FORMER football ace Franz Beckenbauer has passed away aged 78.
The German sports star – who is widely-regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time – sadly leaves behind his beloved wife and his children.
Who was Franz Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi Beckenbauer?
The late Franz Beckenbauer married his wife Heidi in 2006, and they were together up until his death.
During their time together they welcomed two children, Francessca and Noel.
Sadly it was announced on January 8, 2023, that Beckenbauer had passed away.
A family statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that husband and father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
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“We ask that you be able to mourn in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
Tributes have flooded, which read: “We’ll miss you Kaiser. Legend forever. Rest in peace.”
Another added: “The best defender of all-time. RIP.”
A third commented: “I am absolutely speechless, rest in peace Kaiser.”
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More said: “RIP legend. Commiserations to his family.”
Beckenbauer played 103 games for the former West Germany, and played at three World Cups.
He was captain of the World Cup-winning team in 1974 when they beat Holland.
And he then repeated the feat as manager, when he led his country to the World Cup in 1990.
Beckenbauer – nicknamed Der Kaiser, or The Emperor – is one of only three men, along with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps, to have won the World Cup as a player and as a manager.
Was Franz Beckenbauer married before?
Beckenbauer was married three times in his life.
His first wife was Brigitte who he wed in 1966, but the marriage ended 24 years later.
Next Beckenbauer married his second wife Sybille in 1990, but they divorced in 2004.
Did Franz Beckenbauer have any children?
During his life Beckenbauer had five kids.
His son Stephan, was also a professional footballer, who died after a long illness on July 31, 2015, at the age of 46.
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His son Luca is also a professional footballer, playing for SV Wacker Burghausen in the Regionalliga Bayern.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
