Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Philipp Lahm

A man from the future: Franz Beckenbauer was a role model for a generation

Franz Beckenbauer beats Johan Cruyff to the ball during the 1974 World Cup final between West Germany and Netherlands.
Franz Beckenbauer beats Johan Cruyff to the ball during the 1974 World Cup final between West Germany and Netherlands. Photograph: Dpa Picture Alliance/Alamy

The year begins sadly. Franz Beckenbauer has died. He gave more to German football than anyone else and embodied his country in the best possible way. With wit, charisma, expertise, charm and optimism. The world bows before this shining light.

Beckenbauer always instilled enormous confidence in Germans. First as a player, then as a coach and finally as the man behind the 2006 summer fairytale. It was always true: if Franz takes care of things, nothing can happen to us.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.