Death of Franz Beckenbauer: Gary Lineker leads the football world's tributes after the German football legend's family announced his death

Football greats including Gary Lineker have paid tribute to Franz Beckenbauer on social media following the German legend's death at the age of 78.

His family confirmed the World Cup winner had died on Sunday, sparking an outpouring of emotions and memories from some of the world's greatest athletes.

Der Kaiser was a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and won the World Cup with West Germany as a player in 1974 and as a manager 16 years later.

On One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful footballer who won everything with grace and charm. REST IN PEACE.'

Xabi Alonso, World Cup winner with Spain and current boss at Bayer Leverkusen, wrote simply: 'Ruhe in Frieden (Rest in Peace), Kaiser!', with a photo of his 1974 success.

Fellow World Cup winner Xabi Alonso posted a photo of Beckenbauer's 1974 victory

Beckenbauer, right, was hailed as one of the footballing greats of all time, along with Pele, left

Goalkeeper Peter Shilton – who was in goal when Beckenbauer's West Germany beat England in the 1990 World Cup – wrote: 'Very sad to hear that the great @beckenbauer has sadly passed away, he was a fantastic player who achieved world class status @ FIFAWorldCup RIP # Legend.”

Scotland international David Speedie wrote: 'Sad to hear that Franz Beckenbauer, one of the greatest players of all time, has passed away.

'Der Kaiser was ahead of his time, he changed the way we played football.

“He leaves behind a legacy that many of them as footballers can only dream of.

'RIP Franz Beckenbauer.'

The Norwegian Jan Aage Fjortoft, who worked with him on television in Germany, wrote: 'Franz Beckenbauer has died.

'One of the greatest players of all time. World Cup winner both as a player and coach.

'I had the privilege of having him as a colleague at Sky Germany. He was always open and friendly. And shared his wisdom and knowledge.

“Rest in peace, Emperor.”

Other stars from the football world paid tribute to Beckenbauer online after his death at the age of 78

A legend on the pitch and as a manager, Beckenbauer also worked in TV for Sky Germany

Beckenbauer, nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', is unanimously regarded as one of the greatest football players ever

Bundesliga commentator Derek Rae wrote: 'Franz Beckenbauer passed away on Sunday at the age of 78. Perhaps the greatest and most iconic of all German footballers. REST IN PEACE'

More to follow…