Beckenbauer: One year after saying goodbye - a memento of the emperor
Franz Beckenbauer, German football legend, died on January 7, 2024. His brother remembers their deep connection and his legacy.
Beckenbauer: One year after saying goodbye - a memento of the emperor
Franz Beckenbauer, who became known as the “Emperor” of German football, died on January 7, 2024 at the age of 78. His decades-long career, which took him from an outstanding player to a world champion coach, had a decisive influence on football. Beckenbauer not only became famous as a central defender, but is also considered the inventor of the modern libero position. During his career, he won the FIFA World Cup both as a player (1974) and as a coach (1990) and received several awards for this, including twice as World Player of the Year. In the domestic Bundesliga, he enjoyed numerous successes with Bayern Munich, including winning three European Cups in a row from 1974 to 1976, making him the first player to achieve this as captain. That reported, among other things Wikipedia.
A year after his death, Beckenbauer's brother Walter, 83, continues the memories. In an interview with the "Bild" newspaper he said: "I highly valued Franz, but never idolized him. I love him very much. Even his death doesn't change that. Sometimes I have a spontaneous conversation with him." This shows the close bond between the two brothers, which continues even after death. Walter Beckenbauer also explained that Franz was not only a football icon for him, but also always remained his big brother. The mourning for Beckenbauer is still felt in the football world and his legacy will not be forgotten. His club, Bayern Munich, honored him with a big farewell party in the Allianz Arena, where a street was now named after him oe24 reported.
Beckenbauer's impact on football is underpinned by his unique career and status as one of the greatest players of all time. He was not only a master on the field, but also a successful official who brought the World Cup to Germany in 2006. Despite his success, his legacy has been marred by legal disputes, particularly allegations of corruption surrounding the 2006 World Cup award. Nevertheless, Beckenbauer remains a colorful figure in German football, whose legacy, both sporting and personal, lives on in the hearts of many fans.