Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has tragically passed away at the age of 78, his family have revealed.

Beckenbauer is regarded as one of the best players to have ever lived, often credited with inventing the ‘sweeper’ role, earning success at both club and international level.

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He also led Germany to World Cup glory in 1974 as a player and as manager in 1990.

A statement from former club Bayern Munich read: “The FC Bayern world is no longer what it used to be – suddenly darker, quieter, poorer.

“The German record champions are mourning the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, the unique Kaiser, without whom FC Bayern would never have become the club it is today. Beckenbauer died yesterday, Sunday, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family in Salzburg.

“FC Bayern stands in mourning alongside his family, friends and companions, above all his wife Heidi and his children Thomas, Michael, Joel Maximilian and Francesca Antonie.”

Bayern CEO and former teammate of Beckenbauer’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, said: “I am deeply shocked. Franz Beckenbauer rewritten the history of German football and left a lasting mark on it.

“He was my captain at FC Bayern, my coach with the national team, our president at Bayer – and in all these roles he was not only successful but unique.

“As a person, he impressed with his great respect for all people, because everyone was equal in Franz’s eyes. German football has lost the greatest figure in its history. We will miss him more than seriously. Thank you for everything, dear Franz.”

Former England international Gary Lineker wrote on social media: “Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died.