11, 1945, just few months after the great surrender of Germany in World War II.
Beckenbauer who has won the European Championship with the West Germany in 1972, was known for his classy, dominant performance on the field. With his calmness on the ball and remarkable defensive performance displayed in the midfield, he swept victories over victories.
Beckenbauer was named twice the European footballer of the year. His Bayern Munich team was the best club side in the world during the mid-1970’s. They have won three successive European cups and three successive Bundesliga titles.
Beckenbauer was a revolutionary player at his times. He was known as ‘libero’, a free roaming, marauding defender who was capable enough to threaten the opponent’s goal.
The footballer’s death come just two days after another football legend, Mario Zagallo. The Brazilian player was the first person to win the World Cup as a player and a coach.
Though his career shined with achievements, his legacy was stained after the allegations of bribery came up. At the age of 71, he was questioned by the Swiss prosecutors in March 2017 over suspected corruption with regards to Germany winning hosting rights.
Tributes poured in from across Germany and global football community, honouring the legacy of the player. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz mourned Beckenbauer’s death and said he was one of the greatest footballers in Germany and for many “”the emperor” as he inspired enthusiasm for football for generations.
