Just saw the breaking news on spiegel.de. No details yet, just the announcement that he died.
He was Germany’s best footballer of all time and its greatest legend in every regard, though he did much wrong as an official (which bit him in the ass the in last years of his life). RIP, Kaiser Franz.
Story in English:
Sad, but to be expected. I’ll drink a beer or two in his memory this evening, may he rest in peace.
And a couple of comedians and impersonators saw their routines become obsolete today.
Yeah, especially Olli Dittrich who is his best impersonator.
A legend.
I had the honor and pleasure to see him play, in a Bundesliga match in Düsseldorf of Fortuna-HSV in 1980 when I was twelve. Hamburg was his last club as a player.
I had the honor and pleasure to work for him (and for Pelé) in a press conference during the preparation phase of the 2006 World Cup in Germany! Though they both did not really need me, they spoke English during the whole conference. Pelé more than him.
That’s very cool! I would have died of stage fright in your shoes working for these two giants.
ETA: yeah, Pelé spoke better English than Beckenbauer, though at least he was miles ahead of Lothar Matthäus 
(“I hope we have a little bit lucky”).
I was suitably impressed, but I was not on stage: I was in the booth hidden from view. The work was in this regard routine. Still the highest raking personalities I have ever worked for: der Kaiser and O Rei (the King). Hard to top that.
Maybe there is still an Emperor somewhere?
I was saddened to read this (and in fact was going to post it, but was beaten by 12h). One of the greatest footballers.
Jeez, I wish they’d spoiler the ages. David Soul dead at 80 a few days ago, now this. It’s bad enough knowing that legendary characters from your youth are dying, but even more shocking to be reminded how much time has passed.