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      Gary Lineker leads tributes to Franz Beckenbauer as ‘one of the absolute greats of our game’ dies aged 78

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      GARY LINEKER has led tributes to “absolute great” Franz Beckenbauer after the German legend died aged 78.The ex-England striker saluted “the most beautiful of footballers”.
      Franz Beckenbauer has been described as ‘technically the best ever’Credit: AFP
      Gary Lineker says Beckenbauer was a ‘beautiful’ person and playerCredit: Alamy
      Iconic defender Franz Beckenbauer skippered West Germany to a 2-1 victory over Holland in the 1974 World Cup finalCredit: Rex
      Former Bayern Munich defender Beckenbauer was one of only three men to win the World Cup as a player (1974) and manager (1990) – both times with West Germany.
      BBC presenter Lineker posted: “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.”
      Ex-Three Lions’ goalkeeper Peter Shilton wrote: “Very sad to hear that the great @beckenbauer has sadly passed away, he was a fantastic player reaching world class status.”
      And Sun columnist Piers Morgan hailed Der Kaiser as a “sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game”.
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      Liverpool great Sir Kenny Dalglish gave a personal slant on the tragedy.
      The former Anfield player and manager said: 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.”
      Xabi Alonso – a former midfielder hero for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern and Spain – also referred to the timeless standing of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Beckenbauer.
      Most read in Football
      The Bayer Leverkusen manager said: “Rest in peace, Emperor!”
      Munich-born Beckenbauer was famous for his comfort in possession and majestic way of bringing the ball forward.
      That left ex-Chelsea and Scotland striker David Speedie describing the three-time European Cup winner as “ahead of his time”.
      Speedie wrote: “Sad to hear one of the games all time greats Franz Beckenbauer has passed away. 
      “Der Kaiser was ahead of his time, he changed the way the we played football. He leaves behind a legacy many of can only dream about having as a footballer. ‘RIP Franz Beckenbauer.”
      Beckenbauer helped West Germany KO England 3-2 at the 1970 World Cup, having lost against Bobby Moore’s men in the final at Wembley in 1966Credit: Getty
      Fans online agreed – as praise for his imperious style pouring in.
      One wrote: “The most complete player that ever walked this earth probably.
      “Franz Beckenbauer could defend like Maldini and dribble like Maradona while having the passing skills of Pirlo and the scoring ability of Beckham when he wanted to. No wonder he’s the only defender with 2 Ballon D’Or.”
      Another stated: “Di Stefano said he‘s a walking spectacle, Pele called him a master, Beckham said he was the greatest ever, R9 said he was technically the best and Henry called him a God.”
      Ex-Newcastle and Manchester City keeper Shay Given posted: “RIP Franz Beckenbauer. A true legend of the game.”
      Former Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Norway frontman Jan Age Fjortoft called the icon “one of the greatest players of all time”.
      Read more on The Sun
      He added: “I had the privilege to have him as a colleague at Sky Germany. He was always open and kind. And shared his wisdom and knowledge. Rest in Peace, Kaiser.”
      And comedian David Baddiel wrote: “The great Franz Beckenbauer gone now, so soon after Bobby Charlton. Bobby was given the job of keeping him quiet in the 1966 World Cup final. Maybe this is a very profound example of man to man marking. RIP.” More

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      Who was Franz Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi Beckenbauer?

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      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.
      Heidi Beckenbauer with her late husband Franz BeckenbauerCredit: Getty
      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.
      Read more on Franz Beckenbauer
      “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.”
      Most read in Football
      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.
      Read more on The Sun
      His son Luca is also a professional footballer, playing for SV Wacker Burghausen in the Regionalliga Bayern. More

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      Who were Franz Beckenbauer’s children, how old are they?

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      FRANZ BECKENBAUER, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died aged 78. A family statement confirmed that the legend passed away in his sleep with loved ones by his side.
      Franz Beckenbauer won the World Cup as player in 1974 and manager in 1990Credit: Getty
      Franz Beckenbauer death updates LIVE
      Their statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
      “We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
      Who were Franz Beckenbauer’s children?
      Beckenbauer was married three times during his incredible life.
      Franz Beckenbauer
      The former Bayern Munich hero first married Brigitte Beckenbauer in 1966 and was with her until 1990.
      Then Beckenbauer wed Sybille in 1990 before splitting 14 years later.
      And Beckenbauer leaves behind current wife Heidi, who he married in 2006.
      The German football icon had five children with his three wives – four boys and a girl.
      Most read in Football
      Stephan Beckenbauer was Franz’s first child. He was born in 1968 and died in 2015 of a brain tumour and was also a footballer.
      Stephan played for Bayern Munich as well in their reserves squad.
      During his 11-year career as a pro he also played for TSV 1860 Munchen, Kickers Offenbach, and FC Grenchen.
      Thomas Beckenbauer was born in 1963 and Michael was his third son.
      In 2000, Beckenbauer’s first daughter Francessca was born.
      And lastly in 2003, Joel Beckenbauer was born. More

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      Franz Beckenbauer death updates: Tributes pour in for World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend

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      THE world is mourning the sad death of World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer.Beckenbauer was twice named European Footballer of the Year and appeared 103 times for West Germany.
      The Bayern Munich legend has also lifted a European Cup Winners’ Cup and his death has sent shock waves around the sporting world.
      Stay up to date with all the tributes…
      ‘Absolute great’ – Gary Lineker
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to the legend’s ‘grace and charm’.
      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) January 8, 2024
      A superstar – on and off the field
      Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976, and retired from playing in 1984 following a spell with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
      Despite no coaching experience, he was appointed West Germany manager that year and led his country to the final of the 1986 World Cup and then to the trophy itself at Italia 90.
      There followed a brief spell in charge of Marseille in France before Beckenbauer returned to Bayern, leading the club to the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup two years later. Beckenbauer also had spells as president at Bayern and vice-president of the German Football Association.
      From one legend to another
      Sir Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer on X, calling him a ‘true legend’ of the game.
      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 pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024
      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      Piers Morgan pays tribute to football legend
      RIP Frank Beckenbauer, 78. German football legend who was one of only three men to win the World Cup both as player and coach. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game. pic.twitter.com/OqP9v6CA3d— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 8, 2024
      Everything you need to know (3)
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory that year before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.
      Everything you need to know (2)
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      Franz Beckenbauer’s glittering career – everything you need to know (1)
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He went on to play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Franz Beckenbauer: a football poet, gracefully weaving his artistry into the romantic fabric of the beautiful game.𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲, 𝗥𝘂𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗗𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. pic.twitter.com/LE02O4hVpy— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) January 8, 2024

      From one legend to another
      Sir Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer on X, calling him a ‘true legend’ of the game.
      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 pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkI— Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) January 8, 2024

      What made Franz Beckenbauer so special?
      Beckenbauer is an icon of German football having won 104 caps for West Germany, captaining them to glory at the 1974 World Cup before repeating the feat, as manager, in Italy 16 years later.
      He also won numerous other honours, including a hat-trick of European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, when he also established his reputation as a defender of supreme talents.
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      Summary – Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at 78
      Football legend Franz Beckenbauer has sadly passed away at the age of 78, his family have confirmed
      The Bayern Munich icon is the only man to have both captained and managed World Cup-winning teams.
      Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
      He won the highest individual honour in football twice, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976.
      Beckenbauer featured at the 1966 World Cup for West Germany against England.

      Everything you need to know (3)
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory that year before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.
      Everything you need to know (2)
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      Franz Beckenbauer’s glittering career – everything you need to know (1)
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He went on to play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      Beckenbauer – the early years
      Born in Giesling, a working-class district of Munich, in September 1945, Beckenbauer grew up as a fan of 1860 Munich but joined the youth setup at the then unfashionable Bayern instead.
      He was originally a centre-forward and made his debut for the club in 1964, when they were in West Germany’s second tier, as a left winger. 
      Accusations against Beckenbauer
      Beckenbauer’s post-playing life was marred by accusations of wrongdoing, with the then 71-year-old questioned by Swiss prosecutors in March 2017 over suspected corruption linked to the 2006 World Cup, which was held in Germany.
      Beckenbauer headed the initial bid in 2000 and was part of the competition’s organising committee.

      A superstar – on and off the field
      Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976, and retired from playing in 1984 following a spell with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
      Despite no coaching experience, he was appointed West Germany manager that year and led his country to the final of the 1986 World Cup and then to the trophy itself at Italia 90.
      There followed a brief spell in charge of Marseille in France before Beckenbauer returned to Bayern, leading the club to the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup two years later. Beckenbauer also had spells as president at Bayern and vice-president of the German Football Association.
      ‘Outstanding personality’
      Lothar Matthäus, who was Beckenbauer’s captain in 1990 and a close friend, told German newspaper Bild: “The shock is deep, even though I knew that Franz wasn’t feeling well. His death is a loss for football and for Germany as a whole.
      “He was one of the greatest as a player and coach, but also off the field. Franz was an outstanding personality – not only in football – and he enjoyed worldwide recognition.
      “Everyone who knew him knows what a great and generous person Franz was. A good friend has left us. I will miss him – we will all miss him.”
      What made Franz Beckenbauer so special?
      Beckenbauer is an icon of German football having won 104 caps for West Germany, captaining them to glory at the 1974 World Cup before repeating the feat, as manager, in Italy 16 years later.
      He also won numerous other honours, including a hat-trick of European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, when he also established his reputation as a defender of supreme talents.
      ‘Absolute great’ – Gary Lineker
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to the legend’s ‘grace and charm’.
      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) January 8, 2024

      How Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s
      Franz Beckenbauer became synonymous with adidas in the 80s after endorsing the brand.
      Although adidas still enjoys huge celebrity football endorsements in the modern game such as the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos and Lionel Messi, it was really Beckenbauer that brought the three stripes and football connection into fruition.
      Piers Morgan pays tribute to football legend
      RIP Frank Beckenbauer, 78. German football legend who was one of only three men to win the World Cup both as player and coach. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game. pic.twitter.com/OqP9v6CA3d— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 8, 2024 More

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      Franz Beckenbauer dead aged 78: German legend widely regarded as one of greatest footballers of all time passes away

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      FRANZ BECKENBAUER has passed away aged 78.The German is widely-regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.
      Franz Beckenbauer has passed awayCredit: Getty
      Beckenbauer won the World Cup in 1974 with West GermanyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He is widely regarded as one of the best players everCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He was manager of West Germany when they won the World Cup in 1990Credit: Getty
      Beckenbauer was integral in Germany winning the bid to host the 2006Credit: EPA
      The legend passed away surrounded by his familyCredit: Getty
      Beckenbauer with his wife Heidi, son Joel and daughter FrancescaCredit: Getty
      His family confirmed that he died in his sleep surrounded by loved-ones.
      Their emotional statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
      “We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
      Tributes quickly flooded in, with one reading: “We’ll miss you Kaiser. Legend forever. Rest in peace.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      While a second wrote: “The best defender of all-time. RIP.”
      A third commented: “I am absolutely speechless, rest in peace Kaiser.”
      And another added: “RIP legend. Commiserations to his family.”
      The Sun’s Piers Morgan tweeted: “RIP Franz Beckenbauer. Sublime defender, great manager, magnificent ambassador for the game.”
      Most read in Football
      Comedian and football lover David Baddiel added: “The great Beckenbauer gone now, so soon after Bobby Charlton. Bobby was given the job of keeping him quiet in the 1966 World Cup final. Maybe this is a very profound example of man to man marking.”
      Gary Lineker wrote: “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.”
      Beckenbauer’s glittering careerBy Etienne Fermie
      Franz Beckenbauer began his legendary career with hometown club Bayern Munich after catching their eye aged just 14.
      The defender went on to debut with Bayern at 18 in 1964.
      He would play over 500 times for the Bundesliga giants, winning everything there was to win in the game.
      Having stacked up four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, three European Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup, the man dubbed “Der Kaiser” left Bayern after 18 years to move Stateside with New York Cosmos in 1977.
      Beckenbauer starred alongside the likes of Pele and Carlos Alberto in the Big Apple, winning the North American Soccer League three times before returning to Germany in 1980, subsequently adding yet another Bundesliga title with Hamburg.
      In addition to his sensational club career, Der Kaiser starred for his country, playing 103 times for West Germany and scoring 14 goals.
      He became West Germany captain in 1972, and subsequently skippered them to Euros glory before lifting the World Cup two years later.
      Beckenbauer also enjoyed great success as a manager, guiding his country to further World Cup glory at Italia 1990, Marseille to Ligue 1 success in 1991 and Bayern to Bundesliga and Uefa Cup trophies between 1993 and 1996.

      Beckenbauer played 103 games for the former West Germany, and played at three World Cups.
      In 1966 he and the late Sir Bobby Charlton were given the tasks of man-marking each other by their respective managers – as the standout players on either side.
      Beckenbauer later captained West Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning team when they beat Holland.
      Incredibly he missed the 1978 World Cup, as West Germany decided not to pick players that had moved overseas.
      He repeated his 1974 feat as manager, when he led his country to World Cup glory 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.
      As a player, he lifted the Bundesliga four times with Bayern Munich.
      His glittering career also saw him win the European Cup three times with the German club.
      On an individual level, he won two Ballon d’Or awards in 1972 and 1976 before he moved on to New York Cosmos and Hamburg.
      Fellow Bayern legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said of him: “He was so elegant he wasn’t really German. He just oozed class and quality.”
      As a manager, he coached West Germany and Bayern.
      He later became a club president and he played an integral role in Germany’s successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup.
      Off the field, Beckenbauer was married three times.
      The icon first married Brigitte Beckenbauer in 1966 and was with her until 1990.
      Then he wed Sybille in 1990 before splitting 14 years later.
      And Beckenbauer leaves behind current wife Heidi, who he married in 2006.
      The football hero had five children with his three wives – four boys and a girl.
      In 2019 it was revealed that he had gone blind in one eye.
      He was not well enough to fly out to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, saying at the time: “I had a so-called infarction in one eye. Unfortunately I can’t see anything on the right.
      “I can handle that. And I have to be careful with my heart.
      “But I will not travel to Qatar. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for our team in front of the TV.
      Read more on The Sun
      “People probably think he never lives long. But I’ll try to stay with you for a while.”

      Franz Beckenbauer captained Germany against England in the 1974 World CupCredit: Getty
      He won 14 trophies with Bayern as a playerCredit: Getty
      He was tasked with marking the likes of Johan Cruyff and Bobby Charlton in his careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Beckenbauer, who was married three times, poses with wife Heidi and son JoelCredit: Getty More

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      Mario Zagallo dead: Legendary Brazilian footballer and manager who won record four World Cups dies age 92

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      BRAZILIAN football legend Mario Zagallo has died aged 92.The former player, a record four-time World Cup winner with his titles as a manager included, passed away on Friday after a period of ill health.
      Mario Zagallo has passed away aged 92Credit: AP
      The late Zagallo won an unprecedent four World Cups with BrazilCredit: AFP
      Zagallo also coached his beloved Brazil at the 1998 World CupCredit: AFP
      He had been admitted to Barra D’Or Hospital in Rio de Janeiro on Boxing Day after a previous 20-day stay in September for a urinary infection.
      The ex-Brazil international, who also holds the record for World Cup finals apperances with six participations, reportedly suffered multi-organ failure.
      He became the last surviving Brazilian player from the 1958 World Cup final following Pele’s death last December.
      Zagallo was the first of three men, along with Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and France’s Didier Deschamps, to win the World Cup as a player and as a manager and the only one who has done it more than twice.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The death of the diminutive left winger and inside forward, who was capped 33 times by his country, was confirmed on his official Instagram page.
      A statement posted in the early hours of this morning, alongside a photo of him holding a replica of the World Cup in his right arm, said: “It is with great regret that we announce the passing of our eternal world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo.
      “A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. Giant idol.
      “A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements.
      Most read in Football
      Mario Zagallo was team-mates and friends with the late PeleCredit: AP
      “We thank God for the time we were able to spend with you and we ask the Father that we find comfort in the good memories and the great example you leave us.”
      Zagallo, nicknamed the Old Wolf in reference to one of his surnames – although he was also called the Professor by his players throughout his coaching career – was working as a soldier at the famous Maracana Stadium when Uruguay defeated Brazil in the 1950 World Cup.
      He won the World Cup as a player in 1958, when he was with Flamengo, and in 1962 when was plying his trade with Botafogo.
      He went on to win the 1970 World Cup as a manager and in 1994 as an assistant manager.
      He also coached Brazil in 1974 when they finished fourth and in 1998 when they were runners-up.
      Ednaldo Rodrigues, the recently-reinstated president of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), said: “The CBF and Brazilian football mourn the death of one of its greatest legends, Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo.
      “CBF offers solidarity to his family and fans in this moment of sadness at the departure of this idol of our football.”
      Mario Zagallo reportedly passed away following multiple organ failureCredit: AFP
      The late Zagallo is survived by his four childrenCredit: GETTY
      Botafogo said in a tweet titled “Thank you Zagallo”: “It is with immense regret and deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo, our Zagallo.
      “Botafogo regrets the departure of one of its greatest idols, a champion as a player and coach, with a successful and notable CV in the sport, a true legend of Brazilian football. We wish strength to family, friends and fans.
      “His legacy here and in football will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, old wolf!”
      Zagallo had four children with his wife Alcina de Castro Zagallo, who died aged 80 in 2012 following respiratory problems.
      The couple were married for 57 years.
      The highly-superstitious former footballer had an obsession with the number 13.
      He changed his shirt number from 11 to 13, lived on the 13th floor of an apartment block in Rio de Janeiro and drove a car with the number plate 1313.
      Read more on The Sun
      Zagallo, assistant coach to Carlos Alberto Parreira when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup in the US, said in an interview shortly before the final: “I won for the first time in 1958.
      “Five plus eight equals thirteen. I’m going to win in ’94. Nine and four are thirteen too.” More

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      Ireland great Shay Given suffers devastating double family heartbreak as brother and uncle tragically die over Christmas

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      SHAY GIVEN has suffered a devastating double bereavement following the deaths of his uncle and brother.The former Republic of Ireland and Newcastle United goalkeeper lost both of his loved ones over Christmas.
      Shay Given is in mourning following the deaths of his brother and uncle
      His brother, Kieran – pictured with Shay and their father Seamus – died on December 23, while his uncle Ambrose died on Christmas DayCredit: RIP.ie
      The 47-year-old’s brother, Kieran, died at his home in Germany on December 23 at the age of 52.
      He is survived by his devoted wife Doris and his two sons Joshua and Joel and will be sadly missed by his father Seamus, stepmother Margaret, brothers, Liam, Marcus, Shay, and Paul, and sisters, Michelle, Sinéad and Jacqueline.
      A talented singer-songwriter and artist from Lifford in Donegal, he was laid to rest in his adopted home of Altensteig on December 30.
      League of Ireland side Finn Harps, whom Kieran represented at underage level, said: “All at Finn Park are sad to hear of the passing of our friend Kieran Given.

      “Before moving abroad Kieran was recognised by all in footballing circles as a talented young footballer & represented Harps at underage & USL level.
      “Kierans passion for people and life will be greatly missed.”
      Shay’s uncle, Ambrose, died following an illness on Christmas Day, and was laid to rest on December 28.
      He will be missed by wife Sheila, kids Patricia, Marion, Helena, Clare, and Catherine, grandkids Ciara, Luke, Ríannagh, Caitlin, Rory and Síofra, wider family and friends.
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      A beloved figure around his local area of Convoy, Donegal, he was a devoted member of St Mary’s GAA.
      The club paid emotional tribute to him on Thursday, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with your family today as you make your finally journey
      “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the wee club
      “The pitch and grounds would not be there without your efforts and our other stalwarts who work tirelessly in the background” More

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      Premier League star Mario Lemina heartbroken after death of his dad as Wolves team-mates honour him in Everton game

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      WOLVES paid tribute to Mario Lemina’s dad following the announcement of his tragic death this afternoon.The club broke the heartbreaking news on social media today.
      Wolves players held up Mario Lemina’s shirt during their match against EvertonCredit: Reuters
      The midfielder paid tribute to his dad on SundayCredit: Getty
      A statement read: “Our hearts go out to Mario Lemina after the passing of his father yesterday morning.
      “The whole pack send their love and sympathy to Mario and his family.
      “Mario’s teammates will wear black armbands today in honour of his father’s memory.”
      Wolves faced Everton in the Premier League this afternoon and paid tribute to Lemina’s dad by wearing black armbands and holding up the midfielder’s shirt during the game.
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      In response to the news, a tweet from the Toffees read: “Incredibly sad news. Our thoughts are with Mario and his family during this time.”
      Lemina dedicated his goal and man-of-the-match performance against Chelsea to his dad on Christmas Eve.
      In a post-match interview, the midfielder revealed that his father was in hospital surrounded by family.
      He told Sky Sports: “By the way I wanted to pass a message to my dad. He is in hospital, for two months now.
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      “He is struggling a lot and my family are around him now. I wanted to be with him, but I need to do my work. Dad – Keep pushing! We are all together.”
      Lemina travelled to France after Sunday’s game to be with his dad over the Christmas period.
      Wolves boss Gary O’Neil revealed on Friday that he was attending a “family issue”.
      O’Neil said: “Mario has gone back to France to attend a family issue, I don’t want to speak about it too much as it’s not my place.
      “Mario didn’t train today and that’s all I can say on it.
      “Around tomorrow it’s too early to say, my only thoughts are with Mario and what he needs at this moment.
      “Some things are more important than football matches.”
      Wolves currently sit 11th in the Premier League table with 25 points from 19 games. More