On Wednesday, a delegation from FC Bayern led by club president Herbert Hainer, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and long-time companions Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge attended a solemn memorial service in honour of Franz Beckenbauer in the court chapel of the Residenz in Munich. At the invitation of Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, a book of condolence was laid out there in honour of the Bavarian icon, who died on Sunday at the age of 78.
Hainer: “Beckenbauer revolutionised football”
“It was a sad day for us when we learnt that Franz Beckenbauer died on Sunday evening,” said Hainer. “Franz was more important not only for Bayern Munich, but also for world football than almost anyone else. Just as Muhammed Ali revolutionised boxing, Franz Beckenbauer revolutionised football.” Despite his exceptional status, the Kaiser always remained down-to-earth, as Hainer continued: “Franz was an incredibly loving and endearing person who treated everyone equally. That is also the reason why he is so popular all over the world.”
Fans around the world have the opportunity to sign a digital book of condolence:
The Bavarian Minister-President also paid tribute to Beckenbauer's life's work: “We are bidding farewell to a wonderful person and a football God,” stated Söder. “He brought football to the centre of society and positively changed Germany's image in the world. And he helped create the Bayern Munich legend, for which we are known and loved all over the world. One of the greatest Bavarians has left us. We will miss Franz Beckenbauer very much and never forget him.”
Memorial service at the Allianz Arena on 19 January
The book of condolence will be on display in the court chapel of Munich’s Residenz until 19 January to give all residents of Beckenbauer's hometown the opportunity to say goodbye to the football legend in person. On the same day, FC Bayern will also be organising a large memorial service for the Kaiser at the Allianz Arena from 15:00 CET. The ceremony in FC Bayern's stadium is intended to create an opportunity to honour Beckenbauer in the environment in which he reached people's hearts in a unique way, on the football pitch.
Further information on the memorial service can be found here:
Topics of this article