Bayern Munich has retired the iconic number five jersey in honour of Franz Beckenbauer.
According to a post shared on Fabrizio Romano’s X account on Sunday, Bayern Munich announced that no player would wear the number five shirt in the future.
Beckenbauer, widely known as “Der Kaiser,” passed away on January 7, 2024. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Beckenbauer is one of only nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the European Champions Cup, and the Ballon d’Or.
He captained Germany to victory at the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup. During his illustrious career at Bayern, he won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and three European Cups.
Beckenbauer’s commanding presence on the pitch earned him the nickname “Der Kaiser,” meaning “The Emperor.”
In addition to his playing career, Beckenbauer enjoyed two successful managerial stints at Bayern, winning the Bundesliga in 1994 and the UEFA Cup in 1996. He also served as the club’s president.
“Forever our Kaiser,” Bayern wrote in a tribute on X. “In memory of Franz Beckenbauer, FC Bayern will never again assign the number 5 jersey.”
