Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich has retired the Number Five jersey in honour of legendary defender, Franz Beckenbauer.
According to a post shared on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Sunday, Bayern Munich announced that no player would wear the Number Five jersey in the future.
The German international, popularly known as “Der Kaiser,” passed away on January 7, 2024. Widely 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 led Germany to victory at the European Championships in 1972 and the 1974 World Cup. During his illustrious career at Bayern, he won three successive Bundesliga titles and a hat-trick of European Cups.
Beckenbauer’s commanding presence on the field earned him the nickname “Der Kaiser,” meaning “The Emperor.”
In addition to his playing career, Beckenbauer had two successful managerial spells 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.”
