Franz Beckanbauer won the Ballon d'Or on two occasions in 1972 and 1976.

He was also a runner-up in 1974 and 1975 and finished third in 1996.

Only five players - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michel Platini, Johan Cryuff and Marco van Basten - have won it on three or more occasions.

The Premier League have put the following out on X, formerly known as Twitter:

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Franz Beckenbauer, one of football's greatest ever players.

A World Cup winner as both player and manager, 'Der Kaiser' was as elegant as he was dominant.

He will forever be remembered.

Franz Beckenbauer's playing career started with Bayern Munich in 1963. He spent 14 years with the club before two spells at New York Cosmos, with two years at Hamburg in between those stints in the USA.

He won the North American Soccer League three times with Cosmos and also won a Bundesliga title with Hamburg.

Image source, Getty Images

General Secretary of the German Football Association Heike Ullrich , externalhas said: "I can speak for the entire company and for all employees when I say that we are very moved and deeply sad.

"Much of what the DFB represents today contains achievements, successes and thoughts that Franz Beckenbauer had a significant influence on.

"This also applies to the DFB campus, which is our home today. It was Franz Beckenbauer who first formulated the idea of ​​a sporting competence centre in the 1990s.

"I am glad to have him as a footballer, idol, role model and as a person, we got to know and appreciate Franz Beckenbauer on various occasions.

"Franz Beckenbauer will always have a prominent place in the history of German football, as well as in our hearts. We will always be grateful to him and him miss it very much."

German football broadcaster Taufig Khalil said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's a big loss. Everybody knew he was sick and there was a lot of talk about how is he feeling. It is a big shock tonight. It is something everybody is fighting with. We are waiting for the first reactions from Bayern Munich. In German football, he was the biggest name.

"He was a big hero for all times. He was the guy who brought the World Cup to Germany. His name will always be connected with playing beautiful football. Johan Cruyff was king, but Beckenbauer was the emperor. Whatever he took in his hands, it moved to gold. He was the first German superstar."

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has said: "For me, Franz Beckenbauer was the best footballer in German history.

"His interpretation of the role of the libero changed the game, this role and his friendship with the ball made him a free man.

"Franz Beckenbauer was able to float on the lawn, as a footballer and later also as a coach he was sublime, he stood above things.

"When Franz Beckenbauer entered a room, the room lit up, he rightly earned the title 'lighting figure of German football'.

"An aura surrounded him until the end, which even the health problems and strokes of fate that he had to cope with could not shake it.

"I am grateful and proud that I was able to get to know him and will remember him fondly."

Rudi Voller, director of the senior Germany national team has said: "I am incredibly sad, the news of his death affects me very much.

"I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to have known and experienced Franz Beckenbauer.

"Our time together with the national team were crowned with the 1990 World Cup title in Rome, a title that would never have been possible without his outstanding coaching performance.

"The 'Kaiser' was an inspiration for more than one generation, he will forever remain the shining light of German football.

"With Franz Beckenbauer, German football is losing its greatest personality, I am losing a good friend."

Germany FA president Bernd Neuendorf has said: "Franz Beckenbauer's death is a real turning point.

"We look at his life's work with respect and great gratitude. With him we are losing a unique footballer and a lovable person.

"The 'Kaiser' was one of the best players, our sport has ever seen. With his lightness, his elegance and his overview, he set standards on the field.

"His meticulousness and charisma as team boss as well as his energy and drive as head of the World Cup OK are unforgettable.

"Franz Beckenbauer leaves a great legacy for the DFB and football as a whole."

The German Football Association have just released the following statement, confirming that Franz Beckenbauer passed away on Sunday, at the age of 78.

The German Football Association (DFB) mourns the death of Franz Beckenbauer, external. The national team's honorary captain died last Sunday at the age of 78.

Franz Beckenbauer has influenced football in Germany like no other. Along with the Brazilian Mário Zagallo and the Frenchman Didier Deschamps, Beckenbauer is one of three people who became soccer world champions as a player (1974) and as a coach (1990). In 2006 he achieved a special kind of triple: As head of the organising committee, Beckenbauer was responsible for the successful organisation of the World Cup in Germany.

As a player, Beckenbauer has won everything there is to win. Not only did he become world champion with the national team, he also won the European Championship title in 1972. At these two tournaments and a total of 50 times, he led the DFB team onto the field as captain. He was the first German footballer to play more than 100 international matches and made 103 appearances for the DFB team. His successes with the national team also include runner-up in the World Cup in 1966 and runner-up in the European Championship in 1976.

Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given on X, formerly known as Twitter: RIP Franz Beckenbauer. A true legend of the game.

We'll be bringing you reaction from the footballing world, but we also want to hear your memories and tributes to Franz Beckenbauer.

You can share them by using #bbcfootball on X, formerly known as Twitter, or WhatsApp 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply).

Former England striker Gary Lineker said on X, formerly known as Twitter: Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. One of the absolute greats of our game. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.

Image source, Getty Images

Franz Beckenbauer won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990.

The former defender also played 582 times for Bayern Munich, again winning the German top flight as both as a player and a manager.

Nicknamed Der Kaiser, as a player he also won the European Championship in 1972 and twice won the Ballon d'Or.

Playing as a midfielder, he man-marked Sir Bobby Charlton in England's 4-2 win in the 1966 World Cup final before shifting to his iconic position as a defensive sweeper.

He also scored four goals at the 1966 World Cup aged just 20 and won the award for the tournament's best young player.

He went on to play 103 times for West Germany.

As a player at Bayern, he won five league titles and was captain for the German giants' three European Cup wins in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

We've got some sad news to bring you.

German legend Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, has died aged 78, his family said in a statement to German news agency DPA.

This live page will bring you all the reaction.

Image source, Getty Images