FC Bayern said goodbye to Franz Beckenbauer with an emotional memorial service on Friday. Guests from all around the world attended the event at the Allianz Arena, which carried the motto of "Player, Human, Kaiser".
Among the 30,000 attendees were the Bayern men's and women's first teams as well as several former colleagues and friends of the Kaiser.
fcbayern.com rounds up the memorial service:
Prelude and "Gute Freunde" chorus
Before the offical part there was a prelude featuring musical accompaniment from saxophonist Noah Fischer, the Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn brass band and the Tölz Boys' Choir. There was a good mix of emotional and lively songs such as Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York", in reference to Beckenbauer's time as a player in the USA with Cosmos, and Bayern anthem "Stern des Südens".
As the stadium filled up, there was also a rendition of Beckenbauer's own song "Gute Freunde", which was the emotional high point of the build-up with all those in attendance joining in.
Wreath laying
Forming the transition to the main part, wreaths were laid around the centre circle, including ones from the 1990 World Cup team, FIFA, UEFA, the Bavarian Football Association, Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
"It's nice that so many people have come here to say goodbye to our Kaiser in this special setting," said master of ceremony Stephan Lehmann. "Franz Beckenbauer is no longer with us, but he'll always be present."
On behalf of all mourners, Paul Breitner, Rainer Bonhof, Andreas Brehme, Günter Netzer, Wolfgang Overath, Lothar Matthäus, Franz "Bulle" Roth, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Georg "Katsche" Schwarzenbeck, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Berti Vogts laid roses.
Herbert Hainer: 'A role model for all generations'
FCB president Herbert Hainer gave the first speech, stressing: "Franz was a friend to everyone. He never forgot where he came from, he was a role model for all generations. You just had to admire him, I admired him."
Hainer described Beckenbauer's "gift" of always having an open ear to people, adding: "Taking time for each other is his legacy." At FC Bayern we were lucky to experience an "empire". Hainer promised: "It's now down to us to keep this story alive. FC Bayern will always remain the Kaiser's empire."
Frank-Walter Steinmeier: 'Rendered outstanding services to our country'
German President Steinmeier also highlighted Beckenbauer's personal values. "No one can estimate how much sympathy he has brought to our country worldwide. He has rendered outstanding services to our country."
As a well-travelled man, he noted that "people all over the world knew, admired and loved Franz Beckenbauer. His fairness was never inferior to his talent. We bid farewell to a great German. Thank you for everything."
Dr. Markus Söder: 'A timeless icon'
Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, then described Beckenbauer from the perspective of three generations, who experienced him as a player, coach and World Cup organiser. "Franz Beckenbauer is a guiding light, idol, a kind of football god, a timeless icon. He took everyone seriously and respected them," he recounted from his own experience.
"Successes on the pitch are one thing, but success as a person is particularly impressive." Franz Beckenbauer's light shines brightly and far beyond all shadows.
Uli Hoeneß: 'He was endlessly generous'
FCB honorary president Hoeneß followed on seamlessly. His words - memories of times together on the pitch, the Kaiser's class on the ball, and the special bond between the two - once again reflected the extraordinary character Beckenbauer possessed. "Hs ability to care about others was one of his most important characteristics. He was endlessly generous," summarised Hoeneß, adding: "When he did something, he did it with diligence and hard work. His masterpiece was when he brought the 2006 World Cup to us."
Emotionally, he closed by saying: "Dear Franz, I miss you very much."
He spoke for many as lengthy applause broke out. Even the sun appeared, bathing some of the mourners in warm light. Fitting weather.
Musical accompaniment from Jonas Kaufmann, prayer from Archbishop Reinhard Marx
Munich-born star tenor Jonas Kaufmann provided the musical accompaniment to the service, singing "Con te partiro" ("Time to Say Goodbye"), "E più ti penso" (from "Once Upon a Time in America") and "Nessun dorma".
Archbishop of Munich Reinhard Marx also offered a prayer at the end.
Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer.
The live blog of the memorial service for Franz Beckenbauer:
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