German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78, his family have announced.
Beckenbauer won the 1974 World Cup in a formidable playing career, which earned him the nickname 'Der Kaiser', before lifting the trophy again while managing the Germany team in 1990.
A supremely prestigious career saw him voted the world's best player twice, at the 1972 and 1976 Ballon d'Or ceremonies, along with several other titles - many of which were won with Bayern Munich.
A family statement read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce that husband and father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.
"We ask that you be able to mourn in silence and refrain from asking any questions."
Beckenbauer grew up in post-war Munich and joined Bayern as a schoolboy, despite supporting local rivals 1860 Munich. In 14 years at the club, he won the Bundesliga four times along with three European Cups and four German Cups.
In 1977, he followed in the footsteps of Pele to join New York Cosmos in the United States - again lifting a hat-trick of league titles - before returning to Germany to win the 1982 Bundesliga with Hamburg.
In that time, he won 103 caps for Germany before taking charge of the national team in 1984, shortly after his playing retirement. His team broke English hearts by knocking the Three Lions out en route to lifting Italia 90, after which he won league titles as manager of Marseille and Bayern and became club president of the Bavarian giants.
No cause of death has been announced at this stage.
Tributes have poured in from around the footballing world following the news of Beckenbauer's death.
O Santos FC lamenta profundamente o falecimento de Franz Beckenbauer. Nossos sentimentos aos familiares, amigos e admiradores da eterna lenda alemã. 🇩🇪🖤 pic.twitter.com/V0c3528VeN
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) January 8, 2024
Até sempre, Franz Beckenbauer 🤍 pic.twitter.com/WG3ZkESeXV
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) January 8, 2024
The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now, and always. RIP, Der Kaiser. 👑🕊 pic.twitter.com/zE2CcggVNd
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) January 8, 2024
Everyone at West Ham United is saddened to learn of the passing of Franz Beckenbauer.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 8, 2024
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/jAOoTEoqWB
Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer ♥️🙏 pic.twitter.com/MsU2hn0iJD
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 8, 2024
Rest in peace, 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘇 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗯𝗮𝘂𝗲𝗿 🕊️
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) January 8, 2024
A historic personality in European football, he served as manager of Olympique de Marseille during the 1990-1991 season.
Olympique de Marseille sends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/3hQYBnCoiU
Former England striker Gary Lineker wrote on X: "Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP."
German giants Borussia Dortmund posted: "Borussia Dortmund mourns the loss of a great German footballer. Rest in peace, Franz Beckenbauer. 'Der Kaiser' will forever be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and all relatives."
A Premier League statement read: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football's greatest ever players. A World Cup winner as both player and manager, 'Der Kaiser' was as elegant as he was dominant. He will forever be remembered."
Real Madrid wrote: "Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and love to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones."
A UEFA statement read: "Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football's greatest sons, has passed away aged 78. 'Der Kaiser' was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other."
Several figures from the German Football Association (DFB) also paid tribute to Beckenbauer.
Rudi Voller, who played for Beckenbauer in the national team and at Marseille, said: "I am incredibly sad, the news of his death affects me very much. I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to have known and experienced Franz Beckenbauer. Our time together with the national team was crowned with the 1990 World Cup title in Rome, a title that would never have been possible without his outstanding coaching performance.
"The 'Kaiser' was an inspiration for more than one generation, he will forever remain the shining light of German football . With Franz Beckenbauer, German football is losing its greatest personality, I am losing a good friend."
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann added: "For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history. His interpretation of the role of the libero changed the game, this role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man.
"Franz Beckenbauer was able to Floating 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, he rightly earned the title 'lighting figure of German football'. An aura surrounded him until the end , which even the health problems and strokes of fate that he had to cope with could not shake it. I am grateful and proud that I was able to get to know him and will remember him fondly."
