Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German footballer who achieved great success both as a player and coach, has passed away at the age of 78. Beckenbauer, affectionately known as ‘Der Kaiser’, was one of the last remaining icons from the post-War era of football. He played a crucial role in the rise of German football, both at the club level with Bayern Munich and internationally with the West German national team. Beckenbauer’s elegant playing style and natural leadership made him a beloved figure in the sport. However, his legacy was not without controversy, as he was implicated in possible corruption related to the hosting rights of the 2006 World Cup. Despite this tarnish on his career, Beckenbauer will be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time.