Franz Beckenbauer, a German football icon, was hailed as his nation’s foremost global ambassador by Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a commemoration event at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena stadium on Friday.
Leading the gathering were Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz, alongside a notable assembly of figures from German football, both past and present. Tens of thousands of spectators also attended the event in the stadium.
Beckenbauer, who passed away at the age of 78 earlier this month, played a pivotal role in modernizing soccer and became an emblem of Germany’s post-war sporting achievements. He captained the national team to victory in the 1974 World Cup held on home soil.
“I don’t know if angels up in the sky do any sport but in the past few days they may have heard this voice with the Bavarian accent saying ‘go out and play football’,” Steinmeier said in his speech.
“He was known around the world and Franz Beckenbauer was admired, idolised and loved. For many he was a role model, for us all he was a stroke of luck. We part from a great German and, as President, I say ‘Thank you Franz Beckenbauer, thank you for everything’.”
Wreaths were laid out in the centre of the pitch around a large picture of Beckenbauer, as his family, friends, and fans bid him an emotional farewell. Beckenbauer also won the World Cup as Germany’s coach in 1990, making him one of only three people to achieve the feat as both a player and coach.
For decades, ‘Der Kaiser’, as he was known for his imperious playing style and command of the game, was synonymous with German football success. He won every major award during his glittering playing career and maintained his extraordinary record of success after moving to the manager’s bench.
Beckenbauer earned 103 caps and led West Germany to World Cup victory in 1974, two years after winning the European championship. From 1974 to 1976, he led Bayern Munich to three consecutive European Cup victories, as well as the World Club Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and eight domestic trophies-four league titles and four cup victories.
