“Rest in Peace, Emperor”
Bavaria starts the new year with an emotional tribute to Beckenbauer
January 12, 2024, 8:49 p.m
“Good friends” for the arrival, “Thank you Franz” on the jerseys: FC Bayern’s first Bundesliga game of the new year is all about the emotional memory of Franz Beckenbauer. In the icy stadium, the memory of the “Kaiser” warms the hearts of the fans.
FC Bayern once again honored the great life’s work of its late icon Franz Beckenbauer in detail in the Bundesliga home game against TSG Hoffenheim. Beckenbauer was omnipresent in the Bundesliga home game against TSG Hoffenheim, and not just during the minute’s silence for the football emperor before kick-off.
While the Allianz Arena was lit up with the words “Thank you Franz” as in the past few days, “Rest in Peace, Emperor” was written on the boards. A black banner hung in front of the south curve with the words “The figure of light is going on her last journey!” The Bayern stars warmed up in special tracksuits with the legendary number 5, based on the 70s outfits of Beckenbauer and Co. After the game, the jackets and trousers will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Beckenbauer Foundation.
“Franz Beckenbauer’s death shocked the football world”
Special introductory music also played from the loudspeakers: “No one can separate good friends,” sang Beckenbauer – and the fans joined in loudly. In the center circle, an oversized Beckenbauer waited on the lawn. After the Bayern professionals took off their warm-up jackets, their special jerseys were previewed: “Thank you Franz” was printed on the front and, like their opponents, they wore mourning.
Before the game, the stadium announcer addressed all fans and all of football Germany with emotional words. “The death of Franz Beckenbauer has shocked the football world. There are no words to express this loss. Beckenbauer changed football, he shaped this world,” he said, expressing his “sadness for a unique person.” He concluded with the words: “Dear Fanz, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.” After long, warm applause, there was a minute’s silence.
Shortly afterwards it started, although it wasn’t business as usual, but the ball rolled in front of the eyes of many of the emperor’s companions. The fact that the Bundesliga restart – as it is officially called – finally began was perhaps also in Beckenbauer’s interest. “Actually, I think he would have liked a football festival,” coach Thomas Tuchel said before the game on the streaming service DAZN about the initially somewhat depressed mood.