Bayern Munich Unveils Statue of Franz Beckenbauer at Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich has honoured legendary German footballer Franz Beckenbauer with a bronze statue unveiled outside the Allianz Arena on Friday, a day after what would have been his 80th birthday.

Nicknamed “Der Kaiser” for his graceful yet commanding style of play, Beckenbauer passed away in January 2024 at the age of 78. The statue, depicting him with his right foot on the ball in his trademark “Libero” stance, celebrates his role in redefining modern football during the 1970s.

Beckenbauer enjoyed a glittering career, winning the Bundesliga, World Cup, and three consecutive European Cups as a player before lifting the World Cup again as a manager. He remains the only defender to have won the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1972 and 1976.

During the unveiling, Bayern president Herbert Hainer described the moment as deeply moving, recalling Beckenbauer as “a great friend, footballer, and above all, a remarkable person.”

In addition to the statue, Bayern has further immortalized Beckenbauer by painting his iconic No. 5 jersey inside the stadium, renaming the approach road “Franz Beckenbauer Place,” and dedicating the German Super Cup in his honour.

Beckenbauer also played a pivotal role in the planning and construction of the Allianz Arena, alongside Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The statue now stands beside that of another Bayern icon, Gerd Müller, marking Beckenbauer’s lasting legacy in Munich and world football.