Germany's Franz Beckenbauer (Photo: DPA)

Beckenbauer bestrode the sport as player, coach, pundit and administrator for more than half a century and was widely admired globally. He earned 103 caps for West Germany, winning the 1972 European Championship and then the World Cup on home soil two years' later.

The statement did not provide a cause of death. The former Bayern Munich great, who became affectionately known as the “Kaiser” - or “Emperor” - had struggled with health problems in recent years.