German World Cup hero Franz Beckenbauer dies aged 78

Franz Beckenbauer, who led West Germany to World Cup glory as both a captain and manager, has died at the age of 78.

Beckenbauer, nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', won the World Cup with his country as a player in 1974 and a manager in 1990 – while also playing close to 600 games for German giants Bayern Munich – and was regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

His family confirmed the news in a statement on Monday: “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. We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”

Beckenbauer had narrowly missed out on becoming a world champion for a first time in 1966 when West Germany were beaten 4-2 in extra time by England at London's Wembley Stadium.

“I was told to mark what was then the best player: Bobby Charlton. Bobby told me later that [England manager] Alf Ramsey had told him to keep an eye on this young, good-looking German guy,” he said. “England beat us because Bobby Charlton was just a little bit better than me.”

His first triumph arrived eight years later on home turf when West Germany defeated the Netherlands – captained by fellow footballing great Johan Cruyff – 2-1 in Munich. “Johan was a better player, but I won the World Cup,” Beckenbauer would say.

Franz Beckenbauer, one of European football's greatest sons, has passed away aged 78.

"Der Kaiser" was an extraordinary player, successful coach and popular pundit who shaped German football like no other. pic.twitter.com/rW12ArNnNh

Then, in 1990, his team overcame Diego Maradona's Argentina 1-0 in Rome, which meant he became only the second man to win the