Bayern Munich, Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78 - ESPN

Franz Beckenbauer, a World Cup winner with West Germany as a player and coach who was regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died at the age of 78.

German news agency DPA said the family confirmed Beckenbauer's death via statement.

«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,» the family said.

«We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.»

Beckenbauer, born in Munich, shaped German football as a player, coach and official. His elegance and leadership qualities on the pitch with Bayern Munich and his country won him the nickname "Der Kaiser," which translates as «The Emperor.» Pelé called him «one of the best I ever saw play.»

Beckenbauer won the 1972 and 1976 Ballon d'Or awards and was named Germany's Footballer of the Century in 2000. He received the FIFA Centennial Player and Football Personality Award in 2004.

Beckenbauer defined the role of the Libero, the free player behind the defensive lines who set the pace of the game.

Winning 103 caps for Germany between September 1965 and February 1977, he led Germany's «golden generation» to the 1972 European Championship and triumphed on home soil at the 1974 World Cup.

Beckenbauer is one of three people to have won the World Cup as both a player and coach, alongside Mário Zagallo with Brazil and Didier Deschamps with France.

At club level in Germany, he won three European Cups, a European Cup Winners' Cup, five Bundesliga titles and four German cups with Bayern Munich and Hamburg.

«The Bundesliga family is devastated to learn of the death of Franz Beckenbauer. A true icon, then, now,