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      Who is Sadio Mane’s wife Aisha Tamba?

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      FORMER Liverpool star Sadio Mane has married his ”long-term” partner Aisha Tamba.The pair married in January 2024, with the private wedding taking place in the footballer’s native country of Senegal. From the couple’s nuptials to Mane’s sporting career – here’s everything you need to know.
      Ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane has married Aisha TambaCredit: Magvision Evens
      Who is Sadio Mane’s wife Aisha Tamba?
      Professional footballer Sadio Mane, 31, has married his girlfriend, Aisha Tamba.
      Unlike her sports star spouse, Aisha, who is thought to be his long-term partner, appears to remain out of the spotlight and has no presence on social media.
      Therefore, not much information has been publicly disclosed regarding Mane’s new wife.
      When did Sadio Mane and Aisha Tamba get married?
      Sadio Mane and Aisha Tamba wed on January 7, in Dakar, Senegal.
      Read More in Sport
      According to Business Day, the couple married in a mosque in Keur Massar in January – an area in Dakar, Senegal’s capital.
      The pair hail from the same area of Senegal.
      Photos from the couple’s wedding have been shared on online, with a photography company posting pictures to the social media platform Instagram.
      In the photographs, Mane and his wife can be seen holding hands and posing for photographs following the wedding ceremony.
      Most read in Football
      In one snap, the pair can be seen photographed in front of a decorative sign that reads ”Mrs Mane”.
      A video was also shared of the pair sitting together as they posed for photos.
      Photos of the wedding shared on social media received more than 85,000 likes in less than 24 hours.
      Before their nuptials, the footballer had kept the details of his relationship private.
      However, back in 2022, Mane did discuss the kind of person he was looking for as a partner.
      In an Interview with Tribune, the former Liverpool forward said: “I’ve seen a lot of girls asking me why I am not married, but sorry you might be wasting your time. The woman I marry will not be on social networks.
      “I want to marry a woman who respects God and prays well. Everyone has their own way of making their choice of love.”
      What team does Sadio Mane play for?
      Sadio Mane, born April 10, 1992, is a Senegalese professional footballer, who plays as a forward or a winger for Al Nassr, and the Senegal national team.
      He joined Saudi Arabian Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023, following a 12 month spell at Bayern Munich.
      However, his most prolific sporting stint came at Liverpool – where he scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists in 269 games.
      Read more on The Sun
      Mane also helped Liverpool to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup.
      The footballer is now preparing to captain Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast later in January 2024. More

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      Why is Andre Onana still playing for Man Utd despite being called up to play at AFCON 2023?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Andre Onana has been called up for Cameroon in their upcoming games in AFCON.But why is he still playing for the Red Devils?
      Andre Onana played the full 90 minutes for Manchester United in their 0-2 win against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup last nightCredit: Reuters
      This SATURDAY the tournament opening match will see hosts Ivory Coast play Guinea-Bissau in the Alassane Ouattara Arena in Abidjan.
      In this year’s AFCON, 24 nations will participate to see who can be named kings of Africa once again.
      Five cities will be hosted in Ivory Coast and they are Yamoussoukro, Bouake, Korhogo, Abidjan and San Pedro.
      The final will be on February 11 and will also be played in Abidjan in the Alassane Ouattara Arena.
      READ MORE ON AFCON
      Many Premier League fans across the UK are hoping that their players don’t go far in the later stages of the tournament.
      However, there is a possibility that Andre Onana will not be missed by Manchester United due to Erik Ten Hag’s men only playing TWICE in January.
      When is Andre Onana’s supposed to be traveling to AFCON?
      Andre Onana is expected to be in goal this Sunday when Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur.
      According to the Mail, Erik ten Hag may have persuaded the Cameroon goalkeeper to stay and help struggling United for another week.
      Most read in Football
      Onana will fly out to Ivory Coast straight after to be available for selection in Cameroon’s first game of the group stage where they face Guinea on Monday January 15.
      Potentially, Onana, 27, will be legible play TWICE in 24 hours for club and country.
      Several high profile professionals are making the trip to the southern coast of West Africa.
      Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Senegalese striker Nicholas Jackson and Moroccan Achraf Hakimi are all flying out to the competition.
      What does this mean for Altay Bayındır?
      Altay Bayındır joined Manchester United from Fenerbahce in a £4.3million deal last summer.
      Bayındır’s, 25, wait for minutes in a Manchester United shirt was expected to end in last nights 0-2 win over Wigan Athletic but that was not the case.
      Since his arrival, he has not made a single appearance for the Red Devils which have left fans surprised by Erik ten Hag’s decision.
      One fan took their opinion to X, saying, “Bayindr should be on the phone to his agent telling him to secure him a move away.”
      “He can’t even start him in the FA Cup against League One Wigan Athletic.”
      Altay Bayındır, 25, Turkish international has played 0 minutes so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
      What TV channel is AFCON being shown on and can it be live streamed?

      All tournament games will be broadcasted on Sky Sports in the UK.
      Games will be shown on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Mix.
      Alternatively, AFCON may broadcast live coverage of games on their YouTube channel – CAF TV.

      Who are the favourites to win AFCON 2024?
      Surprisingly, after only winning one AFCON trophy in their history, Morocco are this year’s tournament favourites.
      Morocco finished 4th in the World Cup which was the highest finish of any African Nation.
      Players to look out for will be Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri, 26, Galatasary forward, Hakim Ziyech, 30, and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, 25.
      Captain Kalidou Koulibaly will be hoping his nation Senegal will retain the AFCON trophy after being second favourite to win the tournament.
      Read more on The Sun
      After all his club and individual accolades, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, 31, has never won the AFCON trophy.
      The forward fell short in two finals in 2017 and 2021 where he went against his former ex Liverpool team mate, Sadio Mane. More

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      Newcastle vs Man City preview: Guardiola’s Treble winners look to close gap on Premier League table toppers

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      MANCHESTER CITY visit struggling Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s men are hoping to close the gap to Liverpool to two points with a win over the Magpies.
      Bruno Guimaraes will brilliant in Newcastle’s win over SunderlandCredit: Getty
      Kevin de Bruyne could return to Premier League action against NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Man City won the previous fixture between these two sides thanks to Julian Alvarez’s brilliant goal.
      Manchester City will be looking forward for the return of Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian maestro came off the bench in a 5-0 win against Huddersfield Town.
      De Bruyne provided an assist for Jeremy Doku in a 33 minute cameo against the Championship strugglers.
      What is their form like?
      Newcastle United have the 3rd best home record in the Premier League by only loosing twice all season to Liverpool and quite recently, Nottingham Forest.
      READ MORE ON MAN CITY
      However recent form does not go for good reading for The Magpies.
      Eddie Howe’s men have endured seven defeats out of TEN matches in all competitions which has left his side currently sitting 9th in the league.
      After being 6 points adrift in early December, Manchester City have certainly found their form by being unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions.
      Pep Guardiola’s men are currently leading the Premier League with the most goals with 45, which is seven goals less after 19 games in their treble winning season.
      Most read in Football
      Not to mention, The Citizens away form in the league is better than any other side which makes Saturday a very compelling game due to Newcastle’s impressive home record at St .James’ Park.
      Who will be the star men?
      Fresh off a brace at the Stadium of Light, Alexander Isak is a man on a mission with the Newcastle forward scoring 13 goals in all competitions this season.
      The Swedish forward has already beaten his previous season tally which was 11 goals.

      If Newcastle end up getting a result on Saturday, there would be no surprise if Isak contributes to that with the striker scoring 4 goals in his last 3 games.
      Silky Phil Foden is in fine form this season with the midfield maestro scoring 11 goals and producing 8 assists for his side.
      Similarly, the Stockport born midfielder is also coming off the back of a brace last weekend by scoring two instinctive goals in the sides win over Huddersfield Town.

      The England International has certainly stepped up for the treble winning side after Premier League’s leading goal scorer Erling Haalandendured a small period on the side lines with an ankle injury.
      What is the team news?
      Injury hit Newcastle United still have several key players out for the fixture.
      Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson will be unavailable on Saturday.
      Brazilian midfielder, Joelinton, is currently being assessed ahead of the game.
      Manchester City will be without defender John Stones after sustaining an ankle injury at Goodison Park in late December.
      Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips are expected to feature after the duo missed the FA Cup win against Huddersfield due to illness.
      Pep Guardiola will be hoping that his star man, Erling Haaland, will be available for the trip to St. James’.
      What have the managers said?
      Pep Guardiola said: “[Erling has had] two or three sessions and feels good. Hopefully, [he can play soon but], I don’t know for Sunday or for Newcastle.”
      Eddie Howe said after his sides win over Sunderland on the weekend that: “It’s been a frustrating time for us and our injuries are still a big problem.”
      “Physically we look stronger. That extra gear was back. And we’ve not just won the game but kept a clean sheet.”
      When is Newcastle v Man City?

      Newcastle United will face Manchester City on Saturday, January 13.

      The match is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm GMT.
      St. James’ Park will host approximately 52,000 fans in Tyneside.

      What TV channel is Newcastle v Man City on and can it be live streamed?

      Newcastle United v Manchester City will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
      Coverage of the tie will be expected to be at 4:45pm GMT.
      Alternative, you can watch Newcastle United V Manchester City LIVE on the streaming platform, discovery+.

      SUNSPORT prediction
      Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City
      Read more on The Sun
      What are the odds?

      Newcastle to win 9/2
      Draw 16/5
      Manchester City to win 4/7

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Why are only half of the Premier League playing this weekend?

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      It has been a thrilling start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with battles at both ends of the table starting to heat up.And as we enter the second half of the season, fans are wondering why only half of the top flight are playing this weekend – SunSport has the reason why.
      The Premier League winter break is in full forceCredit: PA
      Why are only half of the Premier League playing this weekend?
      There will only be ten Premier League teams in action this weekend.
      This is because the other ten sides will be on their winter break following a gruelling Christmas period.
      Gameweek 21 has been split across two weeks, so each Premier League team will have a weekend off, but limited live football will still be on for fans to enjoy.
      Five games will take place between the 12th and 14th of January, while the other five will take place between the 20th and 22nd.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Premier League will then return back to normal with a full round of fixtures between January 30th and February 1st.
      What are the Premier League fixtures over the winter break?
      Gameweek 21 Premier League fixtures:
      Friday, 12 January

      Burnley vs Luton Town – 19:45

      Most read in Football
      Saturday, 13 January

      Sunday, 14 January

      Saturday, 20 January

      Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – 12:30
      Brentford vs Nottingham Forest – 17:30

      Sunday, 21 January

      Sheffield United vs West Ham – 14:00
      Bournemouth vs Liverpool – 16:30

      Read more on The Sun
      Monday, 22 January

      Brighton vs Wolves – 19:45 More

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      What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer window

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      THE January transfer window is in full swing, with many Premier League clubs looking to strengthen ahead of the business end of the season.But some clubs may have to be more careful than others due to FFP restrictions – and SunSport has all the details why.
      Premier League clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer windowCredit: GETTY
      What is FFP and how will it affect Premier League sides during the January transfer window?
      Mikel Arteta admitted that signing a new striker in the January transfer window was unlikely, many Arsenal fans blamed three things – F, F, P.
      FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
      Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
      The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
      But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
      The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
      Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
      Most read in Football
      Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns.
      Chelsea’s splurge in the summer once again saw them offering deals of up to eight years, spreading the P&S “cost” of the deals even further, although club chiefs agreed to close that loophole and amortise all deals across a maximum of five years going forward.
      Of course, that is storing up trouble if the players do not work out, as the “loss” each does not reduce as quickly.
      On the other side, all transfer fees received can be accounted for in full – minus what is left on the initial amortised cost.
      Using Chelsea as an example, they could bank the full combined £82m received for the home-grown Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kwame Ampadu.
      But while Arsenal paid £65m for Kai Havertz, the “profit” was around £40m as he still had two years on his initial Blues contract, while they would have made a small loss on the £17m sale of defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
      Kai Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea this summerCredit: GETTY
      Wages to the first team squad and managerial staff also have to be factored in, as well as agents’ fees and any compensation payments to sacked bosses.
      But clubs can deduct cash spent on stadium infrastructure, academy costs, their women’s teams and, until last season, the impact of the pandemic.
      After Everton received a 10-point penalty for breaching the regulations – the Toffees are appealing the sentence but admitted guilt – other clubs are aware of the potential repercussions.
      It is those concerns that appear to be an issue for Arsenal and Newcastle in particular this month.
      The Gunners, who had a net spend of around £140m in 2022-23, lashed out nearly £200m this summer to land Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Havertz, although they recouped £70m from sales.
      Declan Rice joined Arsenal for a club-record £105m feeCredit: GETTY
      Newcastle, under their new Saudi owners, had a net spend of around £170m last season and a further £95m in the summer.
      In simple terms, a number of clubs are worried they might break the spending limits – and do not want to suffer the consequences, forcing a degree of constraint in this window.
      Both Newcastle and Arsenal also have to contend with new Uefa spending rules, which not only limit losses to £77.7m over three years but also restrict the total outlay on transfers and wages to 90 per cent of a club’s total income this season, reducing to 70 per cent by 2025-26.
      Read more on The Sun
      Meanwhile, Prem lawyers and accountants are combing their way through the books presented by all 20 clubs before the end of last year to discover if any teams breached the spending limits for last season.
      Under new League rules agreed by the 20 clubs in the summer, any charges must be brought by next week with commission hearings that would be completed by the start of April. More

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      Liverpool vs Fulham – Carabao Cup semi-final: Klopp’s Reds host Cottagers as they look to secure spot in Wembley final

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      LIVERPOOL host Fulham on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.Jurgen Klopp’s men are trying to avoid an upset against the Cottagers, with the last fixture between the two sides resulting in a Liverpool comeback, scoring two goals in a minute to win 4-3.
      Liverpool beat title rivals Arsenal 2-0 in the FA Cup third round on Sunday eveningCredit: GETTY
      Fulham overcame Championship side Rotherham 1-0 in the FA Cup last time outCredit: GETTY
      After the Reds beat Arsenal 2-0 in the FA Cup and secured their place in the fourth round, their attention has now turned to the Carabao Cup.
      Liverpool and Fulham will play in a mandatory two-legged tie in order to decide who will play in the final at Wembley.
      The winner will go on to face either Middlesbrough or Chelsea on Sunday, February 25th 2024.
      The Reds are hoping to extend their record amount of EFL Cups as they seek a record-breaking tenth title.
      READ MORE IN LIVERPOOL
      What is their form like?
      Top of the table Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, while Fulham have won their last two matches, which includes their win against title-challengers Arsenal.
      Fulham have the fifth leakiest defence in the Premier League, conceding 35 goals.
      That will make good reading for Jurgen Klopp and his team, as the Reds are the third-highest goalscorers with 43 goals.
      Liverpool have won 13 games in the top flight this campaign, which is the most wins by any side other, apart from Aston Villa.
      Most read in Football
      What is the team news?
      The Reds will be without Andrew Robertson, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Dominik Szoboszlai, Kostas Tsimikas and Stefan Bajcetic as they have injuries.
      Virgil van Dijk is expected to be back after missing the Arsenal game last time out due to illness.
      Liverpool will be missing their top scorer Mohamed Salah and midfielder Wataru Endo for their upcoming semi-final due to the duo participating in Afcon and the AFC Asian Cup respectively.
      The Cottagers will be without Adama Traore as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.
      Tim Ream will also be unavailable for the trip to Anfield due to an ongoing calf problem.
      Fulham will definitely be without Calvin Bassey, Fode Ballo-Toure and Alex Iwobi due to commitments to Afcon.
      Who will be the star men?
      Influential Mo Salah will be hugely missed by the Reds but a player that may step up to the plate is Darwin Nunez.
      Darwin Nunez will be a player to look out for with the forward scoring five goals and assisting six times in the league so far this season.
      The Uruguayan netted once in the Carabao Cup in Liverpool’s 1-2 win against Bournemouth in the round of 16.

      Marco Silva striker concerns may have eased after the summer departure of Alexandra Mitrovic with Raul Jimenez returning to form.
      The Mexican has scored four goals in Fulham’s last five matches but the forward is yet to find the net in the Carabao Cup.

      SunSport prediction
      Liverpool 4-1 Fulham
      When is Liverpool vs Fulham?

      Liverpool will face Fulham on Wednesday, January 10th.
      The match is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT.
      Anfield will host approximately 57,000 fans after the expansion of the Anfield Road stand.

      What TV channel is Liverpool vs Fulham on and can it be live streamed?

      Liverpool vs Fulham will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
      Coverage of the tie will commence at 7pm GMT.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage.

      What are the odds?
      Match result
      Read more on The Sun

      Liverpool to win 4/11
      Draw 4/1
      Fulham to win 15/2

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Why was Franz Beckenbauer called Der Kaiser?

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      FRANZ Beckenbauer was one of the world’s most recognisable footballer’s, winning the World Cup as both a player and manager.Beckenbauer died at the age of 78 on January 7, 2024. Here’s what we know about him.
      Franz Beckenbauer won the World Cup as a player and manger
      Why was Franz Beckenbauer called Der Kaiser?
      Beckenbauer was one of the most decorated footballers in history, winning major trophies as both a player and manager.
      He was known as Der Kaiser, which translates to English as as The Emperor.
      He first labelled Der Kaiser by a magazine that said he resembled former Bavarian king Kaiser Ludwig II.
      This knickname followed him throughout his career, and was further cemented as he captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1974, as well as winning as manager with his country in 1990.
      READ MORE ON BECKENBAUER
      Who did Franz Beckenbauer play for?
      Beckenbauer started his professional career at Bayern Munich, the club in which he would make his name at.
      Beckenbauer made 584 appearances in total for the Bavarian club, scoring 75 times.
      His time in Munich was successful, winning four Bundesliga titles and three European cups in his 13 years at the club.
      After leaving Bayern, Beckenbauer joined New York Cosmos, playing there from 1977 to 1980.
      Most read in Football
      He then returned to Germany, this time joining Hamburg, helping them win the Bundesliga in 1982, which qualified them for the European cup.
      Beckenbauer then returned to New York Cosmos in 1983 for his second spell.
      When did Franz Beckenbauer retire?
      Beckenbauer retired in 1983, finishing his career with New York Cosmos.
      He became West Germany head coach in 1984, and oversaw a hugely successful period.
      He led the team to the 1986 World Cup final in Mexico, losing 3-2 in the final to a Diego Maradona inspired Argentina.
      He then led the team to the Semi finals of Euro 88, losing to rivals The Netherlands on home soil.
      In 1990 in Italy, Beckenbauer became only the second manager after Brazil’s Mario Zagallo to win the World Cup as a player and manager.
      West Germany defeated England on penalties in the semi final before avenging their final defeat four years earlier against Argentina, winning 1-0 with Andreas Brehme scoring the winner from the penalty spot.
      Beckenbauer left the West Germany job in 1990, to join Marseille. In his only season at the club, he won Ligue 1 and lost in the European cup final to Red Star Belgrade.
      He then had two successful spells with Bayern Munich, between 1993 and 1994, and then again in 1996.
      Read more on The Sun
      He won the Bundesliga and the UEFA Cup in his two spells, leaving his post for the final time in June 1996, his final job in management.
      He later was president of Bayern Munch and the Vice-president of the German Football Association. 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