Franz Beckenbauer dead aged 78: German legend widely regarded as one of greatest footballers of all time passes away

FRANZ BECKENBAUER has passed away aged 78.

The German is widely-regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.

His family confirmed that he passed away in his sleep surrounded by his family.

Their emotional statement 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.”

Tributes have flooded in, which read: “We’ll miss you Kaiser. Legend forever. Rest in peace.”

Another added: “The best defender of all-time. RIP.”

A third commented: “I am absolutely speechless, rest in peace Kaiser.”

More said: “RIP legend. Commiserations to his family.”

Beckenbauer played 103 games for the former West Germany, and played at three World Cups.

He was captain of the World Cup-winning team in 1974 when they beat Holland.

And he then repeated the feat as manager, when he led his country to the World Cup in 1990.

Beckenbauer – nicknamed Der Kaiser, or The Emperor – is one of only three men, along with Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and France’s Didier Deschamps, to have won the World Cup as a player and as a manager.

He also lifted the Bundesliga four times with Bayern Munich as a player and once as their gaffer.

His glittering career also saw him win the European Cup three times with the German club.

On an individual level, he won two Ballon d’Or awards in 1972 and 1976.

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