When Franz Beckenbauer’s “Good Friends” song played as the teams arrived in the Munich football arena, many fans in the wide area sang along fervently. The German record champions’ first Bundesliga game against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Friday evening was entirely in memory of the greatest German footballer, who died last Sunday at the age of 78.
“The shining light is going on its final journey – rest in peace, Emperor,” said a banner that the Bayern fans had hung up in front of the south curve. The grief and memory of football “Emperor” Beckenbauer shaped the run-up to the game.
Franz Beckenbauer and a football festival
The Bayern professionals wore red tracksuits with the legendary 5. Beckenbauer’s jersey number was also written on the shirts of the children’s entry. Beckenbauer celebrated countless successes as a libero for FC Bayern with the 5 – as well as with the German national team, which he led to World Cup triumphs in 1974 as captain and 16 years later as DFB team boss.
“Actually, I think he would have liked a football festival,” said coach Thomas Tuchel on the streaming service DAZN when he was asked about the subdued atmosphere in the wider area during his players’ warm-up. However, he and his team wanted to ensure football joy on the evening of mourning after kick-off.
FC Bayern Munich in slight “shock state”
The minute’s silence was accompanied by silence but also by applause. Both teams wore mourning ribbons. With calm music, the external setting was different than the usual game. Already on the way into the stadium, the visitors were warmed up by the white glowing “Thank you Franz” on the red illuminated arena facade. Memorable photos of Beckenbauer were shown on the video wall.
“An empathetic time,” said long-time Bayern boss, teammate and close companion Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on television, calling his time with Beckenbauer. This embodied a “casuality of life”. “The whole club was very affected, almost in a slight state of shock,” said Rummenigge about the course of this week.
Memorial ceremony with numerous guests of honor
There will be a big memorial ceremony for FC Bayern, at which the Munich native became a legend as a player, coach and president, with numerous guests of honor from politics, culture and sport as well as numerous companions in the Allianz Arena on Friday next week. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will take part and give a speech. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will also be there in Munich.