Franz Beckenbauer: Bayern Munich light up Allianz Arena in honour of German legend

Bayern Munich have lit up their Allianz Arena stadium in honour of Franz Beckenbauer.

Beckenbauer won four league titles with Bayern and was captain when the German giants won the European Cup in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

“Thank you for everything, Franz Beckenbauer,” said Bayern in a statement.

“In memory of the ‘Kaiser’, the Allianz Arena will light up with the words ‘Thank you Franz’ in the evening hours of 16:30 to 22:00 CET over the coming days.

“To finish, the special illumination will also be seen from 16:30 to 00:30 on Friday night, during FC Bayern’s home match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

“FC Bayern is mourning the loss of Franz Beckenbauer.”

The Germany great, primarily a defender, played 582 times for Bayern Munich and, in two managerial stints at the club, helped them win the Bundesliga title in 1994 and Uefa Cup two years later.

He was also the club’s president from 1994 to 2009.

Beckenbauer won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as the team’s manager in 1990.

He is one of only three men to have lifted the World Cup as both a player and a manager, along with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps.

Sir Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick for England when Beckenbauer was on the losing side in the 1966 World Cup final.

“Sad news of Franz Beckenbauer,” wrote Hurst on X.

“RIP one of the greatest defenders of all time. Up there with Bobby Moore in the pantheon of all-time greats.”

Former England captain David Beckham also paid tribute to Beckenbauer on social media.

“So sad to lose a special person, special player and a true gentleman, we send love and thoughts to Franz’s family and friends,” wrote Beckham.