Football World Mourns The 'Kaiser': German Legend Franz Beckenbauer Passes Away
Monday evening brought a sad news for the football lovers across the world. The soccer revolutionary, Franz Beckenbauer - nicknamed Der Kaiser (the Emperor in English) - passed away on Monday at the age of 78.?
The epitome of elegance in an iconic white Germany jersey with No. 5 on the back, Beckenbauer was regarded as a pioneer for bringing an attacking element to the deepest outfield position on the pitch.?
Graceful and visionary 'libero' who changed the face of soccer?
Beckenbauer actually started out as a central midfielder, the position he played in the 1966 World Cup final when West Germany lost to England, and would still play there at times later in his career.??He became known as the guy who headed his team's attack - whether it was surging out from the back with the ball at his feet or picking out a teammate with a long, precise pass forward.
But it was as a libero ¡ª or a "sweeper" ¡ª that he really became a phenomenon through the way he read the game and surveyed the scene ahead of him.?
Whereas the modern - day sweeper is typically the middle central defender in a back three, Beckenbauer was one of two nominal center backs used as a libero behind a three-man line for Bayern and would pick his moment to step out and bolster the midfield.?
Beckenbauer was not unknown to accolades - he was a two-time Ballon d'Or winner (1972 and 1976) and finished second in the voting in 1974 and 1975, amid an era of him winning three straight German league titles (1972-74) and three straight European Cups (1974-76).?
Tributes pour in for Beckenbauer?
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said, "The football world mourns the loss of the legendary Kaiser. His unparalleled versatility, graceful transitions between defense and midfield, impeccable ball control, and visionary style reshaped the way football was played in his era. His leadership qualities shone through as he captained both the national team and Bayern Munich during their most successful periods and continued to shine bright in his coaching career. Beckenbauer¡¯s legacy as one of football¡¯s all-time greats is beyond dispute. Farewell to a true legend!"?
"A legend of German and world football, Franz Beckenbauer has achievements and triumphs which are etched in history and yet, for all his popularity, ¡®Der Kaiser¡¯ always remained modest and down to earth. ... A really great person, a friend of football, a champion and a true legend, dear Franz will never be forgotten." - FIFA president Gianni Infantino.?
France soccer great Michel Platini, in a statement to The Associated Press said: "The Kaiser is gone: he represented elegance, kindness and friendship. He was a life companion for a very long time: he brought me to soccer like Pele, Cruyff or Charlton. He made German soccer, but also world soccer. For me, he was the epitome of class, both on and off the pitch. Mister Beckenbauer is gone."?
"Franz Beckenbauer¡¯s death is a real landmark. We look upon his life¡¯s work with respect and great gratitude. In him we are losing a unique soccer player and a lovable person. The ¡®Kaiser¡¯ was one of the best players our sport has ever seen. With his easiness, his elegance and his vision, he set standards on the field. His meticulousness and charisma as a team boss as head of the World Cup organizing committee, as well as his energy and drive, are unforgettable." - German soccer federation president Bernd Neuendorf.
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