Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer, who has passed away at the age of 78.
It was announced in a statement from Beckenbauer's family released on Monday afternoon that the two-time Ballon d'Or winner passed away peacefully on Sunday following an illness.
Beckenbauer established himself as a football icon after leading West Germany to World Cup glory as captain back in 1974, before lifting the prestigious trophy again as a manager in 1990.
Nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', Beckenbauer is one of only three men to have ever lifted the World Cup as both a player and a manager, along with France's Didier Deschamps and Brazil's Mario Zagallo, the latter of whom passed away at the age of 92 on Saturday.
Beckenbauer, a 103-cap international, also won the European Championship with Germany in 1972, and played 582 times for Bayern Munich between 1964 and 1977, winning the German top-flight title four times as a player and once as a manager in 1993-94.
The Munich-born legend began his playing career as a midfielder before moving back into his iconic position as a sweeper, more commonly known as libero, sitting just behind the central defenders.
© Reuters
Beckenbauer's influence on the beautiful game has been hailed by current Germany boss Nagelsmann, who believes that 'Der Kaiser' was "the best footballer in German history".
"His interpretation of the role of the libero changed the game, this role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man," said Nagelsmann, who will manage host nation Germany at Euro 2024.
"Franz Beckenbauer was able to float on the lawn, as a footballer and later also as a coach he was sublime, he stood above things.
"When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up, he rightly earned the title 'lighting figure of German football'.
"An aura surrounded him until the end, which even the health problems and strokes of fate that he had to cope with could not shake it.
"I am grateful and proud that I was able to get to know him and will remember him fondly."
Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer.
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) January 8, 2024
One of the best players this sport has seen and a natural leader. He will be deeply missed by us all. #RIP #Beckenbauer #DFBTeam
📸 Getty Images/Imago pic.twitter.com/qIxX8EJgFU
Lothar Matthaus, who captained Germany to 1990 World Cup glory when Beckenbauer was in charge, has also paid tribute to his former manager and close friend.
"The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn't feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole," Matthaus told German news outlet Bild.
"He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality not only in football, and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
"Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him."
Bayern Munich, who have stated that they "would never have become the club it is today" without the influence of Beckenbauer, are expected to pay tribute to their former player and manager before their next home match against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Friday.
Oliver Thomas
