Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, has passed away aged 78.

‘Der Kaiser’, who is credited with pioneering the libero role, inspired West Germany to UEFA EURO 1972 and 1974 FIFA World Cup™ glory. He also seized titles galore with Bayern Munich, captaining them to three consecutive European Cups.

After ending a playing career during which he was named European Footballer of the Year twice, he masterminded West Germany’s Italy 1990 triumph. That makes him one of three men, alongside Mario Zagallo and Didier Deschamps, to have lifted the World Cup as player and coach. Zagallo died just three days ago, aged 92.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “A legend of German and world football, Franz Beckenbauer has achievements and triumphs which are etched in history and yet, for all his popularity, ‘Der Kaiser’ always remained modest and down to earth.

“The first captain to raise the current FIFA World Cup trophy in 1974, he would also win the tournament as Germany coach in 1990, and his passing is a painful loss for both German and world football,” rued FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “He will always be remembered by football supporters across the world, especially by fans of the German national team and FC Bayern München, with whom he enjoyed so much success.

“A great neighbour to me during many UEFA Executive Committee meetings, he willingly shared so much of his knowledge of football. A really great person, a friend of football, a champion and a true legend, dear Franz will never be forgotten.

“My thoughts are with his family, his friends and the German Football Association, to whom I offer my deepest condolences.”