Franz Beckenbauer, the German football legend, has died aged 78, his family have confirmed. Beckenbauer, known as “Der Kaiser”, won 103 caps for West Germany, playing in three World Cups and two European Championships. He spent 13 years at Bayern Munich, before joining New York Cosmos in 1977, returning to Germany for a two-year spell at Hamburg. He rejoined Cosmos in 1983.
Germany legend and World Cup winning-player and manager Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78, his family have confirmed.
‘Der Kaiser’ won 103 caps for West Germany during a glittering career, while he played at senior club level for Bayern Munich between 1964 and 1977.
He then moved to New York Cosmos, before returning to Germany for a two-year stint with Hamburg, and then returning to New York in 1983.
A family statement on Monday read: “It is with deep sadness that we inform you that my husband and our father Franz Beckenbauer fell asleep peacefully yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
“We ask that you mourn in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
He was named European Footballer of the Year twice, and played in three World Cups – including the triumphant 1974 team – and two European Championships. He also managed Germany to World Cup glory in 1990
