Franz Beckenbauer dead: German and World Cup football icon dies aged 78

German and World Cup football icon Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78, his family has confirmed. Beckenbauer earned 104 caps for West Germany and led them to victory in the 1974 World Cup as captain. Sixteen years later, he achieved the same triumph as the team's manager in Italy.

His illustrious career also included winning several honours, notably three European Cups with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional defender.

Known by the nickname 'Der Kaiser,' Beckenbauer displayed both elegance and dominance on the field. His exceptional ball control skills led him to master the modern sweeper role, or libero, and he is even credited with its creation.

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.”

The German Football Association (DFB) paid tribute to Beckenbauer, named European Footballer of the Year in both 1972 and 1976, as someone who “influenced football in Germany like no other”.

DFB director of the senior national team Rudi Voller played under Beckenbauer in 1990. “I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to have known and experienced Franz Beckenbauer,” Voller said on the official DFB website.

“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 coach Julian Nagelsmann hailed Beckenbauer as “the best footballer in German history”.

Nagelsmann added: “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 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, 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.

Bayern Munich posted a heartfelt tribute on the club’s social media account. “The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be – suddenly darker, quieter, poorer,” a club statement read.

“The German record champions mourn Franz Beckenbauer, the unique “Emperor”, without whom FC Bayern would never have become the club it today is. Rest in peace.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin believes Beckenbauer’s legacy as one of football’s all-time greats is “beyond dispute”.

“His unparalleled versatility, graceful transitions between defence and midfield, impeccable ball control, and visionary style reshaped the way football was played in his era,” Ceferin said in a statement.

“His leadership qualities shone through as he captained both the national team and Bayern Munich during their most successful periods and continued to shine bright in his coaching career. Beckenbauer’s legacy as one of football’s all-time greats is beyond dispute.”