Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78.

"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," the family said.

"We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions."

Beckenbauer won the 1972 and 1976 Ballon d'Or awards and was named Germany's Footballer of the Century in 2000.