MLS Commissioner Don Garber has hailed Franz Beckenbauer for ‘showing what was possible for soccer in the US’ as the New York Cosmos, now of the NISA, paid tribute to its former player, ‘Der Kaiser.’

Beckenbauer’s death was first announced on Monday in Europe through a statement from his family to Germany news agency dpa and then confirmed by the German soccer federation before making its way to America.

Beckenbauer signed with the Cosmos, of the North American Soccer League at the time, in 1977, playing alongside Pele in his debut season. He played for New York for three seasons up to 1980, and for another year in 1983, with the team winning the Soccer Bowl on three occasions (1977, 1978, and 1980). 

‘He cared deeply about the continued development of soccer in North America, and we were honored to host him in our New York office several times to discuss the future of the sport.

Franz Beckenbauer played for the New York Cosmos, of the NASL at the time, from 1977-1980 and again in 1983, having won three Soccer Bowls with the club (1977, 1978 and 1980)

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement that Beckenbauer cared deeply about the continued development of soccer in North America’ since retiring as as player in 1983

‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to Franz’s family, friends, and his countless fans around the world.’ 

Not along after Garber’s words came those of the Cosmos, 13 years on since the club decided not to apply for an MLS franchise, in part because it rejected the league’s single entity structure, and because execs’ did not want to relinquish marketing rights to the team’s name and logo. 

‘The New York Cosmos are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Franz Beckenbauer,’ the club wrote in a statement. ‘[…] The two-time Ballon d’Or winner (1972 and 1976) joined the Cosmos during the 1977 season at the age of 31. 

‘After eight months of negotiations, he signed his contract with the club at a press conference in the Baroque Room at the Plaza Hotel (59th & 5th) on May 25, 1977. His impact was immediate, as he joined his dear friend Pelé on a team that not only captured the league title but also the hearts and minds of what became known as Cosmos Country.’

By the end of his second stint in New York, in 1983, Beckenbauer recorded 223 goals and 53 assists in 132 regular season and playoff appearances with the Cosmos, who also revealed that ‘Beckenbauer was back in Cosmos Country one last time in April 2015 when, together with Pelé, he lit the Empire State Building green.’ 

Beckenbauer played with Brazilian legend Pele in his debut season with the Cosmos in 1977

Beckenbauer and Pele were last seen in New York City at the Empire State Building in 2015

Former Cosmos defender Werner Roth would often drive ‘Der Kaiser’ to training in the morning

National Soccer Hall of Famer Werner Roth, who captained the 1977 and 1978 teams, was close with Beckenbauer, often picking up the 1974 World Cup winner from his Manhattan apartment on the way to training and matches at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands. 

A deeply saddened Roth, who played as defender, told the Cosmos: ‘I’d known about Franz since I was a teenager, following him on his National Team and his Bayern Munich career. I saw him playing in the ’66 World Cup against England that was broadcasted to Madison Square Garden, so he was somewhat of a hero of mine. 

‘So getting to play with him and getting to know him, it was unreal. It was kind of a dream come true. But like everything else, you get used to it and he became a good friend. So as you can imagine… it was good time. It is a great loss to the soccer world. And there will probably never be another one line him.’

The Cosmos ended its statement by saying that ‘Beckenbauer’s care for the ball and his composure on the pitch was a marvel to behold. His grace on the pitch was matched by his manner off the pitch, as he exemplified cosmopolitan elegance with great kindness and consideration for all blessed to have spent time in his presence. He will forever be cherished among the greatest legends of the beautiful game. 

‘The New York Cosmos mourn his loss and offer deepest condolences to his family.’