EXPRESS
Germany and Bayern Munich football legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away aged 78, his family have confirmed. Beckenbauer, nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’ (The Emperor), is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, starting as a midfielder before revolutionising the centre-back position.
A family statement read: “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.
“We ask that we are able to mourn in silence and you refrain from asking any questions.”
Beckenbauer earned 103 caps for the former West Germany and played at three World Cups, captaining his nation to glory in 1974 when they beat the Netherlands in the final.
He is one of just three individuals to have matched the feat as a manager, lifting the World Cup in 1990, joining Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps.
