I feel emotional because a piece of my childhood is gone. Back in the early 70's, I asked my dad who was the best player in the world , and he said Beckenbauer. 1974 was my first world cup which I watched in a small black and white TV in Argentina. I was 9 and these players were Gods for me. RIP El Kaiser.

If you've never seen the kaiser play, just imagine the elegance of zidane mixed with the will and leadership of roy keane and the reading and finesse of Maldini and then play him sweeper, and he still runs the whole game. Rud gullit is the only CB that was close, but couldn't match Beckenbauer. Rest in peace.

R.I.P To one of the absolute greatest players in football history at club level and international level he was a icon for German football and a wonderful ambassador for the game...Gone but most certainly not forgotten rest well Der kaiser

Tears in my Eyes. RIP Kaiser. Legend in Football. Legend as Human. Now you re playing with Müller, Pele, Cruyff...

absolute legend, it's just unimaginable how much success he has had in his career 1966 World Cup Runners-Up 1966 German Cup Winner 1966 German Footballer of the Year 1967 European "Cup of Cup Winners" Winner 1967 German Cup Winner 1968 German Footballer of the Year 1969 German Champion 1969 German Cup Winner 1971 German Cup Winner 1972 European Championship Winner 1972 Ballon d'Or Winner 1972 German Champion 1973 German Champion 1974 World Cup Winner 1974 Champions League Winner (previous format) 1974 German Champion 1974 German Footballer of the Year 1975 Champions League Winner (previous format) 1976 European Champion Runners-Up 1976 Champions League Winner (previous format) 1976 Intercontinental Cup Winner 1976 Ballon d'Or Winner 1976 German Footballer of the Year 1977 NA Soccer Champion 1978 NA Soccer Champion 1980 NA Soccer Champion 1982 German Champion 1986 World Cup Runners-Up as manager 1990 World Cup Winner as manager 1991 French Champion as manager 1994 German Champion as manager 1996 UEFA Cup Winner as manager also secured the 2006 World Cup for Germany which led to massive reforms in the youth academies ultimately this created the modern golden generation of German football which won another World Cup in 2014

Franz Beckenbauer's impact on football is immeasurable, transcending the boundaries of player and manager. His graceful style of play, tactical intelligence, and leadership made him a pillar for success. Beckenbauer not only lifted trophies but also shaped the way the game is perceived. Whether as a commanding defender on the pitch or a strategic mind on the sidelines, he embodied the essence of the sport. Beckenbauer's influence resonates through generations, making his legacy not just about victories but about the profound and enduring mark he left on football's history. RIP

One of the best to ever grace the football pitch.

As a child in Eastern France in the 70s, Germans were not appreciated... But all the kids of my generation when they were defenders secretly thought of Franz Beckenbauer... What an example, what a role model, and that outside foot! We all tried to make passes like Franz.... We've all tried it, and when it worked - very rarely, it has to be said - we were "a bit of a Kaiser" .... The coaches yelled at us to pass with the inside of our foot ... But there was Beckenbauer in our dreams...

He came, he saw, he conquered, RIP DER KAISER

RIP . One of the best centre backs I’ve ever seen

I had the privelege of watching him play in the 1976 European Cup Final for Bayern Munich v Saint Etienne of France at Hampden Park, Bayern won 1-0 and I don't think 'Der Kaiser' misplaced a pass throughout the whole game. Incredible to watch him live and I was greatly impressed.

RIP franz , absolute legend of a player/man . From Scotland

Very sorry to hear Franz Beckenbauer ‘Der Kaiser’ has passed away. As a boy, I was lucky enough to be at Hampden Park 1976 and watch Bayern Munich, Captained by Franz win a 3rd European Cup against St Etienne. Then 10 years later, at Hampden Park when Kenny Dalglish won his 100th cap, Franz presented the special award. An outstanding player and captain, Franz had a very special talent and would grace any world 11. A total winner both as a player and manager, legend. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, Bayern Munich and Germany 🇩🇪 no doubt up there with Bobby and Pele 🙏🥃

Emperor Franz was a genius. Just over a year lost 3 icons. Pele, Bobby C and now this. Rip kaiser.

I grew up with my (scottish) dad constantly going on about the German sides of the 60/70's and how incredible they were. Beckenbauer, Netzer and Müller would get the most mentions. Different gravy. RIP

I’m so sad we are losing all these legends 😭😭😭

This guy was like the king on a chess board. Even though he was way back on defense he could go anywhere on the pitch. He dominated his position with ease and absolutely revolutionized the position of the libero. His vision and reading of the game was unmatched. No wonder he also won the World Cup as the Germany manager.

He was another one of the greats, that we've grown up with and watched on TV as a manager/coach. One of the greatest icons; Beckenbauer, Pele, Bobby Charlton, Jack Charlton, Kruyff, Garrincha, Maradona and many other greats. We'll miss you Der Kaiser

RIP. He'll be playing in an all star team in the heavens.

4 Balon d'ors went to defenders in history. 2 of them to him. Says it all. R. I. P. Legend.

As a German I can say that this guy really knows German football

Beckenbauer as a player was light years ahead of his time! I remember he was the player we all wanted to be growing up as school kids - True legend of world football 'Rest in peace der Kaiser'

RIP he was a stylish and commanding defender and inspirational captain of his national team.

So sad to hear this, RIP Franz Beckenbauer, True Great of the Game. Have him in all my teams when possible gaming. Greatest of condolences to The German People on this sad day Love from England

So sad. R.I.P. Sympathies to families and friend of both Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer that defined and changed football.

R.I.P. Der Kaiser one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game😞

Tears streamed down my face when I heard the news of his death on the radio. In eternal gratitude for the great football you gave us all and the unforgettable World Cup 90. Rest in peace, we will miss you.

Incredible player who started his career as a winger and yet became probably the greatest defender in the game's history and who popularized the sweeper position.

RIP FC must have a helluva squad up there in heaven nowadays. Cruyff and Maradona, Charlton, Pele and now Beckenbauer. But in all seriousness, you couldn't really argue with the summing up that Franz Beckenbauer was indeed one of the greatest names in football from last century. A sad day for all his friends and family, and everyone around the world who knew the great man. RIP the Kaiser.

Franz Beckenbauer; player, manager and ambassador of mythic proportions. Godspeed.

Thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Legends may pass but are never forgotten

Absolutely a legend of the great game..Franz..Up there with sir Bobby Charlton!..!R.I.P

Another legend of the game...Franz Beckenbauer ....absolutely brilliant player for the then West Germany ....his team beaten by England in ‘66 but did they bounce back.....and have won the World Cup a few times since losing in ‘66....& led his team....a true legend in the game....& especially Bayern Munich...I think I’m right in saying the only club he ever played for... ay he RIP...& say hi to Sir Bobby both ,legends of the game....👍👍👍

Was imperious “Der Kaiser”. Remember him with the Klaxon horns as he strode out of defensive midfield with the ball m. Brilliant player. Yes, he did truly “invent” the role of sweeper. Privileged to have seen him in his prime in the 1966, 1970 and 1974 World Cups.

Wow what a player! I can imagine Bobby and Franz having a kickabout right now! 😥

The legendary Franz Beckenbauer. I watched you as a kid in the 90’s when you commentated Bayern games, we loved listening to you talk about football. RIP Kaiser ❤😢

This really shredded my day...the first tournament I watched as a fan was the 1990 World Cup'....he was leagues beyond the rest in terms of authority, charisma and success. A incredibly sad day.... everything he did had meaning and successful.

RIP to one of the best players I ever saw a true superstar.

Watching the footage of him play is still a pleasure, he projected such natural calm and authority, even in the old footage. Very few players remodel the game, he is definitely one of them.

R. I. P. one of the very very top legends of the game. No other sweeper or defender like him. Elegant, effective... There was no sweeper position before him and from there, he brought glory to his national team and... to Bayern. Nowadays, Bayern are one of the world giants. Before him, even if it's difficult to believe today, Bayern were a mediocre team. Beckenbauer is one of the best ever

Rest in peace, Der Kaiser, you will be remembered for years to come

Maybe the most complete player ever.

RIP Beckenbauer absolute legend of the game the only person to win the World Cup as a player and manager that should speak of his legendary status, he is in a small bracket of players who are not only fantastic footballers but legends immortalised forever

Heart, will to win, class, respect. Even the opposing teams respected him. A toast to The Kaiser. 🍷

The football world is grieving. Two legends passed within less 4 days.Franz and Zagallo. RIP

I am 60 yrs old and the players that we see today can never match those players of yesteryear,they have it so easy.Charlton,Pele,Cruyff, Garrincha,Maradonna,Beckenbauer RIP Der Kaiser

Ruhe in frieden Kaiser Franz, thank you for all you did for FC Bayern and our country, 1972, 1974, 1990 wouldn't have happened if it hadn't of been for you , still remember you playing in the 1970 world cup semi Vs Italy with a dislocated shoulder 💔

A real gentleman in football. R.I.P. sir.

He was way ahead of his time. Legend.

Dear, dear Franz, farewell and thanks for the joys you gave to us. God rest your soul.

Excellent summary of how great Franz was and what he meant to the game,RIP Der Kaiser.

I’m 53 and when I was a kid I saw him on a weekly basis with my beloved NY Cosmos, and to see him, Pele and Carlos Alberto was awesome. RIP De Kiser !!

What a true all-time great. He was a legend in every sense of the word.

Rest in paradise to a legend 🤲

J'ai eu l'honneur et le plaisir de le voir jouer( et défendre) sur le terrain dans les années 70... Il a contribué à me faire aimer le football de ces années là... Il va nous manquer...⚽️ Il nous manque déjà...

RIP Der Kaiser…where would German Football be without him?!

Franz is a real hero of soccer He was a great character as a player and as a man.

Der Kaiser one of the greatest and you will be missed. R.I.P!!!

R.I.P. Beckenbauer , the greatest player of the world ⚽

R.I.P der keizer, you will never forgotten

I may be born in 2000s but he’s my fav defender alongside puyol and Maldini My idol RIP

A true great of the game .RIP 🙏 to a legend.

Everyone in my time as a player copied him,socks rolled down to the ankles inc! A truly great player.

I loved and hated him (1990 semi-final). He was one of the greatest of all time and I am so sorry to hear of his death. We will miss him. God bless his family and be very proud.

Libero of my heart.

He was manager of the Germany team in the first World Cup that grabbed my interest in 1990. My dad explained to me what a legend he was and that he was part of a Bayern team that won 3 European cups in a row in the 70s. He explained that the German league is a bit of a one horse race but that Bayern normally provides the spine of the German national team that was so successful for so long. Incredible resumé and by all accounts a lovely person. A born leader, Der Kaiser will be missed. Germany you have my respect and sympathy. A sad day.

As a german i thank you all for acknowledging and respecting Beckenbauer. We may be rivals at the pitch but be assured germans admire english football and every game vs. England is of course a big game but also a priviledge. Respect is earned not given as a gift. 😊👍 And let me also add that the most germans having also a favorite team at the PL. 😅

Germany has all the motivation now to win the Euros this year. Win it for Franz

What a lovely person and a talent of a footballer.❤❤❤

Descanza en paz Kaiser

In this the 50th anniversary of Franz Beckenbauer leading Germany to victory in the World Cup, it would be entirely appropriate if they won the European Championships on home soil. It would be the ultimate honour to him.

RIP DER KAISER - TO ONE OF THE GREATEST EVER OF THE GAME...

I think the thing that has been missed here, is the toughness of Beckenbauer. Don't forget that semi-final in 1970 against Italy that was a marathon slug fest where Beckenbauer continued to play after dislocating his shoulder and had his arm taped to his body to minimise the damage on the field. People fail to realise the toughness and drive of the best players I think and that game it was there for all to see.

Monster legend. Pure class.

Rip goat defender

A light is turned off, A star is turned On. It will shine forever. 😊

the best defender of all time. a World Cup Winner twice. He is up there with Sir Bobby and Bobby Moore in heaven playing football with God. may he rest in peace 🙏😥

Pele , Beckenbauer , Carlos Alberto , Giorgio Chinaglia , Cruyff ... New York Cosmos reunion happening in heaven.

Der Kaiser forever ❤ greatness personified

A true Legend

One of the greatest players of all time 👍 RIP 🙏

A rolls Royce of a player

Condolences on the death of Franz Beckenbauer and the world misses him greatly

RIP GOAT LEGEND ICONIC

pure class as a footballer and person

Beautiful tribute.

O Herr, gib ihm die ewige Ruhe und das ewige Licht leuchte ihm. Herr, lasse ihn ruhen in Frieden. Amen.

R.I.P. legend 🙌 👏 1 of the top 5-6 ever

I only know of stories from my Father how good you were, R I P

RIP Legend

legend 💔

Ruhe in Friedan,Herr Beckenbauer!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Du bist die besten alle zeit.🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪

RIP Franz

Rip Franz Anton Beckenbauer, you will be missed

Thank you for that❤

Brilliant commentary well done

RIP 🙏 Kaiser Franz ⚽

Legend of the game RIP

Great summary! Thanks, from Germany.

Cruijff, Maradona, Best, Beckenbauer, Müller, Eusabio, Pele, Puskas, Moore. Life comes at you too fast