Below are the reactions to the death of Franz Beckenbauer:
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president
“Franz Beckenbauer, a football legend from Germany and the world, has made achievements and triumphs that are engraved in history. Despite his popularity, ‘Der Kaiser’ always remained humble and down-to-earth…
During many UEFA Executive Committee meetings, he was a great neighbor to me, willingly sharing his extensive knowledge of football. He was truly a remarkable person, a friend of football, a champion, and a true legend. Dear Franz, you will never be forgotten.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
“Franz Beckenbauer, a World Cup winner as a player and a coach, was one of the greatest footballers in Germany. For many, he was ‘der Kaiser’ because of the excitement he brought to German football for generations. We will miss him. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, long-time CEO of Bayern Munich
“I am deeply shocked. Franz Beckenbauer rewrote the history of German football and left a lasting impact. He was my captain at FC Bayern, my coach in the national team, our president at Bayern, and in all of these roles, he was not only successful but also unique.
As a person, he impressed with his great respect for everyone – because everyone was equal in the eyes of Franz. German football is losing the greatest personality in its history. We will miss him painfully. Thank you for everything, dear Franz!”
(Photo: Reuters)
Herbert Hainer, Bayern president
“There are no words to express the deep sorrow and the immense void left by Franz Beckenbauer. As a player, he brought lightness, elegance, and magic to the game. Franz Beckenbauer brought glamour.
Even after his active career, he left a mark on FC Bayern and football. His impact cannot be measured solely by titles. The FC Bayern family will forever be grateful, and personally, I mourn the loss of a friend.”
Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president
“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 during his era.
His leadership qualities shone through as he captained both the national team and Bayern Munich during their most successful periods. Beckenbauer’s legacy as one of football’s all-time greats is undisputed. Farewell to a true legend.”
German Football Association (DFB)
“The German Football Association (DFB) mourns the loss of Franz Beckenbauer. The honorary captain of the national team passed away last Sunday at the age of 78.
Franz Beckenbauer has had an unparalleled influence on soccer in Germany. Alongside the Brazilian Mario Zagallo and the Frenchman Didier Deschamps, Beckenbauer is one of only three people to have won the World Cup both as a player (1974) and as a coach (1990).”
Bernd Neuendorf, German FA president
“The death of Franz Beckenbauer marks a turning point. We view his life’s work with deep respect and gratitude. With his passing, we are losing a unique player and a kind man. Der Kaiser was one of the best players the sport has ever seen.”
German Bundesliga
“The Bundesliga family is devastated by the news of Franz Beckenbauer’s death. A true icon, then, now, and always. Rest in peace, Der Kaiser.”
Lothar Matthaeus, ex-Germany captain and 1990 World Cup winner
“The shock is deep, even though I knew Franz wasn’t well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole. He was one of the greatest as both a player and a coach, but also as a person. Franz was an outstanding personality, not just in football, and he enjoyed worldwide recognition. Those who knew him understand what a great and generous person Franz was.”
Didier Deschamps, France coach
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Franz Beckenbauer’s death. It comes just a few days after the passing of Mario Zagallo. It was a tremendous honor for me to join them both in 2018 as one of the few who have won the World Cup as a player and then as a coach. Today, my sorrow is as great as my joy at being invited to sit at the table with these two giants of international football…
Franz Beckenbauer was an extremely respected figure who embodied the highest standards. To his family, friends, and all those who, like me, admired him, I offer my full support during this sad and painful time.”
Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Franz Beckenbauer’s death. He was a sporting legend far beyond football. Personally, he was a close and loyal friend for more than four decades, someone you could always rely on.”
Borussia Dortmund
“Borussia Dortmund mourns the loss of a great German footballer. Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. ‘The Kaiser’ will be remembered forever. Our thoughts are with his family and all his loved ones.”
Manchester United
United posted a photograph of Beckenbauer with England great Bobby Charlton on social media and said: “Rivals on the pitch, eternal respect off it. Now, together at rest.
Our heartfelt condolences to our counterparts at Bayern Munich as we mourn the loss of a true great, Franz Beckenbauer.”
Real Madrid
“Real Madrid C. F., the club’s President, and its Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of the biggest legends of European and world football.
Real Madrid offers its condolences and expresses its affection to his family, teammates, clubs, and all his loved ones.”
Barcelona
“FC Barcelona offers its condolences for the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a legend of world football who left us today at the age of 78. Rest in peace.”
Inter Milan
“He embodied class and fair play and will remain a legend of world football: the Club and the entire Nerazzurri community mourn the passing of Franz Beckenbauer.”
Gary Lineker, former England striker
“Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. He was one of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers, who won it all with grace and charm. Rest in peace.”
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