'Der Kaiser': Franz Beckenbauer Honoured With Statue Outside Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-09-13 06:45:05 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-13 08:39:12

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In honour of one of the most iconic footballers Germany has ever seen, Bayern Munich installed a life-size statue of Franz Beckenbauer right outside their home stadium, the Allianz Arena. Unveiled on the day after what would have been his 80th birthday, the copper statue depicts the legend in his signature libero position, ready to execute one of his signature quarterback throws.

Franz Beckenbauer, or 'Der Kaiser' as he was nicknamed, not only won the World Cup as both a player and manager for Germany, but he did it as captain, cementing his status as one of the game's greatest leaders.

"It is a great honor for me that FC Bayern are dedicating a statue to me," said Beckenbauer, who managed the club from 1977-85 and again in 1993-95. "I had the feeling that I was living in a fairy tale. Bayern is my club, I identified fully with the club and the fans. It is something very special."

The statue was created by German sculptor Walter Hofbauer, who boasts a long list of athletic icons in his portfolio, creating monuments to weighy German athletes Georg von Bayern, Hans-Gunther Burgstaller, and Rudolf Harbig, as well as more international luminaries like NBA superstar Michael Jordan.

"I know how much FC Bayern and its fans appreciate their heroes, living or dead, so a sculpture for Beckenbauer was something that just had to be," said Hofbauer. "I consciously chose a pose that reflects the communicative authority of his captain's role."

The sculpture stands proudly outside the Allianz Arena, welcoming visitors to the stadium with the familiar, imposing figure of Der Kaiser, savouring his next pass, perhaps, or admiring the workmanship of the club he came to define.

Despite some controversy throughout his career, particularly regarding his move to Italy to play for FC Cologne, Der Kaiser is widely considered one of Germany's greatest sporting heroes, on par with iconic athletes like Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt. This statue ensures that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

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