The legendary midfielder and defender, Franz Beckenbauer, who achieved World Cup triumph both as a player in 1974 and as a manager in 1990, has been confirmed to have passed away at the age of 78. Beckenbauer, former captain and manager of West Germany, was widely recognized as one of the outstanding midfielders of his era, earning the nickname ‘Der Kaiser.’ With over 400 appearances for Bayern Munich, he secured four Bundesliga titles and three European Cups.

A statement from his family, conveyed to the German news agency DPA, expressed deep sadness:

“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 allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”