Here is all you need to know about Franz Beckenbauer, his cause of death, nickname, age, career, family, records and more
Franz Beckenbauer, an icon of Bayern Munich and Germany, has away at the age of 78, confirmed by his family.
Germany and Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer died, cause of death, bio, age, wife, position, nickname, net worth
An iconic figure in German football history, the former centre back won the World Cup as a manager and as a player, taking home the title in 1990 while managing his nation and as captain of West Germany in 1974.
Franz Beckenbauer was recognised as one of the greatest football players of all time and one of only three individuals to win the World Cup as both a player and manager. A family statement, as per a report in Sky Sports, read:
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.
Further was stated:
We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.
Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer.
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— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) January 8, 2024
Who was Franz Beckenbauer?
Franz Anton Beckenbauer was a German professional football player and manager who lived from 11 September 1945 to 7 January 2024 in Munich, Germany. The 78-year-old measured 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) tall.
Nicknamed “Der Kaiser” ( lit. ‘The Emperor’), Beckenbauer was a versatile player who started out as a midfielder, but made his name as a central defender and is often credited as having invented the role of the modern sweeper (libero).
Born: 11 September 1945, Munich, Germany
Died: 7 January 2024
Dates joined: 1983 (New York Cosmos), 1980 (Hamburger SV)
Children: Stephan Beckenbauer, Thomas Beckenbauer
Position: Defender
Spouse: Heidi Beckenbauer (m. 2006), Sybille Beckenbauer (m. 1990–2004), Brigitte Beckenbauer (m. 1966–1990)
Height: 1.81 m
A look at Franz Beckenbauer’s career
Beckenbauer is a legendary figure in German football history. He captained West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup and went on to repeat the achievement 16 years later in Italy as manager.
In the mid-1970s, he won three European Cups with Bayern Munich and established himself as one of the best defenders in the world, earning him the nickname “Der Kaiser” in the process.
Franz Beckenbauer style of play
Although Beckenbauer began his career as a midfielder, he was a versatile player who became known for his play in central defence.
Franz Beckenbauer’s family
Franz Beckenbauer was born to Franz Beckenbauer, Sr and Antonie. Beckenbauer had three marriages and five children. Stephan, one of the children, was a professional football player who passed away on July 31, 2015, at the age of 46, following a protracted illness.
In 2006, the late Franz Beckenbauer wed Heidi, and the two of them remained together until his passing. They had two children together, Francessca and Noel, during their marriage.
Franz Beckenbauer’s cause of death
On January 7, 2024, Beckenbauer passed away at the age of 78 in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. His cause of death is not known.
What was Franz Beckenbauer’s net worth?
Franz Beckenbauer’s net worth was reported to be around $10 million.
He was among the highest-paid football players in the 70s, earning $2.8 million with the Cosmos.