Former teammate and former CEO of Bayern Munich Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated on Tuesday that German football supporters ought to pack the Allianz Arena to honor the memory of the great Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 78.
After a tremendously successful career both on and off the field spanning more than 50 years, Beckenbauer—who was Germany’s first really worldwide sports hero and led them to the World Cup titles as player and coach in 1974 and 1990, respectively—became ingrained in the nation’s social fabric.
Known as one of the greatest players of all time, Beckenbauer led West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup, winning the tournament two years after winning the European Championship. He had 103 caps.
He also headed the organising committee for the 2006 World Cup held in Germany.
“The whole world of football and beyond is grieving for our friend Franz,” Rummenigge, who played alongside Beckenbauer at Bayern Munich in the 1970s, told Bild newspaper.
Rummenigge, a former longtime Bayern CEO, was West Germany’s captain under coach Beckenbauer in the 1986 World Cup where they lost to Argentina in the final.
“As a thank you and in remembrance FC Bayern should organise a commemoration in the stadium which would not have existed without him,” he said.
Beckenbauer was part of the mighty Bayern Munich team who won three consecutive European Cups from 1974-76 among other titles. He became the team coach and club president after his playing career, establishing the German champions as one of the most successful and valuable brands in European soccer.
