“RIP” – MLS and American Soccer Community Mourns Saddening Death of 2X Ballon d’Or Winner Franz Beckenbauer
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The entire MLS soccer fraternity is mourning following the unfortunate passing of legendary German star Franz Beckenbauer. The Bayern Munich legend made invaluable contributions to the game as fans referred to him as ‘Der Kaiser’, meaning ‘The Emperor’. However, unknown to many, Beckenbauer played a crucial role in soccer’s growth in the United States, with the player being one of the first prominent stars to travel across the ocean to play for the NY Cosmos.
His untimely passing is a colossal blow for all his fans, with many remembering the two-time Ballon d’Or winner for his tremendous contribution to the sport. With unwavering respect, the fans paid their respects to the German legend last night as they took to X to offer their condolences.
MLS Commissioner and ex-USMNT amongst millions pay tribute to Der Kaiser
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MLS Commissioner Don Garber was one of the people who took to X to offer condolences to the German icon following his passing. Garber penned a heartwarming message for Beckenbauer to pay his tribute to the two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Major League Soccer mourns the passing of soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer. One of the greatest players of all time, Franz helped show what was possible for pro soccer in the United States when he joined the New York Cosmos in 1977, won three championships and packed stadiums. pic.twitter.com/W4eMRBHV8m
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) January 8, 2024
Ex-USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann took to his social media to pen an emotional message for his former coach. Klinsmann was part of the 1990 German World Cup team that won the title under Beckenbauer’s mentorship.
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Lieber Franz,
wir sind Dir für immer unendlich dankbar, für alles was Du für uns und den Fussball getan hast. Als Spieler, als Teamchef, als Präsident, als großes Vorbild mit Deinem einzigartigen Charme, Deiner Leichtigkeit und Lebensfreude. WE MISS YOU! pic.twitter.com/YFz4GY815m— J_Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) January 9, 2024
His former side, NY Cosmos, also reacted to his passing with an official press release. The German had a memorable stint during his time with the side assisting them in bagging three consecutive league titles.
The New York Cosmos Mourn the Passing of Franz Beckenbauer https://t.co/bPnGLlrFJI
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) January 8, 2024
German Ambassador to the USA, Andreas Michaelis, also reacted to Beckenbauer’s passing with a tribute to the German. In his tweet, the bureaucrat showered praise on the German, emphasizing the player’s extraordinary career.
With Franz #Beckenbauer, the "Kaiser" of soccer has left us. He was one of the greatest of all time. A world champion as a legendary sweeper in 1974, he brought the title to Germany as a coach in 1990. As a player for @NYCosmos, he also made soccer popular in the USA. RIP, Franz. pic.twitter.com/ulJaw08amg
— Andreas Michaelis (@GermanAmbUSA) January 8, 2024
Ex-soccer star Chris Dangerfield also joined fans in mourning the German icon’s loss by penning a heartwarming message. Dangerfield was also one of the European stars who spent the vast majority of his career in the United States. The soccer star played memorable games competing against Beckenbauer’s Cosmos in the late 70s.
Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greatest to ever play in the USA , whether it was NASL or MLS. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and class. RIP.
— Chris Dangerfield (@ChrisDanger7) January 8, 2024
Soccer broadcaster Glenn Davis was also amongst the millions who paid his respect to the German with a lengthy tribute on X. Davis opened up on his memories as a youngster watching the legendary star in action.
Franz Beckenbauer has passed at 78 yrs.
Growing up in NJ I like many were fortunate to watch him play for the New York Cosmos.
Talk about elegance as a defender, reader of the game, attacking innovator from the "sweeper' position.
To see him "pirouette" on the ball with the… pic.twitter.com/qlS3MiG92k— Glenn Davis (@GlennDavisSoc) January 8, 2024
United Soccer League also had a special message for Der Kaiser on their social media handle following his passing.
The USL joins the entire soccer world in mourning the passing of Franz Beckenbauer. ⁰
A true icon who influenced generations of players in the US and around the world with his style, grace and class.⁰⁰RIP, Franz 🕊️👑 pic.twitter.com/5CuCGCRmd0— United Soccer League (@USL_HQ) January 8, 2024
While fans around the world remember Franz Beckenbauer for his historic contributions to the German national team and his time with Bayern Munich, a few are aware of his invaluable contributions to the growth of soccer in the United States in the late 80s.
“RIP Legend” – Millions Mourn Death of World Cup Winner & Bayern Legend Franz Beckenbauer
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Franz Beckenbauer leaves an everlasting legacy behind
After his impressive time with Bayern, Franz Beckenbauer moved to the United States to represent the NY Cosmos alongside the Brazilian icon Pele. Beckenbauer had an impressive stint with the side, helping them bag three consecutive North American Soccer League titles. Later, the German legend returned to his homeland in 1980, joining Bundesliga side Hamburg.
Even at the eclipse of his career, Beckenbauer showed he still had it as he aided Hamburg in bagging the Bundesliga title in 1982 before pulling the curtain on his career in 1984. Following his time as a player, Der Kaiser moved into coaching and was given the position of manager for West Germany. His tactics helped the side bag their third World Cup in 1990, making the ex-star among the only three players to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach.
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Written by:
Edited by:
Jacob Gijy
