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GuardianJUL 2023
Soccer Icon Franz Beckenbauer Passes Away at 78
Image copyright: Alex Grimm/Bongarts via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
A titan of soccer history, Beckenbauer completed the sport both on the pitch and on the touchline. The complete soccer player, much of his time on the pitch looked effortless while his statesman-like aura earned him the nickname "Der Kaiser" — The Emperor. Although Germany's corruption allegations concerning the 2006 World Cup cannot be forgotten, it will take more than accusations without verdict to blemish the legacy of one of the greatest of all time.
Narrative B
Despite potentially being Germany's greatest-ever player, the later years of Beckenbauer's life were rife with scandal and sadness. Following the passing of his son and allegations of corruption, the former soccer legend's health noticeably deteriorated. Despite being a serial winner for so many years, Beckenbauer's final years away from the spotlight were tragic and painted the picture of a complex and sometimes challenging human interest story.