German legend Franz Beckenbauer, widely considered one of football's greatest players, has died at the age of 78.
He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as coach in 1990.
The former defender played 582 matches for Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga as a player and coach.
Nicknamed “Der Kaiser”, he also won the European Championship in 1972 as a player, as well as the Ballon d'Or twice.
A statement from his family to the German News Agency (DPA) said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and father, Franz Beckenbauer, died peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.”
“We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
Beckenbauer played as a midfielder, marking Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup Final, which England won 4-2, before moving into his preferred position as a defensive player.
He also scored four goals in the 1966 World Cup finals, when he was only 20 years old, and won the tournament's best young player award.
He went on to play 103 times for West Germany.
Beckenbauer is one of only three men to have lifted the World Cup as a player and coach, along with Brazilian Mario Zagallo and Frenchman Didier Deschamps.
As a player at Bayern, he won four league titles and captained the German giants who won the European Cup three times in 1974, 1975 and 1976. He also won the German League title with Hamburg.
The German League said: “The German League family is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon then, now and always. Rest in peace, Der Kaiser.”
Julian Nagelsmann, the current coach of the German national team, said: “For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in the history of Germany.
“His interpretation of the role of the libero [sweeper] He changed the game, this role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man.
“Franz Beckenbauer was able to float on the grass. As a football player, and then also as a coach, he was brilliant – he would stand on top of things. When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up.”
Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association, said Beckenbauer is “one of the best players our sport has ever seen.”
“With him we lose a unique footballer and a beloved person,” he said.
“With his agility, elegance and general outlook, he set standards on the pitch.
“Franz Beckenbauer left a great legacy to the German Football Association and football as a whole.”
More to follow.
