The highly successful German footballer, coach and sports official Franz Beckenbauer passed away on January 7. The "Kaiser" was a true legend of both the national team and Bayern Munich, with whom he was associated for the vast majority of his career. The Bavarians decided to honour Beckenbauer's memory with great respect.

"Kaiser" passed away at the age of 78

The entire world of football has been plunged into mourning following the news of the death of a prominent figure in the sport, Franz Beckenbauer. The famous "Kaiser " died on Sunday 7 January, but the news of his death was announced on Monday. The DPA news agency was the first to report it, citing the family of the former German national team player. The cause of death was not made public, but Beckenbauer had been struggling with health problems in recent times.

The late Franz Beckenbauer was Germany's first truly global sports star, leading the national team to the World Cup title both as player and coach in 1974 and 1990 respectively. In 1972, he won the European Championships with Germany. Beckenbauer made 103 appearances in the national side. His nominal position was central defence. Kaiser was a two-time winner of the Golden Ball (1972, 1976) and is still considered one of the best footballers of all time.

He was also part of the powerful Bayern Munich team that won three consecutive European Cups between 1974-76 and later became coach and president of the club, helping them become one of the most valuable brands in European football. After taking over as president of the Bavarians in 1994, much of the club's success in the following years was attributed to his smart management. Following the club's decision to convert from an association to a limited liability company, he was chairman of the supervisory board from early 2002.

© FC Bayern

Architect of Die Roten success

Since he took over as president of the Bavarians in 1994, much of the club's success in subsequent years has been attributed to his shrewd management. Following Munich's decision to convert from an association to a limited liability company, he was chairman of the supervisory board from early 2002.

He stepped down as chairman of Die Roten in 2009 and was succeeded by long-time general manager Uli Hoeneß. Bayern, under Beckenbauer's leadership, left the ageing Olympic Stadium and moved in 2006 to the Allianz Arena, which can hold 75,000 spectators.

Legend has it that in 1968, before a Bayern Munich match in Vienna, Franz Beckenbauer had a photo shoot on site next to a bust of Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I. Since then, Beckenbauer has been nicknamed 'Kaiser' by fans and the media.

© Allianz Arena / B. Ducke

German football community pays tribute to Beckenbauer

During Bayern Munich's first match of the year on Friday in the 17th round of the Bundesliga against TSG Hoffenheim, players from both teams played with mourning armbands on their shoulders. Before all matches of the past Bundesliga round, the legend's memory was honoured with a minute's silence. The inscription "Thank you Franz" has been displayed on the facade of the Allianz Arena since last Tuesday.

Beckenbauer was buried on 12 January at the Perlacher Forst cemetery in Munich. He was laid to rest in the family grave of his parents, Antoni and Franz. Only his loved ones accompanied the 'Kaiser' on his final journey.

Beckenbauer's farewell at Allianz Arena

On January 19, in honour of the legend, Bayern Munich will hold a memorial service at their home ground. A crowd of 75,000 is expected at the stadium. ARD television will broadcast the ceremony live from 3pm.

At the centre of the service is the memory of Franz Beckenbauer, who moved and inspired football fans all over the world - far beyond the pitch. The communal ceremony at FC Bayern's stadium is intended to create an opportunity to honour Franz Beckenbauer in the environment in which he reached people's hearts in a unique way: on the football pitch.

© Marco Verch