Franz Beckenbauer, Bayern legend and former world champion, has died

Franz Beckenbauer died on Sunday night at the age of 78, his family announced. The Bayern Munich and German football legend's health condition had worsened in recent months.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, died peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family", can be read in the official note from the Beckenbauer family, who appealed for privacy.

Beckenbauer is seen as one of the best players ever in Germany, having been world champion in 1974, as a player, and in 1990, as a coach. He also won two Ballon d'Ors, in 1972 and 1976.

The former German defender and midfielder was also one of the driving forces behind Bayern Munich as a world power, winning the European Cup (now the Champions League) three times.

In recent years, Beckenbauer has retired from football due to several health problems.