Franz Beckenbauer was a German soccer legend who won World Cups both as a player and as a coach.
- Died: January 7, 2024 (Who else died on January 7?)
- Details of death: Died at his home of natural causes at the age of 78.
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Franz Beckenbauer’s legacy
Nicknamed “Der Kaiser,” Beckenbauer was one of Germany’s most exalted soccer players. He spent almost two decades with Bayern Munich, first joining their youth team as a teen and debuting with the professional team in 1964. They were frequent champions, winning four German cups, three European cups, and many other titles. Beckenbauer was twice honored with the Ballon d’Or, an award given to the European player of the year. He also played on the West Germany national team in those years, making three World Cup appearances and winning the third, playing against the Netherlands in 1974.
In 1977, Beckenbauer left Bayern Munich for the U.S., playing for the New York Cosmos with teammates including Brazilian great Pelé (1940–2022). After five seasons with the Cosmos and two with Germany’s Hamburger SV, Beckenbauer retired from his playing career in 1983. Shortly after his retirement, he was named manager of the West Germany national team. He guided the team to two World Cup appearances and a win in 1990, becoming one of only three people to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach.
Later, Beckenbauer briefly managed France’s Marseille as well as his old team, Bayern Munich. He then became vice president of the German Football Association, and he worked to bring the World Cup to a reunified Germany. They hosted the World Cup in 2006, a personal victory for Beckenbauer but also one that ended in allegations of corruption in the bidding process.
Tributes to Franz Beckenbauer
Full obituary: The New York Times
