In a heartfelt tribute to one of Germany’s most celebrated footballers, the Munich City Council has announced that a street near the Allianz Arena will be renamed in honor of the late Franz Beckenbauer. Part of Werner Heisenberg Allee, which runs alongside the stadium in the north of Munich, will become Franz Beckenbauer Platz. This change will officially place the Allianz Arena, set to host the Champions League final in May 2025, at Franz Beckenbauer Platz 5 – a fitting tribute to the legendary midfielder who wore the number 5 throughout his illustrious career.
Beckenbauer, affectionately nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’ due to his commanding presence on the field, was widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. The world mourned his passing in January at the age of 78. The City Council announced that the street renaming will take effect on the first anniversary of his death, January 7, 2025.
“Naming a street is the highest honor that the city of Munich can bestow posthumously and a sign of the deep respect and appreciation that we have for Franz Beckenbauer,” Mayor Dieter Reiter shared in a statement.
Beckenbauer’s legacy is etched in the annals of football history. He achieved unparalleled success, lifting the World Cup as both a player and coach, along with the European Championship and the Ballon d’Or. During his 13-year tenure with Bayern Munich, he secured three European Cups and four German league titles, adding another German league title with Hamburg in 1981-82.
Mayor Reiter praised Beckenbauer as “one of the greatest athletes our city has ever produced. With his sporting successes and his commitment to football, he has left a lasting mark on Germany’s sporting landscape. His calm, humorous manner and his way of expressing himself will forever remain part of the Munich attitude to life.”
The tribute to Beckenbauer extends beyond the renaming of the street. A statue is also planned to be erected outside the Allianz Arena, alongside one dedicated to his Bayern and Germany teammate, Gerd Mueller. The statue will serve as a permanent reminder of Beckenbauer’s remarkable contributions to the sport and his enduring place in the hearts of football fans around the world.
