Soccer legend and ‘true icon of the game’ Franz Beckenbauer dies, age 78

German soccer legend, Franz Beckenbauer, hailed as a virtuoso on the field and a trailblazer off it, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.

The news of his passing was confirmed in a heartfelt statement from his family to the German news agency DPA.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.

Known affectionately as “the Kaiser” in Germany, which translates to “the Emperor”, Beckenbauer played a pivotal role in some of Germany’s most significant sporting triumphs. Starting as a junior at Bayern Munich, he swiftly ascended to become a linchpin for the club, securing four German league titles, three European Cups, and the Intercontinental Cup.

Beckenbauer’s on-field elegance and grace revolutionised the sweeper position, transforming it into a dual-purpose role that initiated attacks as well as thwarted them. His impact reached its zenith in 1974 when, two years after leading West Germany to European Championship glory, he culminated his playing career by securing the World Cup on home soil.

However, the Kaiser’s influence wasn’t confined to just the pitch. Beckenbauer played a pivotal role in shaping soccer’s trajectory in the United States, joining the New York Cosmos alongside the legendary Pele.

Eventually returning to Europe, Beckenbauer seamlessly transitioned to coaching, guiding West Germany to World Cup victory in 1990.

His many contributions to the game have left an enduring legacy, and as the soccer world mourns his loss, tributes are pouring in from fans, fellow players, and admirers worldwide.

Franz Beckenbauer – One of the most complete players of all time.

One of the only three people who have won the World Cup as player and coach.
He will be deeply missed.

Rest In Peace Legend 🕊️#franzbeckenbauer pic.twitter.com/QBjZ4jY1ca

— Zubair AkhonZada (@ZubairAkhon) January 8, 2024

German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away today aged 78.

RIP, Franz. 👑🕊️ pic.twitter.com/IwdSA5KaiT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024

Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.

𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy

— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024

It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI

— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024

We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Franz Beckenbauer.

He was the first person to win the FIFA World Cup as captain (1974) and manager (1990). pic.twitter.com/ixPAClBiBm

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) January 8, 2024

A @FIFAWorldCup winner as both a player and coach.

Remembering the great Franz Beckenbauer — a legend of our game ❤️

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) January 8, 2024

He is survived by his wife, Heidrun and their two children, Joel and Francesca, as well as two children from his previous marriages, Thomas and Michael.

-with AAP.