Share this @internewscast.com

Germany’s first black national team player, Erwin Kostedde, paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer, recalling how Der Kaiser gave him the chance to play at Wembley.

Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats after winning the World Cup as both a player and a manager, died aged 78 last weekend.

The iconic former footballer lifted the famous trophy as captain of West Germany in 1974 and as manager in 1990. He also played over 500 times for Bayern Munich.

Indeed, Kostedde says he has the late, great superstar to thank for his second international appearance in a friendly against England at Wembley in March 1975.

Erwin Kostedde (right), Germany's first ever black player, paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer

Erwin Kostedde (right), Germany’s first ever black player, paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer

Beckenbauer won the World Cup twice with West Germany, once as a player and once as boss

Beckenbauer won the World Cup twice with West Germany, once as a player and once as boss

Helmut Schon, manager of West Germany between 1964 and 1978, was set to leave Kostedde out for the game, only for Beckenbauer to seemingly change his mind.

Reflecting on a difficult dressing room atmosphere and his chance in the spotlight, Kostedde told dw.com: ‘Some of my team-mates were racists. When I went to the showers, then they looked… “What does the black guy do in our team?”

‘Beckenbauer spoke to me very well. I wasn’t supposed to play at Wembley against England. But Beckenbauer said, “You’re playing!” And I did. 

‘I’ve played at Wembley. Beckenbauer did that. Otherwise I wouldn’t have.’

At the time, Beckenbauer remained ever-present for his country and retired two years later at the age of 31 after a move to New York Cosmos in the United States.

Kostedde, now 77, made his debut for Germany in December 1974 and would make two further appearances against England and Greece the following year.

The all-time great (seen in 2022) passed away at the age of 78 and tributes have flooded in

The all-time great (seen in 2022) passed away at the age of 78 and tributes have flooded in

He is one of just nine men to have won the World Cup, the European Cup and the Ballon d'Or

He is one of just nine men to have won the World Cup, the European Cup and the Ballon d’Or

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

 

Previously, he conceded he did not feel at ease in the international set-up. 

‘Not everyone liked me. I could tell it,’ he added in his interview with dw.com. ‘Some didn’t speak to me at all. And I could feel some were racists by their behavior.’

Beckenbauer leaves behind his wife Heidi and four children.

His health had gradually declined after his son Stephan died in 2015. He had battled Parkinson’s disease and dementia and underwent heart operations. 

A statement from his family to German news agency DPA read: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.

‘We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.’

Beckenbauer is survived by his wife Heidi, who he married in 2006, and four children

Beckenbauer is survived by his wife Heidi, who he married in 2006, and four children

FRANZ BECKENBAUER HONOURS 

As a player: 

5 x Bundesliga

4 x DFB-Pokal

4 x German Footballer of the Year 

3 x European Cup

3 x North American Soccer League

2 x Ballon d’Or 

1 x European Championship

1 x FIFA World Cup

1 x Cup Winners’ Cup

1 x Intercontinental Cup

As a coach:

1 x FIFA World Cup

1 x Bundesliga

1 x Ligue 1

1 x UEFA Cup 

Germany FootballEngland Football

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Inside Scoop: Why Gassama Could Become a Fan Favorite at Ibrox

DJEIDI GASSAMA looks sure to become a real fans’ favourite at Rangers…

Donald Trump Unexpectedly Interrupts Chelsea’s Club World Cup Trophy Celebration, Leaving Cole Palmer Seemingly Reacting with a Three-Word Remark

Chelsea hero Cole Palmer was left bemused as Donald Trump bizarrely gatecrashed…

Newcastle shocks with surprise signing of Everton striker, leaving manager in the dark

Everton boss David Moyes bullishly insisted he was making the final decision…

PSG Dominates Real Madrid with a 4-0 Victory: Luis Enrique’s Team to Challenge Chelsea in Club World Cup Final on Sunday, Reports Kieran Gill

It takes some doing to reduce Real Madrid’s side of superstars to…

Alphonso Davies Shocked by Jamal Musiala’s Injury During Livestream Reaction

Jamal Musiala endured a devastating injury during Bayern Munich’s Club World Cup…

Leeds Pay Tribute to Fans by Unveiling the 2025/26 Home Jersey

Leeds United have made their return to the Premier League for the…

John Terry offers fascinating details about his coaching techniques at Chelsea’s academy, sharing never-before-seen training footage with a mic on. He also passionately communicates (with some choice words) to the upcoming players!

John Terry has given an intimate insight into his coaching methods at…

A 300-Mile Camper Van Journey to Canberra: Meeting a Future Lions Star and a Tattoo Bet on Mack Hansen’s Face

Nik and Kev’s Lions tour escapades took a twist this week as…

Why Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Was Destined to Fail: An Analysis by Oliver Holt

I went to see F1: The Movie on Saturday afternoon. Here’s my…

How Winning the Club World Cup Might Negatively Affect Chelsea: Inside the “Bomb Squad” and Influencers’ Unusual Appeals to Journalists – CHELSEA CONFIDENTIAL

The Premier League will not push back the start of next season…