Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann described Franz Beckenbauer as “the best footballer in German history” following the death of the World Cup-winning player and manager at the age of 78.
Beckenbauer won the World Cup as a player in 1974 before leading the team to victory as manager in Italy in 1990. He also won the European Cup three times with Bayern Munich, a record that Nagelsmann believes leaves him a cut above the rest.
Nagelsmann said on the DFB (German Football Association) website: “For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history. His interpretation of the role of the libero has changed the game.
“Franz Beckenbauer could float over the pitch. As a player and later also as a coach he was sublime, he stood above things.
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.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker)
“When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up. To the end, he was surrounded by an aura that could not be shaken by health problems. I am grateful and honoured that I was able to meet him and I will remember him fondly.”
Bayern striker and England captain Harry Kane wrote on an Instagram story: “In my time at the club so far it’s clear what he meant to Bayern and to football in this country. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
And some of Britain’s greatest former players put traditional rivalries aside to also pay tribute, led by Gary Lineker, who played against his German side in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals.
Lineker wrote on X: “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.”
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
— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish)
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, another member of the England side beaten on penalties at Italia ’90, added on social media: “Very sad to hear that the great @beckenbauer has sadly passed away.
“He was a fantastic player reaching world class status @FIFAWorldCup RIP.”
Kenny Dalglish recalled a momentous meeting as he too paid tribute, writing on X: “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.”
