Bayern Munich to hold Beckenbauer commemoration event

Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions, announced on Wednesday that they will host a commemoration event for the late German football legend Franz Beckenbauer inside the Allianz Arena on January 19. The purpose is to allow fans to participate and pay their respects to the iconic figure.

Beckenbauer, who passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday, was not only Germany’s first globally recognized sports star but also achieved unparalleled success on and off the pitch during his illustrious 50-year career. As a player and coach, he led Germany to World Cup victories in 1974 and 1990, establishing himself as one of the greatest players of all time. Beckenbauer won 103 caps and captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1974, adding to his triumph at the European Championship two years earlier.

His legacy extended to Bayern Munich, where he played a crucial role in the team’s dominance, winning three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976 and contributing to their success as a coach and club president. Under his leadership, Bayern Munich transitioned from the Olympic Stadium to the purpose-built Allianz Arena in 2006, with a seating capacity of 75,000.

The club released a statement, saying, “FC Bayern will hold a large memorial service for Franz Beckenbauer at his Allianz Arena on Friday 19 January from 15:00 CET.” The event is open to friends, companions from national and international sports, culture, and politics, as well as general fans and the entire football community. The ceremony aims to bid farewell to the unforgettable “Kaiser” in a special and emotional setting.

The home of Bayern Munich, where Franz Beckenbauer became a legend, is lit up tonight in his memory.

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There will be a memorial service there January 19.

The place holds 75,000 people. https://t.co/JtpTeNXMYd

— Tom Harrington (@cbctom) January 9, 2024

The Allianz Arena has already been illuminated with the message ‘Thank You Franz’ since Tuesday, emphasizing the profound impact Beckenbauer had on the club and the sport. The memorial service will focus on honoring Beckenbauer’s memory, celebrating the unique and widespread influence he had on football enthusiasts worldwide, both on and off the pitch.