Soccer Legend Franz Beckenbauer Passes Away at 78

Known as 'Der Kaiser', Beckenbauer left an indelible mark on soccer as a player, coach, and controversial figure in football politics.

Franz Beckenbauer, known as 'Der Kaiser', passed away at the age of 78. He was a central figure in soccer, achieving GOAT candidate status as a player, making history as a World Cup-winning coach, and ending his career as a member of FIFA's executive committee.
Beckenbauer redefined the position of center back and was considered the first 'modern' defender. He made his first-team debut for Bayern Munich at 18 years of age and stuck around for 14 seasons, making 582 appearances and scoring 75 goals.
He won four league titles, four German Cups, a Cup Winners' Cup and three European Cups with Bayern Munich. He also joined the New York Cosmos and won three titles in four seasons.
Beckenbauer's international career spanned three World Cups, leaving his mark on each. He was part of the West Germany side that reached the final in 1966, and captained the team to victory in the 1974 World Cup.
Post-retirement, Beckenbauer moved into football politics, serving as club president of Bayern and FIFA Executive Committee member. His tenure was marked by controversy, facing serious accusations of corruption in the vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.