FC Bayern paid tribute to the great life’s work of its late icon Franz Beckenbauer in the Bundesliga home game against TSG Hoffenheim.

Beckenbauer was omnipresent in the Bundesliga home game against TSG Hoffenheim on Friday evening, and not just during the minute’s silence for the soccer emperor before kick-off.

The Bayern professionals warmed up with the legendary number 5 and wore a special shirt with the inscription “Danke Franz” (“Thank you Franz”) during the game, as did their opponents. After the game, the shirts will be signed and auctioned off. All proceeds will go to the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation.

FC Bayern has also invited numerous of the Kaiser’s companions to the match. As in previous days, the Allianz Arena was lit up with the words “Thank you Franz”. A black banner with the words “The shining light goes on his last journey – rest in peace, Kaiser!” hung in front of the south curve.

FC Bayern: Homage to Beckenbauer with “Good Friends”

The song “Gute Freunde”, once sung by Beckenbauer, was played as the teams entered the pitch. The two scoreboards played a tribute to him in advance, while the otherwise rather colorful supporting program was played in a minor key.

“It’s a great incentive for the team and me to dedicate the game to him and to win,” said coach Thomas Tuchel before kick-off on Sat.1. Beckenbauer’s companion Sepp Maier suggested a statue in front of the arena next to Gerd Müller’s, but emphasized: “I don’t think Franz was at all keen for people to talk about him a lot after his death, he was always a modest person.”

The 1974 World Cup captain and 1990 team manager passed away last Sunday at the age of 78. The funeral took place on Friday in the closest family circle, next Friday (15.00/ARD) there will be a funeral service for Beckenbauer in the Allianz Arena. (sid)