The announcement of the death of Franz Beckenbauer, a legendary figure in world football for more than half a century as a player, coach and then manager, has raised a wave of emotions commensurate with the mark he leaves on the football planet. From former major German players like Lothar Matthäus or Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to emblematic personalities encountered during his different lives, many have paid tribute to the “Kaiser”. Here are the main reactions after the death of German football legend Franz Beckenbauer.
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany coach
“When Franz Beckenbauer walked into a room it lit up, he was rightly called the ‘shining beacon of German football’. Until the end, he was surrounded by an aura that even the health problems and the blows of fate he had to face could not darken. I am proud and happy to have known him and I will remember him with affection. »
Lothar Matthäus, captain of the 1990 world champion German team under Beckenbauer:
“The shock is deep, even though I knew things weren’t going well with Franz. His death is a loss for football and for all of Germany. He was one of the greatest, as a player, coach, but also off the field. Everyone who knew him knows what a grandiose and generous man he was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him, we will miss him. »
Rudi Völler, world champion in 1990
“I consider it one of the greatest privileges to have known and worked with Franz Beckenbauer. The Kaiser was an inspiration for more than one generation, he will forever remain a luminous figure in German football. With Franz Beckenbauer, German football loses a great personality, I lose a good friend. »
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, former international and manager of Bayern Munich:
“I am deeply touched. Franz Beckenbauer rewrote German football, and left his lasting mark. He was my captain at Bayern, my coach with the Mannschaft, our president of Bayern and in all these roles he was not only successful, he was unique. »
Thomas Müller, attacking midfielder for Germany and Bayern Munich
“One of the greatest footballers in the history of Bayern Munich has sadly left us. Rest in peace, “Kaiser Franz”. We will never forget what you did for football in Germany. »
Didier Deschamps, coach of the French team
“Franz Beckenbauer was first and foremost a world-class player, a talented and authoritarian defender with his almost always club, Bayern Munich, but also with the German selection with whom he collected trophies. He exuded a class, a confidence that many sought to be inspired by. Through everything he achieved but also what he exuded, Franz Beckenbauer was an extremely respected personality, who embodied the demands of the very highest level. »
Michel Platini, French football legend, former UEFA president
“Mr. Franz Beckenbauer is gone, the “Kaiser” is dead. It’s one of my life companions who disappears. One of the players who, like Pelé, Cruyff or Charlton, fueled my passion for this game. Franz was elegance and kindness personified and also an exceptional player. He is the founding father of German football and a tireless player in the service of world football. I would like to express my greatest respect for the man and the football player who has just left us. »
Arrigo Sacchi, former Italy coach
“It’s a sad day for the world of football, we have lost a legend of our sport, a very great one when he was a player and then when he was a coach. »
Gianni Infantino, president of Fifa
“Franz Beckenbauer: a legend of German and world football. The “Kaiser” has always remained modest despite exploits and triumphs that are engraved in history. (…) A truly wonderful person, a friend of football, a champion and a true legend. Franz will never be forgotten. »
UEFA
“Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football’s most eminent sons, has died at the age of 78. The “Kaiser” was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no one else. »
Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor
“World champion as a player and coach: Franz Beckenbauer was one of the greatest German footballers and for many “der Kaiser”, because he also inspired several generations to love German football. We will miss him. »