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The football world in mourning: Franz Beckenbauer has passed away aged 78
He was one of the all-time greats. Quite a few people say that he was the best German player of all time: Franz Beckenbauer was a legend – as a player, coach and ambassador for the sport. The “Kaiser” passed away aged 78 on Sunday (7.1.), with the football world losing a man who many people would like to remember for many years to come.
Beckenbauer won lots of titles as a player with Bayern München, Hamburger SV and the New York Cosmos. The “Kaiser” gave the libero role a new meaning with his elegance and grace on the playing field. He was captain of Germany’s World Cup-winning side in 1974 and won the most significant trophy in football again as the team’s head coach in 1990. This is a feat that only the Brazilian Mario Zagallo and the French Didier Deschamps have managed aside from him.
The much-praised “shining light” additionally brought to the 2006 World Cup to Germany and gave the city of Gelsenkirchen with its VELTINS-Arena an unforgettable summer’s tale.
Beckenbauer was involved in lots of thrilling clashes with Schalke during his playing career. The native of Munich faced off against the Royal Blues 26 times and played against players whom he achieved great success with for the national team. Among the results are some of the most spectacular in Schalke’s club history: a 6-0 defeat, a 7-0 win and a 5-5 draw.
The name Beckenbauer can also be found in the Royal Blues’ records for a separate reason. Luca Beckenbauer, the Kaiser’s grandson, played for the club’s U17s and U19s between 2016 and 2018. Consequently, his grandfather, long-time president of Bayern München, constantly had an eye on what was going on in Gelsenkirchen.
FC Schalke 04 will always cherish the memory of Franz Beckenbauer.
