Franz Beckenbauer, former legend of Bayern Munich and Germany national football team, has passed away at the age of 78.
The news prompted a host of reactions from notable figures in the football world. Lothar Matthaus, a former Germany international, expressed profound shock at his passing. “The shock is profound, even though I knew Franz was not feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for all of Germany,” Matthaus stated.
Julian Nagelsmann, current manager of Bayern Munich, lauded Beckenbauer’s career and his unprecedented impact on German football. “To me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in Germany’s history,” Nagelsmann commented, going on to remark about how Beckenbauer’s interpretation of the libero position changed the game of football.
Former AC Milan CEO, Adriano Galliani, praised Beckenbauer for his elegance both on and off the pitch.
DFB General Secretary Heike Ullrich expressed great loss and appreciation for Beckenbauer’s contribution to German football. “We got the chance to know and appreciate Franz Beckenbauer on various occasions,” Ullrich said. She extended gratitude for his impact on German football, adding that he would always hold a prominent place in the sport’s history as well as in their hearts.
FC Bayern Munich’s president, Herbert Hainer, was notably saddened, stating that there are no words to express the depth of their grief and the void left by Beckenbauer. “Franz Beckenbauer brought splendour, lightness, elegance, and magic to the game,” conveyed Hainer.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, another figure linked closely with both the Bayern Munich and the Germany national team, voiced his shock at the news. Rummenigge acknowledged that Beckenbauer had redrawn the history of German football leaving an indelible mark. He marked his respect to “the greatest personality in its history,” as he mourned the loss of his former captain, coach, and the club’s president.