On January 7, 2024, a piece of news came that shocked football fans around the world: Franz Beckenbauer, a German football legend and known as the "Emperor of Football", passed away in his sleep at the age of 78. Beckenbauer is one of the greatest players in the history of world football and one of the most successful coaches, and he is the only person to have won the World Cup twice as both a player and a coach. His demeanor and achievements on the football field have been admired and admired by countless people, and his departure is undoubtedly a great loss for world football.
Born on September 11, 1945, Beckenbauer had a keen interest in football from an early age, starting at the age of 9 with the Munich 06 junior team, joining FC Bayern Munich at the age of 13 and becoming a professional player at the age of 18. His position is that of a defender, but he can not only defend but also attack, and he is known as a "free man" because he can run freely on the field and participate in various tactical combinations. His technique, speed, strength, awareness and leadership have made him the heart and soul of the team.
Beckenbauer spent 12 years at Bayern Munich, during which time he led the team to four Bundesliga titles, three European Cups, four DFB Cups, one European Cup Winners' Cup and one Intercontinental Cup, becoming the legendary captain of Bayern Munich. He, together with Muller, Meyer and others, formed the central axis of "Meyer-Beckenbauer-Müller", and was known as the first generation of Bayern Munich. Beckenbauer was also a key member of the West German national team, scoring 14 goals in 103 appearances. He competed in three World Cups in 1966, 1970 and 1974, winning silver, bronze and gold medals respectively.
In 1974, he led West Germany to victory on home soil, becoming the first captain in history to lift the Hercules Cup. He also helped West Germany win the 1972 European Championship and the 1976 European Championship runners-up. His performance in the national team has earned him the reputation of "the emperor of football". In 1977, Beckenbauer left Bayern Munich to join the New York Cosmos in the United States, where he played for three seasons and played a role in the development of American football. In 1980, he returned to Germany and joined Hamburg, where he helped the team win the Bundesliga title in 1982. In 1983, he returned to the New York Cosmos, ending his professional career.
Beckenbauer began his coaching career in 1984, succeeding De Wall as head coach of the West German national team. He inherited the style he had as a player, loved to play attacking football, and he produced a group of excellent players such as Matthaus, Klinsmann, Bremer and others. He led West Germany to the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, reaching the final in both cases. In 1986, they lost to Maradona's Argentina and finished second. In 1990, they took revenge on Argentina and won the World Cup. Beckenbauer also became the first man in history to win the World Cup twice as both a player and a coach.
In 1990, Beckenbauer left the national team and moved to the club, where he coached Marseille in France and Bayern Munich in Germany. He spent only one season at Marseille leading the team to the Ligue 1 title, but he resigned due to a conflict with the club's owner, Tappi. In 1994, he returned to Bayern Munich as head coach, where he helped them win the Bundesliga title and in 1996 won the UEFA Cup, Bayern's first European trophy in 20 years.
In 1998, Beckenbauer ended his coaching career and began his leadership phase. He has served as the President of Bayern Munich, the Vice President of the German Football Association, the Chairman of the 2006 World Cup Organizing Committee, and the Vice President of FIFA. In these positions, he made an active contribution to the development and reform of German football and world football. He also actively participates in social welfare activities, donating money and materials to charity and providing help to the disadvantaged. His charisma and social influence have earned him widespread respect and praise. Beckenbauer is a football all-rounder who has an unrivalled track record of achievement and influence in the field of football. Not only is he a great player, but he is also a successful coach and leader.
His football philosophy, style and spirit set an example for German football and world football. His departure has made countless fans and peers feel sad and regretful. After Beckenbauer's death, all walks of life in Germany and around the world expressed their condolences and respects. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UEFA President Ceferin, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FC Bayern Munich, the German Football Association, and the Ballon d'Or Organizing Committee all expressed high praise and admiration for Beckenbauer's contribution and personality. His old friends, teammates, opponents, students, etc. also expressed their nostalgia and gratitude to him with kind words. It can be said that Beckenbauer is a man who has been respected and loved by football people all over the world.
Beckenbauer also has a deep relationship with China, having come to China many times and having close exchanges and cooperation with Chinese football. He has toured Beijing with Pele to visit places of interest such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and he has also visited cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou to interact with Chinese players and fans. He also served as the image ambassador for the 2007 Women's World Cup, providing support and assistance for the development of Chinese football. He has said in an interview that he has been influenced by the culture of Confucius, believing that "benevolence and love for others" is a kind of wisdom and virtue.
Beckenbauer is a great footballer and a great man. His life is a football legend and a history of mankind. With his football, he brought joy and peace to the world and left a valuable legacy and legacy for mankind. Although he has left us, his spirit and influence will always remain in our hearts. Let us pay our highest respects to this football emperor and may he rest in peace in heaven.