Moving story
Beckenbauer asked Netzer about near -death experiences
Updated on April 11th, 2025 – 07:57 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Günter Netzer is now reporting on his heart operation in 2016 – and a subsequent conversation with Franz Beckenbauer.
Günter Netzer remembers Franz Beckenbauer with a touching anecdote. The football legend, who had now died, had inquired in a conversation after the course of Netzer’s heart surgery. Netzer received six bypasses in 2016, and soon afterwards the Beckenbauer, who died last year, visited him on Sylt, reported Netzer in an interview with the “Stern” magazine.
Beckenbauer said that he also had severe heart problems. “Franz asked me if I had made near -death experiences at the operation. He wanted to know how to deal with such a serious intervention mentally,” said Netzer. The 80-year-old added: “It was a wonderful conversation about the big questions of life. Franz was very solved and satisfied back to Munich.”
Later, Beckenbauer also underwent an operation in which he was placed four bypasses. Netzer, now 80 years old, took this as an opportunity for a humorous swipe. He called Beckenbauer and joked: “Listen, you got four pieces and I six. This gave the final proof that I was the better player and also ran more than you.”
Together they led the national team to the first European champion title in 1972. While Beckenbauer won the World Cup title as captain in 1974, Netzer only remained the role of the reservist at the home World Cup.
Netzer described its own operation as a turning point. He was particularly remembered for a night in the intensive care unit: he continuously observed the second hand of a watch. “I have never been as clear as in these hours. I would have liked someone to bring me a sheet of paper so that I can write down my thoughts. The next morning everything was gone. I regret that until today.”