Beckenbauer’s family writes in a statement to the German newspaper Picture :
“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.”
Beckenbauer is one of the greatest players in football history. He spent most of his playing career at Bayern Munich with whom he had great success. For many years he was also an important part of the West German national team. In 1974, he was the team captain for West Germany, which won the World Cup gold after the final victory against the Netherlands.
Called “Der Kaiser”
Beckenbauer, who was called “Der Kaiser”, won the Ballon d’or twice: in 1972 and 1976. After the active playing career, he was, among other things, the captain of West Germany and coach of Bayern Munich.
In 1990, Beckenbauer won another World Cup gold, but this time as the national team captain for West Germany.