OT: Soccer's Franz Beckenbauer Dies at 78

[Source]

"Franz Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup both as player and coach and became one of Germany’s most beloved personalities with his easygoing charm, has died. He was 78..."
He also played for the New York Cosmos 1977-80, 83.

Franz Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup both as player and coach for Germany, has died at 78

The family of the World Cup-winning coach issued a statement to news agency dpa saying he "passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family."

apnews.com

 

[MadRU]

One of the greatest ever, RIP

 

[RUPete]

Fortunate to have been able see him play for the Cosmos. One of the greats in the game and a class act.

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

Der Kaiser RIP. I was fortunate to see him play with the Cosmos.

Edit: Kaiser is a German for Caesar.

 

[famousbill19]

The first football/soccer match I ever attended was Franz Beckenbauer Day when he was with the Cosmos at Giants Stadium. I remember listening to Cosmos games on the radio and watching on Channel 9 with Jim Karvellas and Seamus Malin on the call.

 

[RUPete]

One of Franz's best Cosmos moments:
1978 Minnesota Kicks Shootout

 

[Section124]

RIP He was my favorite player and got to see him as well back when he played for the Cosmos. Always rooted for his West German teams.

I believe he lived in Kitzbuhel Austria (famous ski town/resort).

 

[MadRU]

Der Kaiser, best center back I ever saw, was the sweeper.

 

[pele78]

Invented the role of Libero. Always under control. One of 3 men to win the World Cup as player and manager. A giant of the game. Also saw him play for Cosmos.