The German football and Bayern legendary defender Franz Beckenbauer died at age 78

The world football suffered a big blow in the last few hours, as the German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, 'The Kaiser' born in Munich, Germany, in 1945 and recognized as one of the best players of all time, died today at the age of 78 after fighting for the last few months against an illness that had kept him out of public life.

The historic player won the World Cup as a player in 1974 and as a coach in 1990, a European Championship (1972), three consecutive European Cups (1974-1977) and two Ballon d'Ors (1972 and 1976), and was among the best footballers of the 20th century alongside Diego Armando Maradona, Pelé himself, Cruyff, Eusebio, Di Stefano or Puskas.

"I would have liked to travel, but my health does not allow me to take long trips," Beckenbauer declared in a statement shortly after Pelé's death, after not being able to attend 'O Rei's funeral. And a few months ago, Beckenbauer publicly acknowledged having lost vision in his right eye and that doctors recommended he avoid long trips due to his heart problems.

He changed the history of German football

After making his debut with Bayern in 1964, went under the spotlight in the history of the club, where he was included as a part of a legendary team including Gerd Müller, Uli Hoeneß and Sepp Maier, among others, beginning the Bavarian hegemony in the Bundesliga. Before their debut, they had only won two Bundesliga titles. Now they have 33. He retired with the New York Cosmos in 1983 and will be definitely remembered as one of the best players in German and world football of all time.