'Emperor of football' Franz Beckenbauer passes away

Franz Beckenbauer - German football legend who won the World Cup as both a player and coach - passed away at the age of 78 today, January 8.

His family confirmed the news to DPA news agency today. "It is with great sadness that we announce that our husband and father Franz Beckenbauer has passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family," the statement said. "We will not be taking any questions and ask everyone to express their condolences quietly."

Ballon d'Or 1972 and 1976 Franz Beckenbauer. Photo: DPA

Beckenbauer's health had been deteriorating since April 2023, his brother Walter confirmed. "If I said my brother was fine, I would be lying," Walter said at the time. "My brother was not feeling well."

The 1945-born legend suffers from a degenerative condition that affects his memory and judgment, with no prospect of improvement. He has also had a number of health problems in recent years, including two heart surgeries and an artificial hip implant. In 2019, he also lost sight in one eye.

In August 2023, another German player who won the Golden Ball, Lothar Matthaus, also expressed concern about the health of the "Emperor". Matthaus was the captain of West Germany, who won the 1990 World Cup, when Beckenbauer was the coach. "We hope he gets better. He always said that health is the most important thing in life. But he doesn't have that right now," said the 1990 Golden Ball winner.

Beckenbauer was the captain of the West German team that won the 1974 World Cup. Photo: AP

Beckenbauer is considered the greatest player in the history of world football, inventing the modern libero role - a position between central midfielder and central defender. He is one of nine players to have won the Euro, World Cup and Ballon d'Or. German media consider him the most important figure in the history of football in this country.

Beckenbauer won the European Cup three times in a row with Bayern in 1974-1976, won the Euro 1972 and the World Cup 1974. He won the Golden Ball in 1972, 1976, the Silver Ball in 1974, 1975 and the Bronze Ball in 1966. In the IFFHS poll for the best player of the 20th century, he came third, behind Pele and Johan Cruyff. The three players behind Beckenbauer were Alfredo di Stefano, Diego Maradona and Ferenc Puskas. All six of these legends have passed away. In the Top 10, only Michel Platini is still alive.

After finishing his playing career with the New York Cosmos in the US, Beckenbauer moved on to coach the West German national team from 1984-1990, culminating in the World Cup in Italy. He then helped Marseille win the French championship in 1991, in addition to other titles with Bayern.

Xuan Binh (according to DPA )

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