On the afternoon of today, January 19th, many companions, friends, famous personalities and thousands of fans said goodbye to Franz Beckenbauer (1945-2024), who died at the beginning of January, in Munich. At a large memorial ceremony organized by FC Bayern, those present and the TV audience remembered the emperor during the live-streamed ceremony.
Long-time companions of Beckenbauer, including Paul Breitner (72), Andi Brehme (63), Lothar Matthäus (62), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (68) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (39) honored the deceased on behalf of the deceased on the stadium lawn at the beginning of the event – to the sounds of the song “Con te partirò”, performed by star tenor Jonas Kaufmann (54).
This was followed, among other things, by speeches by FCB President Herbert Hainer (69) and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (68), a video review and other appearances by Kaufmann. Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (57) called Beckenbauer “a kind of football god” during the ceremony.
“If I no longer knew where to put the ball on the pitch,” then the leather was in safe hands with Beckenbauer, recalled the visibly moved Uli Hoeneß (72), honorary president of FC Bayern, in his speech. We were able to learn a lot from the Kaiser, and not just on the pitch. “If you had a problem, you went to Franz,” said Hoeneß. Not only was Beckenbauer “generous to no end,” he also never bucked up and kicked down, but vice versa. “I miss you very much,” he said goodbye.
A final prayer by the Archbishop of Munich, Cardinal Reinhard Marx (70), was attended during the commemoration ceremony by, in addition to the local personalities already mentioned, current men’s and women’s professionals of the club, including Harry Kane (30) and Thomas Müller (34), at. In addition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (65), former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (79), former professionals such as Matthias Sammer (56), Philipp Lahm (40) and Miroslav Klose (45) and coaches such as Felix Magath (70) and Hansi also visited Flick (58) and Jogi Löw (63) attended the event.
In the stadium, which also has a banner with the inscription “The figure of light is going on its final journey – rest in peace, Emperor!” In addition to the numerous celebrities, former companions and thousands of fans, there were also Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi and their children Joel and Francesca. Perhaps the certainty that Franz Beckenbauer will never be forgotten can provide comfort. Or as Hainer put it: “FC Bayern will always remain an empire, forever.”
