Beckenbauer bestrode the sport as player, coach, pundit and administrator for more than half a century and was widely admired globally, with messages of sympathy pouring in from across the world on Monday.

"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," read a statement from his family.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X: "World Cup winner as player and coach: Franz Beckenbauer was one of the greatest footballers in Germany and for many 'der Kaiser' also because of the excitement for German Football he created for generations. We will miss him. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

Beckenbauer was a classy, dominant presence on the pitch for West Germany and Bayern Munich in the 1960s and 70s, using a calmness on the ball and effortless distribution that marked his midfield performances to virtually invent the central defensive sweeper role, or 'libero' where he found most success.

"The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it was - suddenly it is darker, more quiet, poorer," the club said in a statement.

--Reuters--