Bayern Munich have retired their iconic No. 5 shirt in tribute to footballing legend Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away in January.

The decision was announced by Bayern president Herbert Hainer at the club’s annual general meeting. At the event, Hainer paid an emotional tribute to the player who was known the world over as Der Kaiser.

“Dearest Franz, you made this club what it is today, a byword for the greatest possible success, a unique style and profound humanity, as a player, coach, president and companion,” Bayern’s president said. “You gave FC Bayern the charisma that continues to have an impact today.

Bayern paid tribute to Beckenbauer at the club's AGM. - IMAGO

“Franz, we miss you. What’s left and what binds us is the memory of you,” Hainer continued. “Franz Beckenbauer will remain untouchable, he will forever be our Kaiser. The No.5 will be reserved for a unique legacy because our club and its history are simply unthinkable without Franz.”

A unique figure in football, Beckenbauer came to represent Bayern for his on-field elegance and leadership all the while helping the teams in which he played for consistently win major honours. A four-time Bundesliga winner in the famous red of the Bavarian giants, he also won the DFB Cup four times and the European Cup three seasons in a row between 1974 and 1976.

Beckenbauer (c.) was a serial winner at Bayern Munich. - Fred Joch via www.imago-images.de

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Further honours included the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. A scorer of 44 goals in 396 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern, Beckenbauer also lifted the FIFA World Cup with Germany during his time at the club.  

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