FRANZ BECKENBAUER'S widow Heidi led an emotional tribute to her late husband ahead of Germany vs Scotland at Euro 2024.
The German legend and former European Championship winner passed away in January of this year.
Heidi Beckenbauer paid tribute to her late husband Franz Beckenbauer at the Euro 2024 openerCredit: AFPHeidi carried the trophy out on the pitchCredit: ITVShe blew a kiss to the sky after placing the trophy downCredit: ITVFranz Beckenbauer died in January of this yearCredit: APWith Germany hosting the Euros this summer a tribute was paid to 'the Kaiser', who is one of the country's greatest ever players.
Prior to kick off in the tournament opener between the Germans and Scotland, Beckenbauer's wife Heidi was tasked with bringing out the Henri Delaunay trophy.
Heidi fought back tears as she headed out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena while fans clapped her in appreciation.
Disgusted shoppers slam supermarket after spotting turkey two weeks out of dateImages of Beckenbauer could be seen displayed on the big screen as she made her way out on the field.
While a tribute read: "Thank you for everything you’ve done for football, we will never forget you."
Heidi then heartbreakingly looked up to the sky and blew a kiss.
Heidi Beckenbauer was joined in the tribute by Germany's two living European Championship winning captains - Bernard Dietz and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Klinsmann was the man with the armband in 1990, while Dietz led the German's to European success in 1980.
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Beckenbauer, who passed away at the age of 78, was the captain when Germany won the Euros in 1972.
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner also led Germany to World Cup glory in 1974.
At club level Beckenbauer won four league titles and three Champions League's with Bayern Munich.
Beckenbauer and Heidi married in 2006 and were together until his death earlier this year.
Stormy gales wash walrus and seals ashore as urgent warnings for SNOW issuedDuring their time together they welcomed two children, daughter Francessca in 2000 and son Joel on October 28, 2003.
Franz Beckenbauer led Germany to European success in 1972Credit: Getty - ContributorHeidi and Franz married in 2006 and had two childrenCredit: Getty