A Special Tribute to Kaiser Franz at the Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich will pay a unique tribute to one of their all-time greats—legendary defender Franz Beckenbauer—tonight ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter with Bayer Leverkusen. In a poignant ceremony, the club will hoist the iconic No. 5 jersey worn by “Kaiser Franz” to the rafters of the Allianz Arena, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come.

“We’re delighted that the club will honor Franz Beckenbauer in such a special way at the Allianz Arena, following the decision at our annual general meeting to retire his No. 5,” said club president Herbert Hainer in an official statement.

Beckenbauer—who passed away on January 7, 2024, at the age of 78—spent the best years of his storied career at Bayern Munich from 1964 to 1977. During that remarkable era, he helped secure three European Cups and four Bundesliga titles, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

The match between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen kicks off tonight at 21:00 CET.