One of football's most iconic players, Franz Beckenbauer, has tragically passed away at the age of 78.
Beckenbauer is considered one of the greatest players ever to lace up his boots and has left behind quite a legacy.
5
The former Bayern Munich star ended his career with two Ballon d'Or awards and two World Cup wins, one as a player in 1974 and another as a manager in 1990.
He is one of just three male footballers to do that, with France's Didier Deschamps and Brazil's Mario Zagallo the others.
'Der Kaiser', as he became known, also created a position that is often referred to as the 'Beckenbauer role'.
He was traditionally a centre-back but carved out a spot as a modern sweeper or libero.
Read more on football
The libero is a player who is stationed behind the defence to sweep up any long passes and start attacks from deep.
Beckenbauer could do this with ease, reading passes and then wandering up the pitch with the ball to start attacking moves for club and country.
The libero is not a position that many teams use anymore, due to offside traps, but Beckenbauer has inspired players like Leonardo Bonucci, David Luiz and Javi Martinez.
Couple this with his iconic nickname and it's clear to see why Beckenbauer was such a legend.
Most read in Football
5
Rarely in football has anyone been called anything close to 'Der Kaiser'.
The name, which means 'the emperor' in English, originated when a magazine claimed he looked like Bavarian king Kaiser Ludwig II.
From there, 'Der Kaiser' stuck and followed Beckenbauer throughout his career in Germany and the US.
Before he retired in 1983, the German international won pretty much everything at club and international level.
5
In many ways, Beckenbauer epitomises German football and will always be remembered as a legend.
Freelance German football expert Raphael Honigstein spoke to talkSPORT about Beckenbauer's importance.
Honigstein said: "I don't think there is much debate about his impact. He was up there with a select few who changed the game and will forever be remembered as the most important and iconic figure the game has produced.
"His status was enhanced because, beyond his playing career, he was a very successful coach. He won the World Cup with Germany and then won a few titles with Bayern.
"He was somebody who transcended football. He was one of the best-known and cherished people in Germany.
"He brought so much joy to Germans and those that love football."
5
Once Beckenbauer retired, he immediately jumped into management and became West Germany's head coach in 1984, leading them to the 1986 World Cup final, where Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a 3-2 win.
They made it to the 1988 Euros semi-finals, but the Netherlands were too good on that occasion.
However, he finally achieved some international glory at the 1990 World Cup.
West Germany beat England on penalties in the last four before getting revenge on Argentina, winning 1-0 in the final.
He then enjoyed great success with Bayern during the late 1990s.
5
Beckenbauer will always be fondly remembered as one of the game's best.
There aren't many who invent a new position and dominate at club and international level.
However, he wasn't just a great tactician or graceful footballer, he put his body on the line and none more so than in the 1970 World Cup semi-final against Italy.
He ended the match with a broken collarbone and his arm in a sling having sustained the injury in extra time of the match.
There were no painkilling injections in those days, and he must have been in agony as he put himself in danger for the good of his country.
He played 120 minutes but couldn't drag West Germany to the final as they lost 4-3 to Italy.
Despite this, it was still incredibly brave.
Read More on talkSPORT
It was an act that has gone down in history and showed what Beckenbauer was willing to do to win.
'Der Kaiser', the football world and Germany will miss you.