Soccer Legend Franz Beckenbauer Dies Aged 78

Soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78.

Wife Heidi broke the news of Beckenbauer's death in a statement published on Monday.

It 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."

Beckenbauer was capped 103 times by West Germany at senior international level and he captained his country to glory at the World Cup in 1974, as well as the European Championship in 1972.

Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer pictured lifting the World Cup trophy in 1974

IMAGO/WEREK

At club level, he played for Bayern Munich, Hamburger SV and the New York Cosmos - winning five Bundesliga titles, three European Cups and three editions of the North American Soccer League.

Beckenbauer then served as manager of West Germany between 1984 and 1990, before short spells in charge of Bayern and Marseille.

After guiding his nation to victory at Italia '90, he is one of only three men to have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager.

Beckenbauer, nicknamed "Der Kaiser", started his playing career as a midfielder but developed into one of the world's best-ever defenders.

He won the Ballon d'Or in 1972 and 1976 and is still the only defender to win the award more than once.

Current Bayern and Germany forward Thomas Muller led the tributes to Beckenbauer on Monday.

Muller said: "One of the greatest footballers in the club's history has unfortunately left us.

"Rest in peace, Emperor Franz. We will never forget what you have done for football in Germany."

A club statement added: "The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be - suddenly darker, quieter, poorer."

It added that without Beckenbauer "Bayern would never have become the club it is today".

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann said: "For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history.

"His interpretation of the role of the libero [sweeper] changed the game. This role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man.

"Franz Beckenbauer was able to float on the lawn. As a footballer, and later also as a coach, he was sublime - he stood above things. When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up."