Bayern Munich have confirmed that they will dedicate tonight’s Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena to the memory of Franz Beckenbauer.
The German football legend died on Sunday at the age of 78, his family confirmed.
Beckenbauer’s health has gradually declined ever since his son Stephan died in 2015. Since then the iconic former player and manager had battled Parkinson’s disease, dementia, as well as undergoing heart operations.
‘It is with deep sadness that we announce that husband and father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family,’ a statement read.
‘We ask that you be able to mourn in silence and refrain from asking any questions.’
Bayern Munich have confirmed that they will pay tribute to Franz Beckenbauer tonight following his death
The Allianz Arena has been lit up with ‘Thank you Franz’ following his death on Sunday
The club confirmed this morning that the Bayern players will warm up with Beckenbauer’s iconic no.5 shirt and wear training jackets from the Kaiser’s era.
Beckenbauer’s own song, ‘Gute Freunde’, will be played over the stadium’s loudspeakers as the squads walk out and if Munich score a goal.
A Beckenbauer banner will be placed on the centre circle ahead of kick-off, while the players will also play the match in a special jersey with ‘Danke Franz’ – Thank you Franz – printed on it.
Each shirt will be signed after tonight’s match and will be auctioned off on the FC Bayern Online Store auction platform from Wednesday, January 17 – with the proceeds going to the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation.
Beckenbauer is unanimously viewed as one of football’s greatest ever players.
He was part of the West Germany side that lost to England in the 1966 World Cup final.
Beckenbauer is in an exclusive club as he is one of only three men, including France manager Didier Deschamps and Brazilian icon Mario Zagallo, who passed away last week, to have won a World Cup as a player and manager.
Footballing greats including Gary Lineker and Lothar Matthaus have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former defender following his death.
The Germany icon is one of three men to have won the World Cup as both player and manager
The decorated player is one of nine men to have won the World Cup, the European Cup and the Ballon d’Or
‘Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died,’ former England striker Gary Lineker posted on social media.
‘One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.’
On the pitch, Thomas Tuchel’s side currently sit second in the Bundesliga – four points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Munich have also confirmed that both clubs tonight will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence before the game.
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