On March 17, 2025, the SAP Garden in Munich witnessed the glorious return of football legends during the Beckenbauer Cup held to celebrate FC Bayern Munich's 125 years of excellence. The tournament, named after the legendary Franz Beckenbauer, featured illustrious teams including Real Madrid, AC Milan Glorie, Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart, and, of course, the FC Bayern Legends.
The evening culminated with extraordinary performances from the Bayern Legends, who dominated the final match against Real Madrid Leyendas, winning decisively with a score of 4-0. The Bayern fans—gathered at the fully packed venue—cheered as Giovane Elber struck twice, complemented by goals from Mark van Bommel and Rafinha. The game served not just as competition but as tribute to one of football's greats, as its proceeds were dedicated to the Franz-Beckenbauer-Stiftung, which assists individuals with disabilities and those facing financial difficulties.
From the outset, the tournament presented thrilling matches. Bayern's road to the final started with mixed outcomes. Their opening fixture against Ajax ended in disappointment, with the two teams drawing 1-1. Franck Ribéry scored early for the Bayern Legends, but Ryan Babel equalized for Ajax, preventing Bayern from getting all three points.
Real Madrid also faced Ajax shortly after and secured their spot for the semifinals by winning 3-1, thanks to goals by Rubén de la Red, Iván Pérez, and Martín Vázquez. Bayern's next challenge was against Real Madrid itself, resulting in another tight contest. The match concluded at 2-2; Thomas Linke had provided Bayern with the lead before Pepe’s late equalizer sent them to the knockout stages as group runners-up.
On the other side of the bracket, Group B saw Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart progress to the semifinals after both teams fought through challenging matches. Borussia maintained their resilience, coming back from behind to win against Stuttgart, and sealed their advance with powerful performances, including a 5-0 demolition of AC Milan Glorie.
When the semifinals arrived, tensions heightened. Bayern faced their eternal rivals, Borussia Dortmund, who had put up commendable displays throughout the tournament. Yet, it was Bayern who emerged triumphant, with goals from Arjen Robben and Diego Contento sealing the 2-0 victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid battled Stuttgart, and after trading goals, the match went to penalties. Madrid emerged victorious, winning the shootout 3-1 after a thrilling 3-3 match.
Eventually, the spotlight shifted to the finals. The grand showdown between Bayern and Madrid was not just about competitive spirit but also about honoring Beckenbauer's legacy. The event opened with emotional moments; Joel Beckenbauer addressed the audience, expressing pride and nostalgia for his father's impact on football and assuring attendees of the significance of keeping his memory alive.
Then came the final match, and Bayern wasted no time. Just minutes in, Elber scored the opening goal followed quickly by van Bommel, solidifying their 2-0 lead. Madrid’s goalkeeper Pedro Contreras received a yellow-red card for handling the ball outside the area and for committing tactical fouls, leaving the Spanish side at a disadvantage. Bayern's generosity allowed them to continue with five players instead of capitalizing on the unfair advantage.
With strengthened confidence, Rafinha added the third goal before Elber sealed the night with his second. The match ended with Bayern lifting the trophy, marking the night as one filled with triumph and nostalgia for fans who gathered to witness their idols take to the pitch once more.
Earlier, the match for third place showcased VfB Stuttgart battling Borussia Dortmund, with Stuttgart avenging their earlier loss with a 2-1 win, thanks to Cacau and Andreas Beck’s goals. This placed Stuttgart on the tournament podium, rounding off the competitive spirit of the event.
The camaraderie and shared memories among the players created an electrifying atmosphere, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry once again delighting fans, reminiscent of their successful tenure with Bayern. Robben, who had previously spoken about his admiration for his former teammate Thomas Müller, emphasized the importance of legacy and how these events keep the magic of football alive.
“What should one say about Thomas? He’s already a legend,” Robben remarked, solidifying the connection between past and present under the shadow of Beckenbauer's legacy.
The Beckenbauer Cup, through its competitive matches and heartfelt tributes, successfully brought together football legends, fans, and the spirit of unity within the sport. Given the night’s accomplishments and memories evoked, it’s evident Beckenbauer, though gone, remains forever entwined with the fabric of FC Bayern Munich’s identity.
