Tribute to Franz Beckenbauer at the Ballon d'Or gala in Paris. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge gives a speech for his long-time companions.

Paris – Franz Beckenbauer died on January 7, 2024 at the age of 78. UEFA and Groupe Amaury, to which France football and L'Equipe are paying tribute to the late German football legend as part of their Ballon d'Or gala.

This year, the Ballon d'Or is not only about exceptional sporting achievements, but is also dedicated to a special homage to the “Emperor”.

Tribute ceremony with Heidi, Joel and Francesca Beckenbauer and Rummenigge

In addition to the widow Heidi and the children Joel and Francesca, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also took part in the ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. “The emperor was the emperor and treated people nicely off the field.” He was a role model on and off the pitch. He was my teammate, my national coach and my president at FC Bayern. We won a lot together on the pitch, but above all he was a good role model. He was famous, on and off the pitch. He was a good role model for everyone. He showed how you have to treat people.”

Beckenbauer's son Joel emphasized that 'Emperor Franz' was simply the dad in the family. “He was a role model as a player and coach, but also as a father.” He treated everyone fairly and gave us the right values. At home he was never the emperor, he was just the best father.”

Beckenbauer's great successes as a player and coach

Beckenbauer played 584 competitive games for FC Bayern (75 goals, 75 assists). The Munich native played in 103 international matches for the DFB (14 goals, ten assists). As a player, the “Kaiser” won the championship five times and the European Cup four times with FC Bayern, and as a coach he also won the championship and the UEFA Cup. With the national team he became world champion as a player in 1974 and as a coach in 1990.