German legend Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, has died aged 78.
He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990.
Beckenbauer, who was primarily a defender, played 582 times for Bayern Munich and won the German top flight as both a player and a manager.
Nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’, as a player he also won the European Championship in 1972, as well as the Ballon d’Or twice.
A statement from his family to German news agency DPA read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away 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.”
Bayern, Germany’s most successful club, said: “The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be – suddenly darker, quieter, poorer.”
They added that without Beckenbauer “Bayern would never have become the club it is today”.
Playing as a midfielder, Beckenbauer man-marked Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup final, which England won 4-2, before shifting to his iconic position as a defensive sweeper.
He also scored four goals at the 1966 World Cup, aged just 20, and won the award for the tournament’s best young player.
He went on to play 103 times for West Germany.
