German football legend Franz Beckenbauer died at the age of 78. Here’s how the football fraternity reacted to the end of an era.
France team coach Didier Deschamps: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. His death comes just a few days after that of Mario Zagallo. It was an immense honour for me to join them in 2018 as a World Cup winner as a player and then as coach. My sorrow today is equal to the happiness I felt at being invited to sit at the table of these two giants of international football.
“Franz Beckenbauer was first and foremost a world-class player, a talented and authoritative defender.”
“He exuded a class and self-assurance that many sought to emulate.”
German Football Federation (DFB) vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke: “I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to have known and experienced Franz Beckenbauer.
“Our time together with the national team was crowned with the 1990 World Cup title in Rome, a title that would never have been possible without his outstanding coaching performance.
“German football is losing its greatest personality, I am losing a good friend.”
Rudi Voller, World Cup winner 1990 and director of the German national team
“Franz Beckenbauer was definitely the biggest German footballer of all time and, above all, one of the greatest men who I have known.”
German Bundesliga statement:“The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now, and always. RIP, Der Kaiser.”
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann: “When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up, he rightly bore the title of ‘shining light of German football’. Until the end, he was surrounded by an aura that even the health problems and strokes of misfortune that he had to cope with could not shake. I am grateful and proud that I was able to get to know him and will remember him fondly.”
Thomas Muller, German World Cup winner in 2014: “One of the greatest footballers in FC Bayern’s club history has unfortunately left us. Rest in peace, Kaiser Franz. We will never forget what you have done for football in Germany.”
UEFA statement: “Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football’s greatest sons, has passed away aged 78. ‘Der Kaiser’ was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other.”
English Premier League: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football’s greatest ever players. A World Cup winner as both player and manager, ‘Der Kaiser’ was as elegant as he was dominant. He will forever be remembered.”
Former England striker and television pundit Gary Lineker: “Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.”
Former Scotland player Kenny Dalglish: “It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser.”
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton: “Very sad to hear that the great @beckenbauer has sadly passed away he was a fantastic player reaching world class status @FIFAWorldCup RIP #Legend”
