German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as a player and manager, has died at the age of 78.

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78.

The World Cup winner died on Sunday, his family confirmed, as tributes poured in from the football world.

Beckenbauer's health has gradually deteriorated since his son Stephan died in 2015.

Since then, the iconic former player and manager has struggled with Parkinson's disease, dementia and undergone heart surgery.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that husband and father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family,” a statement said.

“We ask that you grieve in silence and not ask questions.”

Beckenbauer, nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', is unanimously regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever.

He was part of the West Germany team that lost to England in the 1966 World Cup final.

Beckenbauer is in an exclusive club because he is one of only three men, including French manager Didier Deschamps and Brazilian icon Mario Zagallo, who died last week, to have won a World Cup as a player and manager.

Beckenbauer was born in 1945 in post-war Munich as the son of postman Franz Beckenbauer Sr. and his wife Antonie.

More to follow.