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Wils 6:57 Mon Jan 8
Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Franz Beckenbauer, World Cup-winning captain and manager, dies aged 78

Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of the finest footballers of all time, and one of only three men to win the World Cup as a player and manager, has died aged 78.

Beckenbauer is an icon of German football having won 104 caps for West Germany, captaining them to glory at the 1974 World Cup before repeating the feat, as manager, in Italy 16 years later. He also won numerous other honours, including a hat-trick of European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, when he also established his reputation as a defender of supreme talents.

Nicknamed “Der Kaiser”, Beckenbauer was as elegant as he was dominant, and such was his assurance in possession that he came to master the modern sweeper role, or libero. More so, he is credited with creating it.

Beckenbauer’s post-playing life was marred by accusations of wrongdoing, with the then 71-year-old questioned by Swiss prosecutors in March 2017 over suspected corruption linked to the 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany. Beckenbauer headed the initial bid in 2000 and was part of the competition’s organising committee.

If that was a dark period in Beckenbauer’s life than the rest of it was largely glorious.

Born in Giesling, a working-class district of Munich, in September 1945, Beckenbauer grew up as a fan of 1860 Munich but joined the youth setup at the then unfashionable Bayern instead. He was originally a centre-forward and made his debut for the club in 1964, when they were in West Germany’s second tier, as a left winger. He eventually moved into centre midfield and having helped Bayern achieve promotion to the Bundesliga, was made captain ahead of the 1968-69 season, leading them to the top-flight title at the first time of asking.


He became an inspirational and consistently excellent figure for Bayern, leading them to a hat-trick of domestic titles between 1972-74, as well as those three European titles, between 1974-76. At the age of 20, he also made his debut for West Germany in a World Cup qualifier away to Sweden. The youngster shone in a 2-1 victory that sealed his country’s place at the 1966 finals in England.

West Germany went on to lose to the hosts at Wembley but a golden period for the nation was just around the corner and with Beckenbauer as captain and domineering defender, they won the 1972 European Championship before clinching the world title, on home soil, two years later.

Having won further honours, including the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976, Beckenbauer retired from playing in 1984 following a spell with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. That same year, he was appointed West Germany manager despite having no previous coaching experience. It did not matter, however, as Beckenbauer led his country to the final of the 1986 World Cup and then to the trophy itself at Italia 90, joining Brazil’s Mario Zagallo in achieving world success on the touchline as well as on the pitch.

There followed a brief spell in charge of Marseille in France before Beckenbauer returned to Bayern, leading the club to the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup two years later. Beckenbauer also had spells as president at Bayern and vice president of the German Football Association.

A brilliant player and manager, Beckenbauer’s legacy has somewhat been tarnished by the aforementioned allegations of corruption – the trial against him ended without a verdict in April 2020. In 2014, he was also hit with a 90-day suspension by Fifa for failing to help an inquiry into alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. He was part of the Fifa executive committee that made the awards.

Side of Ham 2:41 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

I think nearly every kid in the late 70's wanted a pair of his Adidas boots with the red studs. They were so popular Woolworths tried to cash in with their Winfield red studs version......luckily my parents got me the Adidas ones!

RIP Der Kaiser......you were pure class.

Council Scum 2:32 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

In fairness, football wasn't the sport it is now. The money wasn't there to look after ex players, no matter how good they were.

Had he stayed alive, he would have well looked after, sadly he died just as the money was hitting the game.

ray winstone 2:27 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Loved watching him when I was a kid, so much so that I had a pair of Adidas Beckenbauer boots, they were the nuts.

RIP

Northern Sold 2:17 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Yup very true Trunds

Lee Trundle 1:45 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

*It'll

*Sport

Lee Trundle 1:44 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

It's probably go down like a sack of shit on here, but Sullivan was one of the few people to help out him during that time, Sold0.

Gave him a job at the Sunday Sprot when no one else wanted him.

Northern Sold 1:29 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Nice piece that.... when you see how those two other mentioned greats the Kaiser and Pele on how they was used within their own football associations and world football and then see how Mooro was treated ... well.... Harry Redknapp called it right by saying what the fucking hell was going on when he saw Mooro at Grimsby away sitting in the stands eating fish and chips whilst doing commentary on a cold tuesday night...

The Mercernary 1:23 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Found this from the official site way back from 2013 - clearly was a very special relationship between Bobby and Franz:

Few players in the history of world football can be considered as equals to the great Bobby Moore.

Franz Beckenbauer is one of those players.

Just like his English contemporary, Beckenbauer enjoyed a glittering career with Bayern Munich and West Germany, earning a reputation for being the greatest defender his country has ever produced.

Like Moore, he lifted the FIFA World Cup as his country's captain, doing so on home turf in 1974, before repeating the feat as a manager in 1990 - becoming the first individual to complete that amazing double.

Throughout his career 'Der Kaiser' - 'The Emperor' - regularly came up against West Ham United and England's greatest centre-half, most notably at the 1966 and 1970 FIFA World Cup finals and later in the North American Soccer League.

As players and as human beings, the pair developed a deep respect and friendship. Twenty years after Moore's passing, Beckenbauer still holds his old adversary in the highest possible esteem.

"If you play football as long as I did, even internationally, you get to know a lot of footballers. But only a few become true friends and even remain so after your career has ended. Bobby was such a friend. As a footballer he was great and as a person loveable."

"Bobby was one of the best players in the history of football. He was the captain of the team which won the major title for England in 1966 at the World Cup in their own country.

"He was an exceptionally gifted player and a true leader on the field, because he was a personality with charisma and he was able to motivate his teammates.

"His particular strength was his intuition. Thus he had an incredible positional play."

The two legends enjoyed their greatest battle in the FIFA World Cup final at Wembley in July 1966. There, 25-year-old Moore captained England to victory over a West Germany side that included the 20-year-old Beckenbauer in central midfield.

Despite his country's defeat - and the controversy surrounding whether or not England's third goal crossed the line - Beckenbauer admits England deserved their 4-2 win and Moore to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy.

"You will never forget such a game. However, today the drama is very difficult to explain. England certainly deserved to win, although it is unclear still today - and probably will never be answered - if the third goal was one indeed.

"Anyway, England has rightly become world champions."

It would not be the final time the pair would meet at international level.

In 1970, Moore's England raced into a 2-0 lead over West Germany in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico, only for Beckenbauer's side to stage a dramatic comeback to secure a 3-2 win.

Two years later, the pair met as captains in the UEFA European Championship quarter-finals. West Germany were again victorious, winning 3-1 on aggregate.

Finally, in 1978, 37-year-old Moore and his Seattle Sounders faced 32-year-old Beckenbauer's New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.

The pair were joined by Brazil greats Pele and Carlos Alberto, England internationals Rodney Marsh and Trevor Francis, Wales defender Mike England and West Ham goalkeeper Phil Parkes as attempts were made to make 'soccer' popular in the United States.

Beckenbauer believes their presence helped pave the way for the modern-day success of the MLS.

"Bobby and I played a few times against each other. It's true that Bobby, Pele, a few others and I were pioneers of football at that time.

"I think that we have contributed some things that helped football in the USA and it has become increasingly popular."

Unfortunately, of course, Moore is no longer with us, having passed away in February 1993 at the age of 51.

Now 67, Beckenbauer spoke at the memorial service held four months later at Westminster Abbey - an experience he will never forget.

"After Bobby's death, I experienced one of the most touching moments of my life. His memorial service was held at Westminster Abbey. Every seat was occupied and everybody of distinction was present.

"I was asked to read from the Bible during the funeral ceremony in the pulpit. I was terribly humbled - it was a great honour to say 'Goodbye' to Bobby in this way."

Manuel 3:34 Tue Jan 9
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

''Super player and had great respect for him after his comments about England in 1990''


Yep, I remember that and I thought the same.

RIP.

Fauxstralian 11:41 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

One of the all time greats. Class act
RIP

You HAVE to admire his determination to continue his 1966 WC Final man marking job on Bobby Charlton into the next world.

arsene york-hunt 9:44 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

That is the trio of all time greats gone: Moore, Pele, and Beckenbauer. They were also great friends. Giants truly walked the earth back in those days.

Kaiser Zoso 9:31 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Cheers

Northern Sold 9:22 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Fine fine player.... but lets be honest he was no Gary Strodder....

RIP Kaiser son

violator 8:20 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Chopped down Alan Clarke, no penalty and Leeds went into meltdown

cholo 8:07 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

One of the greats. Had a great friendship with our Bobby and had some very kind words to say about him when he passed and ever since.

RIP

zico 8:04 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Somewhat strange that he has passed not long after Sir Bobby. Super player and had great respect for him after his comments about England in 1990 and about Bobby after he passed. Seemed a respectful guy. RIP

Percy Dalton 7:58 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Wonderful exquisite style and a total gentleman.
Marked Charlton in that 1970 world cup quarter final didn't give him a kick.
Sad loss now still marking Charlton in that great pitch in heaven.RIP.

riosleftsock 7:49 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Right up there with Moore and Maldini

RIP Franz!

Sir Alf 7:31 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

One of my favourite players of all time.

The first of the calm, assured but technically excellent CBs along with our Bob.

RIP

Hammer and Pickle 7:30 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

Yes I agree this is a solemn moment. Maybe the Lord Kitchener icon?

daveyg 7:29 Mon Jan 8
Re: Der Kaiser has kicked der bucket.

My favourite German along with Gerd Muller,especially 1974 WC Finals

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