Franz Beckenbauer: Widow Heidi and the children appear publicly for the first time

Franz Beckenbauer
Widow Heidi and the children appear publicly again for the first time

Joel, Heidi and Francesca Beckenbauer

© Revierfoto / imago images

The big memorial service for Franz Beckenbauer took place on Friday, January 19, 2024. Heidi Beckenbauer, the emperor’s widow, and their children also took part. It was the family’s first public appearance after the football legend’s death.

Franz Beckenbauer, †78, has shaped German football like no other player or coach. The “Emperor” closed his eyes forever on Sunday, January 7, 2024. On January 12th, according to Bavarian Radio, he was buried in his parents’ grave at the Perlacher Forst cemetery in Munich. He was buried as part of a private funeral service in a small circle. A large public memorial service has now taken place for the football legend, which was attended by former footballers such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, 39, and Lothar Matthäus, 62, as well as the family of the deceased. It is the first time since Beckenbauer’s death that his widow Heidi and their children Joel, 24, and Francesca, 20, have appeared in public.

Franz Beckenbauer’s widow Heidi is supported by her children

The memorial service on Friday, January 19th begins at 3:00 p.m. The stands in the Allianz Arena in Munich fill up quickly, many people want to pay their last respects to the emperor. Wreaths and flowers are placed on the field. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, 68, Honorary President of FC Bayern Munich Uli Hoeneß, 72, and Bayern President Herbert Hainer, 69, paid tribute to the former world champion with touching words in their speeches.

Heidi Beckenbauer and Rudi Völler

© ActionPictures / imago images

For For Heidi Beckenbauer, who married her beloved Franz in 2006, the memorial service is a difficult one. She is visibly moved as she sees her late husband being honored, praised and celebrated by those present. Son Joel and daughter Francesca stand by their mother, holding her hand. After the memorial service, which lasted around an hour and a half, some soccer stars stopped by Beckenbauer’s family and said goodbye to Heidi in person. Rudi Völler, 63, hugs the widow of his long-time friend and manages to make her smile.

Sources used: imago-images.de, br.de

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