The Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (57, CSU) said goodbye to the late Franz Beckenbauer (1945-2024) in Munich. A few pictures were shared on his official Instagram page that show Söder next to a delegation from FC Bayern Munich in the court chapel of the residence in the Bavarian capital. Together with President Herbert Hainer (69), CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen (56) and the two long-time Beckenbauer companions Uli Hoeneß (72) and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (68), the politician signed a condolence book that was displayed there.
Söder is quoted as saying: “Farewell to a wonderful person and a football god: the whole of Bavaria mourns Franz Beckenbauer.” The Kaiser brought football into the center of society and positively changed the image of Germany around the world. He is also a co-founder of the FC Bayern Munich myth. “There may have been shadows recently – the light shines brighter. One of the greatest Bavarians has left us. We will miss Franz Beckenbauer very much and never forget,” wrote Söder about his visit to the residence.
In honor of Franz Beckenbauer, FC Bayern is organizing a memorial service for the late Kaiser on Friday, January 19th from 3 p.m. in the Allianz Arena. The record champions invite “all friends and companions from national and international sports, culture and politics as well as all fans and the entire football family” to say goodbye to the “unforgotten emperor” in the stadium. Details about the memorial service, such as the possibility of obtaining tickets, are not yet known.
Fans also have the opportunity to sign the condolence book in the residence until January 19th. The city of Munich also created the opportunity to say goodbye to Franz Beckenbauer in the town hall with the help of a book of condolence. FC Bayern also put out a corresponding book both at the club’s headquarters on Säbener Straße and in the Allianz Arena. On the homepage there is also the opportunity to say goodbye to Franz Beckenbauer digitally.
