Germany and Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer dies at the age of 78

Germany's World Cup winning captain and coach Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78, according to German news agency DPA.

Beckenbauer captained Germany to the World Cup title in 1974, then went on to win the tournament again as manager in 1990.

Beckenbauer, affectionately known as "Der Kaiser," was a towering figure in the world of football, renowned for his elegance on the pitch and his leadership qualities. Throughout his illustrious career, the German redefined the role of the sweeper (libero), blending defensive prowess with offensive acumen.

His career statistics are a testament to his versatility and skill; he scored 109 goals over a 19-year-long career, with 64 of those during his 439 appearances for Bayern Munich.

Beckenbauer's achievements with Bayern Munich include winning the Bundesliga five times, securing four German Cup victories, and leading the team to three consecutive European Cup triumphs from 1974 to 1976, a feat that allowed Bayern to retain the trophy permanently.

His international career was equally impressive, earning 103 caps and scoring 14 goals for West Germany. He was part of the World Cup-winning squad in 1974 and won the European Championship in 1972.

The records set by Beckenbauer are numerous; he is one of only three men to have won the FIFA World Cup both as a player and as a manager. Additionally, he was twice named European Footballer of the Year and was honored as German Footballer of the Year four times.

His legacy is further cemented by his inclusion in the World Team of the 20th Century, the FIFA World Cup Dream Team, and the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. Beckenbauer's contributions to football remain unparalleled, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of the sport's history.