The final wishes of German football legend Franz Beckenbauer have been revealed, painting a poignant picture of how the iconic defender chose to distribute his substantial £150 million estate among loved ones.
A Football Icon's Final Legacy
Known affectionately as 'Der Kaiser' throughout his storied career, Beckenbauer's passing in January 2023 left fans mourning worldwide. Now, details emerging from Munich's probate court reveal how the football great structured his inheritance, with several notable surprises in the distribution of his wealth.
Family First: The Primary Beneficiaries
Beckenbauer's third wife, Heidrun 'Heidi' Burmester, whom he married in 2006, stands as the principal beneficiary of his estate. The couple shared what friends describe as his 'most stable and loving relationship,' which is reflected in her substantial inheritance.
His five children—Stephan, Michael, Thomas, Noel, and Franzesca—also feature prominently in the will. However, the distribution among them appears uneven, with sources suggesting this reflects the varying relationships Beckenbauer maintained with each throughout his life.
Notable Omissions Raise Eyebrows
In a move that has surprised many close to the family, Beckenbauer's first wife Brigitte, mother to his eldest son Stephan, received no inheritance. Similarly absent from the will is his second wife Sybille, with whom he shared 13 years of marriage.
This selective approach extends to his siblings, with only his brother Walter included in the final distribution. The decision to exclude other family members speaks volumes about Beckenbauer's desire to control his legacy beyond the football pitch.
The Complicated Family Dynamics
Beckenbauer's personal life was as complex as his football career was brilliant. His relationships spanned multiple marriages and included children from different partnerships. The will appears to acknowledge these complexities directly, rewarding those who remained closest to him in his later years while making clear distinctions about other relationships.
A Fortune Built on Football Excellence
The £150 million estate represents the accumulation of wealth from Beckenbauer's extraordinary career as both player and manager. As one of only three men to win the World Cup as both captain and manager, his earnings came from playing contracts, managerial roles, endorsements, and media work spanning decades.
Legal Challenges Looming?
While the will has been formalised through Munich courts, the uneven distribution among children and exclusion of former spouses could potentially lead to legal challenges. German inheritance law provides certain protections for children, which may come into play given the apparent disparities in their allocations.
The revelation of Beckenbauer's final wishes provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal life of a man who remained largely private off the pitch, showing a calculated approach to legacy that mirrored his precision on the football field.
