On January 19, Bayern Munich paid tribute to the memory of Franz Beckenbauer. As a player, he won the World Cup in 1974, among other achievements, and as a coach, he repeated this success with his country's national team 16 years later. Beckenbauer also earned two Ballon d'Or awards in 1972 and 1976. The farewell ceremony for the Emperor was attended by 30,000 people.

World bids farewell to Franz

The Bayern stadium saw the presence of figures such as German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin were also present, along with the heads of major European clubs. Current players of the German champions were, of course, in attendance. Touching scenes unfolded, with wreaths placed in the center of the field around a large photo of Beckenbauer. German football legends, including Rainer Bonhof, Andreas Brehme, Paul Breitner, Lothar Matthäus, Günter Netzer, Wolfgang Overath, Franz Roth, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Georg Schwarzenbeck, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Berti Vogts, laid flowers.

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Heartfelt speeches

Dear Franz, it's been 12 days since your passing, and honestly, I miss you a lot. Rest in peace, admitted Uli Hoeness, 1974 World Cup champion and honorary president of Bayern. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called Franz Beckenbauer the most popular ambassador of the country and emphasized his work related to the 2006 World Cup. I don't know if angels play sports in heaven, but if they do, they have certainly heard this new, somewhat Bavarian voice in the last few days: Get out there and play football.

"Danke, Franz"

Since the Emperor's death, the Munich stadium has been illuminated with the message Thank you, Franz. Additionally, during the first round of league matches in 2024, every game was preceded by a tribute, with players wearing black armbands. Beckenbauer was one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport. He passed away on January 7 at the age of 78, and his death was officially announced the next day. He was buried on January 12 at a cemetery in the southern part of the capital of Bavaria, in the family tomb.

© FC Bayern