Germany bid its ultimate farewell to Franz Beckenbauer on Friday at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, marking the conclusion of ceremonies following the passing of the German football legend at the age of 78.
Beckenbauer had been laid to rest in a private ceremony at a Munich cemetery a week prior. The public commemoration on Friday allowed fans and supporters to pay their respects beneath the clear Bavarian sky.
Approximately 20,000 fans gathered alongside prominent figures in European football and German politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, and German FA boss Bernd Neuendorf were seated alongside Barcelona's Joan Laporta, Paris Saint-Germain's Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and Real Madrid's honorary president Jose Martinez Pirri in the stands. On the pitch, German World Cup winners Paul Breitner, Lothar Matthaeus, and Bastian Schweinsteiger paid their respects.
Beckenbauer's iconic number five, crafted from red roses, adorned the green turf of the Allianz, accompanied by wreaths from top clubs worldwide, including Liverpool and Barcelona.
Honorary Bayern President Uli Hoeness, a close associate of Beckenbauer who played and worked with him at the powerhouse club, paid tribute to his "great friend."
"Dear Franz, you left us 12 days ago. Honestly, I deeply miss you," said Hoeness. "Rest in peace, a peace that, unfortunately, you could not fully enjoy in recent years in the manner you deserve."
Born in suburban Munich, Beckenbauer left an indelible mark on world football for half a century. He played a pivotal role in Bayern's ascent to the Bundesliga, securing league and European titles with the club. Internationally, he achieved success both as a player and coach, winning the 1972 Euros and the 1974 World Cup with West Germany.
Beckenbauer, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner in 1972 and 1976, went on to coach Germany to a World Cup victory, joining an elite group of individuals who have triumphed in the tournament as both player and manager.
The Allianz Arena, described by Hoeness as the "most beautiful stadium in the world," provided a fitting backdrop for the public farewell, a structure that Beckenbauer himself played an integral role in bringing to fruition. /BGNES
