Germany's football legend and manager Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by his family.
The World Cup victor passed away on Sunday, as acknowledged by his family, with an outpouring of tributes from the football community.
Beckenbauer's health had been deteriorating steadily since the loss of his son Stephan in 2015. Since then, the revered former player and manager had been confronting Parkinson's disease, and dementia, and had undergone heart surgeries.
"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," a family statement read.
"We ask that you be able to mourn in silence and refrain from asking any questions."
Beckenbauer, known by the nickname 'Der Kaiser,' is widely regarded as one of football's all-time greatest players.
He was part of the West Germany team that was defeated by England in the 1966 World Cup final.
Beckenbauer belongs to an exclusive group, being one of only three individuals – alongside France's manager Didier Deschamps and the late Brazilian icon Mario Zagallo, who passed away last week – to have achieved World Cup victories both as a player and a manager.
Born in 1945 in post-war Munich to Franz Beckenbauer Sr., a postal worker, and his wife Antonie, Beckenbauer began his career with Bayern Munich in 1964. He amassed over 400 appearances for the club, solidifying his position as their greatest-ever player.
The talented forward secured four league titles and three European Cups with Bayern Munich before claiming the World Cup as a player in 1974. He then repeated this feat as Germany's manager in 1990.
Reactions
Meanwhile, the football fraternity have reacted to the news of Beckenbauer passing and paid tribute to the legend of the game.