German legend Franz Beckenbauer has died aged 78

Franz Beckenbauer, one of the greatest footballers of all time has died aged 78, his family has confirmed.

Nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’ (The Emporer), Franz Beckenbauer was a formidable defender who made 424 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich alongside 103 caps for his country.

Beckanbauer is one of just three defenders to have ever won the most coveted individual prize in football, claiming the award twice in 1972 and 1976.

Der Kaiser was a serial winner in his playing career, winning four Bundesliga titles with Munich and another with Hamburg at the back end of his playing career.

Franz Beckenbauer was a key figure in the 1974 West Germany side that won the World Cup, having finished as a runner-up in 1966.

Following his playing career, Beckenbauer moved into management, taking control of the last German side not including East Germans.

As the manager of West Germany, the former defender was once again able to lead his country to World Cup victory, securing a second title for himself by coaching his country to a 1-0 victory over Argentina. This makes him one of two men (Didier Deschamps being the other) to have won the World Cup as both captain and manager.

By winning the World Cup as both a player and manager, he became the first of only two men (Didier Deschamps being the other) to have won the World Cup as both captain and manager.

Beckenbauer was also a key reason why Germany were the host nation of the 2006 World Cup having, "chaired the bid committee for the 2006 World Cup, he served as head of organisation for the tournament in Germany," per FCBayern.com

Whilst the exact cause of death is still unknown, Beckenbauer was known to be battling Parkinson's disease and dementia, alongside issues with his heart, according to Marca.