Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary figure who achieved World Cup victories both as a player and coach, has passed away at the age of 78. The family conveyed the sad news, stating that Beckenbauer peacefully departed in his sleep on Sunday, surrounded by his loved ones. The family has requested privacy during this mourning period and asked to be spared from further inquiries.
“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,” the family said in a statement to DPA, the German news agency. “We ask that we be allowed to grieve in peace and be spared any questions,” the statement said
The family’s statement did not disclose the cause of Franz Beckenbauer’s death. The former Bayern Munich legend had been grappling with health issues in the recent past.
Beckenbauer held a prominent position in German football, revolutionizing the role of a defender as a player. He served as the captain for West Germany during their triumph in the 1974 World Cup, a redemption after the team’s loss to England in the 1966 final. Notably, he also coached West Germany to another World Cup victory in 1990, a significant moment for a nation undergoing reunification shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
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Franz Beckenbauer’s passing follows closely on the heels of the announcement of Mario Zagallo’s death. Zagallo, the Brazilian who achieved the rare feat of winning the World Cup both as a player and coach, passed away at the age of 92 just two days ago.
Beckenbauer played a crucial role in bringing the highly successful 2006 World Cup to Germany. However, his legacy faced controversy as allegations of securing the hosting rights through bribery surfaced. Beckenbauer consistently denied these charges throughout. Despite any controversies, his impact on German football and his achievements on the field remain significant aspects of his storied career.
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