After Herbert Hainer opened the 2024 annual general meeting, the FC Bayern president directed personal, emotional words to the late Franz Beckenbauer. “Dearest Franz, you made this club what it is today, a byword for the greatest possible success, a unique style and profound humanity, as a player, coach, president and companion. You gave FC Bayern the charisma that continues to have an impact today,” Hainer said, adding that the club had this year lost the greatest figure in its history. “Franz, we miss you. What’s left and what binds us is the memory of you.” His legacy was to always have an open ear for everyone. “Take time for each other - that is certainly his greatest legacy,” Hainer stated. Der Kaiser will always remain a part of the FC Bayern family, even after his death.
In a special exhibition entitled ‘Forever our Kaiser’ with unique exhibits from the career of the greatest German footballer of all time, some of which were provided by Beckenbauer's wife Heidi, visitors to the AGM were able to get another impression of the extraordinary career of their idol. President Hainer also took the opportunity to view the exhibition before the start of the event, which was very busy. Numerous fans had their photos taken with the original European Cup trophy, in front of football boots worn by the FC Bayern legend in the World Cup final, his historic jerseys, awards and trophies.
“Franz Beckenbauer will remain untouchable, he will forever be our Kaiser,” Hainer said to the members in attendance. After a video clip that relived some of Beckenbauer's greatest moments, his widow Heidi and son Joel also took to the stage. To thunderous applause from the members present, Hainer proposed that FC Bayern should retire his iconic No.5 shirt in memory of its greatest legend. “The No.5 will be reserved for a unique legacy,” said Hainer, “because our club and its history are simply unthinkable without Franz.”
Topics of this article