Germany football legend Franz Beckenbauer, has died at the age of 78.
Beckenbauer, nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’, one of the greatest players of all time, won the World Cup with West Germany as a player in 1974 and a manager in 1990.
At club level, Beckenbauer is considered a Bayern Munich legend.
He is one of the few managers, alongside Didier Deschamps (France) and Maria Zagallo (Brazil), to have won the World Cup as a player (1974) and as a Manager (1990).
He won the Balloon d’Or twice (1972 & 1976).
A statement by his family 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 be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”
