Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German soccer player and coach, died at 78. He captained West Germany to a World Cup win in 1974 and triumphed again as a coach in 1990. Renowned for his playing style and tactical innovations, Beckenbauer enjoyed immense success with Bayern Munich, winning numerous titles and accolades. After coaching, he faced legal challenges involving FIFA’s ethics committee.
Franz Beckenbauer, a monumental figure in German soccer and a dual World Cup champion, has passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by the German news agency DPA. He captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1974 and later led them as manager to another title in 1990.
During his playing career, Beckenbauer was renowned for his elegant style on the pitch, playing predominantly for West Germany and Bayern Munich in the 1960s and 70s. He was instrumental in shaping the central defensive sweeper position, excelling with calm ball control and effective distribution while earning 103 caps for West Germany.
Beckenbauer’s impact at Bayern Munich was profound, leading the club to three consecutive European Cups and Bundesliga titles in the mid-1970s. His accolades include being named European footballer of the year twice and winning the 1972 European Championship, alongside the World Cup trophy.
As a national team coach, Beckenbauer’s West Germany lost the 1986 World Cup to Argentina but achieved redemption in 1990 by winning in Italy. He was one of only three individuals to win the World Cup both as a player and coach, alongside Mario Zagallo and Didier Deschamps.
After his coaching stint, Beckenbauer transitioned into football administration, but faced scrutiny in 2016 when FIFA imposed fines upon him for non-cooperation in a corruption investigation concerning the World Cup bids for 2018 and 2022.
Franz Beckenbauer’s legacy in soccer is marked by his remarkable achievements both as a player and as a coach, making him a legendary figure in the sport. His contributions to West Germany and Bayern Munich have solidified his place as one of football’s all-time greats. His passing at 78 is a significant loss to the world of soccer, coinciding closely with the recent passing of fellow World Cup winner Mario Zagallo.
Original Source: www.france24.com
