I first watched Franz play in the 1966 World Cup for West Germany and I remember him in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico too, when West Germany got their revenge over England in the Quarter final. He had an iconic Career as a player, and became famous as a International Manager for Germany too.He won a World Cup as a player and as a Coach.

I believe he is up there with the likes of Pele as one of the all time great footballers.

RIP Franz. The World of Football will miss you.

Franz in action during 1966 World Cup against Switzerland and USSR.

 

Never really watched him play apart from the 66 Final on DVD but everything I've read and heard about him, he was a phenomenal player and revolutionised the sweeper role. Sad loss to the game of football. One of the footballing greats. 

Genuinely shocked when I heard this news. Don’t remember him playing for West Germany to be honest as too young at the time to know. I do remember him playing in the US league (I think for New York Cosmos?) though and everything I have read about him describes him as one of the greatest players ever. 

I remember watching a film about England at the 1970 World Cup finals and the fact that England’s decision to substitute Charlton when 2-0 up gave Beckenbauer the freedom of the pitch and he was instrumental in getting Germany back into the match and ultimately to win the tie.

RIP to Der Kaiser.

Yes your right @Fozzy We were absolutely coasting it. Franz was man marking Bobby and when he went off it freed him up.West Germany bossed the midfield from then on and the rest is history.

The 1970 World Cup was the best I've seen. Brazil was just something else

Football has lost a true legend.Rest in peace Franz Beckenbauer