In a poignant moment for football, German legend Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at 78. Known as ‘Der Kaiser,’ he captained West Germany to World Cup victory in 1974 and later achieved the same feat as a manager in 1990. Beckenbauer’s legacy includes 582 appearances for Bayern Munich, triumphs in the European Championship, and two Ballon d’Or awards. The family’s statement to German news agency DPA revealed that he peacefully passed away in his sleep surrounded by loved ones on Sunday. Football mourns the loss of a true icon