Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78, his family has confirmed.
Beckenbauer enjoyed a long career in football as both a player and manager after coming through the Bayern Munich youth system in 1964. He played for the Bavarian outfit, in the city where he was born, for 13 years winning countless trophies including two Ballons d’Or.
The Bavarian defender is best known for his exploits with his national team and was a huge part of the West Germany side that won the World Cup in 1974.
After two brief spells in New York either side of two years at Hamburg, Beckenbauer retired from playing and became a manager – taking charge of West Germany in his first job, where he won the World Cup.
From there, the former centre-back had a spell as sporting director at French club Marseille before returning home to manage Bayern Munich, where he won nine titles including one Champions League.
