German football legend Beckenbauer dies at 78

Franz Beckenbauer, who is widely regarded as one of football's greatest-ever players, has died at the age of 78.

Beckenbauer bestrode the sport as player, coach, pundit and administrator for more than half a century and was widely admired around the world.

"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," read a statement from his family.

Beckenbauer captained the German team to World Cup victory in 1974 and then won the tournament again as manager in 1990.

The defender, nicknamed "Der Kaiser" because of his sublime talent, collected 103 caps for West Germany, also winning the 1972 European championship.

He was a classy, dominant presence on the pitch for the national team and Bayern Munich in the 1960s and 70s, using the calmness on the ball and effortless distribution that marked his midfield performances to virtually invent the central defensive sweeper role where he found most success.