German Football Legend Franz Beckenbauer Passes Away
German football icon Franz Beckenbauer, aged 78, breathed his last on Sunday, January 7, as confirmed by his grieving family.
Declining Health Following Personal Tragedy
The World Cup winner’s health had been on a gradual decline since the untimely death of his son Stephan in 2015.
Struggles with Health Conditions
Subsequently, the legendary player and manager battled Parkinson’s disease and dementia, undergoing heart operations in the process.
Peaceful Passing and Family Statement
In a poignant statement, the family shared, ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce that husband and father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.’
They requested privacy during this difficult time.
Football’s Greatest-Ever Players Mourned
Beckenbauer, fondly nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser,’ is revered as one of football’s all-time greats, having played a crucial role in the West Germany side that contested the 1966 World Cup final against England.
Unique Legacy: Player and Manager Success
The football legend joins the exclusive club of individuals, including France’s Didier Deschamps and Brazil’s Mario Zagallo (who also passed away recently), to have achieved World Cup triumphs both as a player and a manager.
Early Life and Rise to Football Prominence
Born in Giesling in September 1945, Beckenbauer’s early years saw him as a fan of 1860 Munich.
However, he joined the youth setup at Bayern, where he transitioned from a centre-forward to a left winger.
His remarkable career included captaining Bayern to domestic and European success.
National Glory and International Recognition
Beckenbauer made his mark on the international stage at the age of 20, debuting for West Germany in a World Cup qualifier.
Over the years, he captained his nation to a European Championship in 1972 and a World Cup victory on home soil in 1974.
Post-Retirement Achievements
Retiring in 1984 after playing with the New York Cosmos, Beckenbauer transitioned to coaching, leading West Germany to the final of the 1986 World Cup and securing the trophy in 1990.
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