Franz Beckenbauer: Tributes Pour In As Germany and Bayern Munich Legend Passes Away at 78

• German and Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78
• Beckenbauer won numerous trophies and was the only defender to win the Ballon d'Or twice
• Tributes have poured in for the German great who won the World Cup as a player and a manager

Tributes are pouring in for German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away earlier today (Monday, January 8).

The former Bayern Munich defender was 78 at the time of this death and will go down as one of football’s all-time greats.

As reported by Caught Offside, Beckenbauer was one of three people to win the World Cup as a player and manager.

He captained the German national team to the title in 1974 in Germany and then won it again in 1990 in Italy as the manager of the side.

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He also won numerous trophies at club level and was the only defender to win the Ballon d’Or twice.

Beckenbauer showered with praise on social media

Following the announcement of his passion, numerous tributes have poured in for the German great.

The former league winner is being remembered as a legend of the game, as coaches, pundits, clubs, and others related to football share their memories of the former Bayern star.

@GaryLineker:

“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.”

@FabrizioRomano:

“German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away today aged 78. RIP, Franz. 👑🕊️”

@adidasfootball:

“Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game. 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿.”

Neymar and Mbappe salute Pele

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Neymar and Mbappe paid tribute to another footballing legend, Pele, who passed away in December 2022.

Neymar is tied on 77 goals with Pele as Brazil's international top scorer, praising his influence on the number 10 and his transformation of football in an emotional tribute on social media.

Mbappe, who broke some of Pele's World Cup records and has been soliciting prayers for him, addressed him as the king and acknowledged that his legacy would live forever.