Beckenbauer 'made German soccer, but also world soccer'

He also won the European Cup three times with Bayern Munich. 

"Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history," Nagelsmann said on the DFB (German Football Association) website. 

"His interpretation of the role of the libero has changed the game. 

"Franz Beckenbauer could float over the pitch. As a player and later also as a coach he was sublime, he stood above things. 

"When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up." 

Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. — Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) One of the best players this sport has seen and a natural leader. He will be deeply missed by us all. #RIP #Beckenbauer #DFBTeam 📸 Getty Images/Imago pic.twitter.com/qIxX8EJgFUJanuary 8, 2024

Bayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane wrote on Instagram: "In my time at the club so far it's clear what he meant to Bayern and to football in this country. My thoughts are with his family and friends." 

Some of Britain's greatest former players put traditional rivalries aside to pay tribute, led by Gary Lineker, who played against Beckenbauer's Germany side in the 1990 World Cup semi-finals. 

"One of the absolute greats of our game," Lineker wrote on social media. 

"Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm." 

Liverpool and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish recalled a momentous meeting as he too paid tribute. 

"It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game," he wrote on X. 

"It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland." 

It fills me with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, a true icon of the game. It was a privilege to share one of my proudest moments with him when he presented my 100th cap for Scotland. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time. RIP Der Kaiser — Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) pic.twitter.com/32p8T2rEkIJanuary 8, 2024

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand described Beckenbauer as an inspiration who helped shape his own approach to the game. 

"He had grace, poise and class, all while being a winner," Ferdinand wrote on X. 

"Absolutely had an impact on the way I tried to play the game although I never got near his level." 

A sense of profound sadness swept the German game, not least at his old club Bayern, who wrote in a statement: "The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be - suddenly darker, quieter, poorer. 

"The German record champions mourn Franz Beckenbauer, the unique 'Emperor', without whom FC Bayern would never have become the club it today is." 

Bayern and Germany striker Thomas Muller called Beckenbauer "one of the greatest footballers in the club's history", while former chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said "German football is losing the greatest personality in its history". 

French soccer great Michel Platini said: "The Kaiser is gone: he represented elegance, kindness and friendship. 

"He was a life companion for a very long time: he brought me to soccer like Pele, Cruyff or Charlton. 

"He made German soccer, but also world soccer."