Sports Stars We Lost in the Year 2024: Franz Beckenbauer, Anshuman Gaekwad, and Iconic Sporting Figures We Lost in 2024

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From World Cup winners like Franz Beckenbauer and Mario Zagallo to cricketing icons like the 'Great Wall’ Anshuman Gaekwad, the world of sports bid farewell to several iconic figures in 2024, leaving behind legacies that will continue to inspire generations.

From football and cricket to polo and athletics, these legends shaped their respective sports and captivated fans worldwide. Their stories remind us of the human spirit’s capacity for excellence and resilience, even in the face of life’s inevitable end.

Let’s have a look at the iconic sporting figures we bid farewell to in 2024.

Franz Beckenbauer (Football)

Among the biggest losses was Franz Beckenbauer, widely revered as “Der Kaiser”. A defining figure in global football, Beckenbauer’s elegance, intelligence, and leadership on the field made him an icon.

As one of only three people to win the FIFA World Cup as both player and coach, his achievements transcended eras. His revolutionary role as a libero remains unmatched, and his passing at 78 leaves a void in the footballing world. His former club, Bayern Munich, rightly decided to retire his iconic number five jersey as a way of preserving his memory.

Mario Zagallo (Football)

Brazilian footballer Mario Zagallo, another titan of the beautiful game, passed away at 92 in January. Zagallo's unique distinction of winning the FIFA World Cup four times — twice as a player, once as a coach, and once as an assistant coach — reflects his unparalleled contribution to Brazilian football. Known for his patriotism and tactical acumen, Zagallo was a beacon of success and determination.

Anshuman Gaekwad (Cricket)

Indian cricket mourned the loss of Anshuman Gaekwad, a former player, coach, and selector who succumbed to a prolonged battle with cancer at 71. Gaekwad's defensive skills as a batsman earned him the nickname “The Great Wall” in his playing days. Post-retirement, his coaching tenure was highlighted by Anil Kumble's historic 10-wicket haul in a Test innings, a moment etched in cricketing folklore.

HS Sodhi (Polo)

Harinder Singh Sodhi, affectionately called Billy, was a towering presence in Indian polo. Achieving a handicap of +5, a rare feat, he was instrumental in elevating the sport’s profile in the country. His contributions continue to inspire budding polo players.

Derek Underwood (Cricket)

English bowler Derek Underwood, nicknamed “Deadly”, passed away at 78 in April. Known for his accuracy as a slow left-arm spinner, he tormented batsmen on uncovered pitches. His illustrious career saw him claim 297 Test wickets and over 2,400 First-Class dismissals, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Gigi Riva (Football)

Luigi "Gigi" Riva, Italy’s all-time top scorer with 35 goals, passed away at 79. Nicknamed “Roar of Thunder”, Riva's lethal left foot and physical prowess made him one of football's greatest forwards. His legacy in Italian football remains unmatched.

Andreas Brehme (Football)

Legendary German footballer Andreas Brehme etched his name in history with his match-winning penalty in the 1990 FIFA World Cup final, leading West Germany to a 1-0 victory over Argentina. A versatile left-back with an exceptional ability to strike with both feet, Brehme earned 86 international caps and scored eight goals.

Beyond the national team, he enjoyed a distinguished club career, clinching league titles with Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan.

OJ Simpson (American Football)

Before becoming a controversial figure, O.J. Simpson was a sporting icon in American football. Known as “The Juice”, Simpson was a record-breaking running back, most notably achieving over 2,000 rushing yards in a single NFL season in 1973 – a first in the league's history. An NFL MVP and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Simpson’s explosive runs and charismatic persona made him a cultural phenomenon.

Other notable losses included Dattajirao Gaekwad, India’s oldest Test cricketer at the time of his passing; Bhupinder Singh Rawat, a speedy winger from the 1960s; and Prabir Majumdar, a stylish wing-back who represented India in the 1974 Asian Games. Each, in their own way, contributed significantly to their respective sports.