World football legend Franz Beckenbauer dead at 78, Premier League sends tribute

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Franz Beckenbauer is dead, according to the statement released by his family. The former player and coach died at the age of 78 on Sunday, 7th January 2024. The Premier League have written a warm tribute about the Bavarian legend.

Beckenbauer was the first man to win the world cup both as a player and a manager in football. He helped his German team get the world title in 1974, and later did so in 1990 as a coach.

But before ending up at Germany’s FA, he first played at Bayern Munich and also at Marseille, got two Balloon d’Ors, and became the Footballer of the year quadruple times.

The following was sent by his loved ones to the DPA: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family. We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.’

The Premier League reacted thusly: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football’s greatest ever players A World Cup winner as both player and manager, ‘Der Kaiser’ was as elegant as he was dominant He will forever be remembered.’

BBC Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, sent this as tribute to the legend: ‘Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.’

English football pundit, sport strategist, and former player Stan Collymore said, ‘World Cup winner as player and manager. 3 consecutive European Cup wins, 2 Ballon d’Or wins, and FIFA 100 Greatest Players of All Time.

‘World Team of the 20th Century. World Football Greatest XI of All Time. Legend doesn’t start to describe him. Rest in peace, Kaiser.’

Beckenbauer is survived by wife and family.