Last photo of Franz Beckenbauer shows German football legend at heartwarming family dinner a year before tragic passing

FRANZ BECKENBAUER was with his family in his last public photos taken almost exactly a year before his passing.

The German football legend posed alongside his wife Heidi and his youngest son Joel for a traditional meal on January 6 last year.

The images were taken at the 'Kitzhof' hotel in the Austrianin Alpine town of Kitzbühel where the Beckenbauer family took part in a traditional carp dinner.

The Bayern Munich icon was making a rare public appearance after taking a step away from the limelight due to his ongoing health issues.

But on that day in 2023 he discussed his ongoing problems with a positive outlook.

He said: "I'm doing well so far given the circumstances. If it stays that way, I'll be happy."

The Beckenbauer family announced the untimely passing of the World Cup winning manager and player at the age of 78 in a statement on Monday.

The emotional statement read: "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.

"We ask that you be able to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions.”

Since the sad announcement, tributes have poured in from all over the footballing world.

Beckenbauer is considered as one of the game's greatest ever players.

He captained West Germany to World Cup success in 1974 before repeating the feat as manager of his country in 1990.

As a player Beckenbauer was good enough to earn himself two Ballon d'Or awards in both 1972 and 1976.

And his club career with Bayern Munich saw him win three European Cups and four Bundesliga trophies in 582 appearances for the Bavarians.