WATCH: “There is only one person who could stop us,” When Sir Bobby Charlton IMMORTALIZED Franz Beckenbauer’s legacy with 1966 world cup revelation

German legend Franz Beckenbauer dies at the age of 76.

WATCH: “There is only one person who could stop us,” When Sir Bobby Charlton IMMORTALIZED Franz Beckenbauer’s legacy with 1966 world cup revelation

Sir Bobby Charlton present Franz Beckenbauer with the Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo Credit: Laureus)

One of England’s greatest-ever players, Sir Bobby Charlton, presented the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award to his esteemed friend Franz Beckenbauer in 2007. Less than three months after Sir Bobby’s demise, the legends will play their final game in heaven.

The footballing world unites to pay tribute to one of Germany’s most significant players on his passing away at the age of 78. He was fondly known as “Der Kaiser,” meaning “The Emperor.” Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the sport’s original icons with his midfield prowess.

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Giving a heartwarming tribute, the camaraderie between the two legends was visible when Charlton said this while calling upon the German great to honor him with the award.

FS Video
A small story about what happened in 1966. My team - England - was due to play Germany in the World Cup final and our manager called me and said, 'Bobby England will win the World Cup tonight, but there is only one person who could stop us. And that is Franz Beckenbauer'.

The speech has been edged ever more so in the minds of football fans because of the funny side of it as Sir Bobby Charlton continued to reminisce that the German coach told Franz the same thing about his English counterpart.

So, it is not a secret that the footballing world today has lost, within 3 months, two of the greatest contributors to the sport. Their aura remains untouched as players look up to their legacy as an inspiration.

Meanwhile, Franz Beckenbauer’s sudden demise marked the end of an era in football that transcends beyond the sport’s annals. As fans mourn the loss of “Der Kaiser,” the video serves as a nostalgic remembrance and tribute between legends of two nations who shared a great rivalry that pushed one another to be better.

West Germany knocked out England in the semis and went on to lift the World Cup ’90

Franz Beckenbauer reflects on a conversation with the legendary English coach Bobby Robson ahead of England’s penalty shootout defeat to West Germany in the 1990 World Cup. Beckenbauer’s reminiscence reveals not only the competitive spirit of that iconic clash but also the mutual respect and class between the two giants of the game.

Sir Bobby Charlton and Franz Beckenbeuer
Sir Bobby Charlton and Franz Beckenbeuer. (Photo Credit: Harms)

The shared moments before the high-stakes encounter exemplify the camaraderie that transcends the intensity of football rivalries. Beckenbauer’s recollection stands as a testament to the profound impact that such sporting exchanges can have. It portrays the beautiful side of football that extends beyond the pitch.

Before the penalty shootout, Bobby [Robson] and I shook hands. I was very nervous, you know. Bobby was a very experienced coach. I was more or less a 'newcomer' with two World Cup participation. But he told me, 'Franz, we did a very good job. Now, there is nothing we can do. Now, it is up to them' [points towards the sky - Gods].

West Germany won the shootouts, eventually, and went on to play Argentina in the final. Subsequently, they lift the trophy after defeating the great South American nation by a slender 1-0 victory.

As the football world pays tribute to Franz Beckenbauer, this video provides a rare glimpse into the sportsmanship and respect that characterized his interactions with Bobby Robson. Their conversation is now a treasured piece of football history. It serves as a reminder of their enduring class and dignity. Beckenbauer’s words capture the essence of the beautiful game, showcasing how even in the heat of competition, admiration and respect can forge bonds that transcend national rivalries.

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