Former West Germany captain Fritz Walter, who led them to their first ever World Cup success in 1954, has died aged 81.
The former Kaiserslautern forward died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, his old club announced.
Walter was the skipper of the side that beat favourites Hungary 3-2 in the 1954 World Cup final in Switzerland.
It was the first time West Germany had participated in the tournament after World War II.
The striker was 33 years old when he captained the "Heroes of Berne" to glory.
Hungary had beaten West Germany 8-3 in the group stage and were expected to do likewise in the final.
West Germany fought back from 2-0 down with 10 minutes to go to win 3-2, making Walter the first German to lift the Jules Rimet trophy.
He and his brother Ottmar became the first brothers to win the World Cup.
He made his international debut in 1940 and retired in 1959 with 33 goals from 61 appearances for his country.
He won two league championships with Kaiserslautern and the club named their ground the Fritz Walter Stadium on his 65th birthday in 1985.