Franz Beckenbauer To Receive Honour At Euro 2024 Ceremony

Late Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer will be honoured during the Euro 2024 opening ceremony on Friday, UEFA has confirmed. Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, passed away in January at the age of 78. Affectionately nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', he captained Germany to glory at the 1972 European Championship and 1974 World Cup.

Beckenbauer also managed Germany to triumph on the global stage in 1990. Each of Germany's record-equalling three European Championship successes will be represented during the ceremony at Munich Football Arena. The hosts will kick off the tournament against Scotland following the tribute.

Beckenbauer's wife Heidi will bring the Henri Delaunay trophy onto the field with Bernard Dietz and Jurgen Klinsmann, who skippered DFB's winning sides of 1980 and 1996 respectively. Germany aims to become only the fourth host nation to win the European Championship.

In Group A, Germany will also face Hungary and Switzerland. The ceremony promises to be a fitting tribute to Beckenbauer's legacy and contributions to German football.