BREAKING: DER KAISER IS DEAD!

Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78

German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away

Beckenbauer widely hailed as one of football's greatest ever players
By Sean Walsh

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78, his family have confirmed.

Beckenbauer was widely considered one of the best players of all time and is regularly heralded as the single best defender to have ever played the game.

After a bout of illness over the Christmas period, Beckenbauer's family announced his death on Monday.

"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," a family statement read. "We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions."

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Those of us of a certain vintage will remember Franz 'Der Kaiser' Beckenbauer as a great man, as well as a footballee. He spent most of hid career with Bayern Munich on and off the field and was great friends with most but particularly the likes of Sir Bobby Moore (West Ham captain when they won the World Cup), Sir Bobby Moore, Kevin Keegan and many more...

RIP Franz 'Der Kaiser' Beckenbauer...!

What a player he was. Rightly so, his name is always mentioned when people are talking about the best defenders of all time.

RIP.

Sometimes you wonder whether the players of the past would have made it in the modern game . There’s no question that a 25 year old Beckenbauer would have been worth a fortune if he was playing today.

RIP A True Great

One of the best in an era of greats. RIP Franz, my condolences to all family and many friends.

Just to add JPR as died what a rugby player. Sad day for sport

A Great player and not a bad manager - Only 1 of 3 people to have Won the World Cup as a player and Manager - R I P .

Saw him in 1972 when Bayern Munich played Rangers an absolute Ledgend. RIP Der Kaiser.

RIP

Tremendous player and manager
RIP

Brilliant player…..remember watching him play out from the back ….different class with the ball at his feet.
RIP