Bayern Munich retire late Franz Beckenbauer's number 5 shirt

The former Bavarian player passed away in January.

In remembrance of club legend Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away on January 7 at the age of 78, Bayern Munich will hang up the team’s number five shirt.

At the club’s yearly meeting on Sunday, Herbert Hainer, the club’s president of Bayern, made the declaration in front of widow Heidi Beckenbauer and son Joel, to roaring acclaim.

“The number 5 will be reserved for a unique legacy. Because our club and its history are simply unthinkable without Franz,” Hainer said of Beckenbauer who wore that shirt number.

“This year, FC Bayern has lost the greatest personality in its history.

“Dear Franz, you made the club what it is today: a synonym for the greatest possible success, unique style – and deep humanity. As a player, coach, president and companion. You have given FC Bayern the radiance that continues to have an impact today.

“You can imagine anything, but you certainly can’t imagine FC Bayern without Franz Beckenbauer,” Hainer said, naming the presence of Heidi and Joel Beckenbauer “a great honour.”

In the 1960s and 1970s, Beckenbauer, also known as Der Kaiser (The Emperor), revolutionized the sweeper role with his poise and command. With his longtime team Bayern, he won numerous championships, including the Intercontinental Cup and three European Cups.

Beckenbauer served as club president from 1994 to 2009 and as Bayern Munich’s coach for a brief while in the 1990s. He was the primary organizer of the 2006 World Cup in Germany and won the World Cup both as a coach and as a player in 1990 and 1974, respectively.

Beckenbauer and the other former players who passed away in the last 12 months were honoured by Bayern. They also featured Andreas Brehme, who passed away this year at the age of 63. Brehme had scored the game-winning goal in the 1990 World Cup final.

Throughout his remarkable career, Franz Beckenbauer made 584 appearances for Bayern, contributing 75 assists and 75 goals.

Prior to the event’s hectic start, President Hainer also had the chance to see the display. In front of the football boots the FC Bayern great wore in the World Cup final, as well as his famous shirts, accolades, and trophies; many fans had their pictures taken with the original European Cup trophy.

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