The estate of Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer, who died aged 78 last year, has now finally been distributed to his loved-ones, according to a report.

Beckenbauer, largely regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever to grace the football pitch, passed away while being surrounded by his family on January 7, 2024.

Family was reportedly extremely important to the World Cup winner, who had five children across three marriages in total.

Thomas, 62, Michael, 58, and former footballer Stephan, who tragically died at the age of 46, were all born prior to his final marriage to Heidi, with whom he had two children — Joel, 21, and Francesca, 25 — after they tied in the knot in 2006.

He first married Brigitte Beckenbauer in 1966 and was with her until 1990. That same year, he wed his second spouse Sybille whom he was with for 14 years before splitting.

According to Bunte, the Germany icon left behind a fortune in the tens of millions — and probate proceedings have now been declared closed by the Salzburg District Court. 

The eight-figure estate of Franz Beckenbauer has finally been distributed to his loved-ones

Beckenbauer was married three times during his life – pictured above with third wife Heidi

His wife Heidi Beckenbauer, back row centre, and children Joel and Francesca, sitting either side of her, attend a memorial service in honour of the footballer at the Allianz Arena last year

During his latter years, Beckenbauer managed to keep a positive relationship with all of his children and wanted to maintain this harmony after his death, especially in terms of his estate.

The former defender devised his will early and reportedly provided for all loved-ones generously and fairly. 

Asked by the German magazine in 2019 if he had made a will, he said: ‘Yes, for a long time now. I don’t want there to be discord in the family after my death.’

Despite his promise, the estate was divided up equally between only his widow Heidi and their children Francesca and Joel.

That is because Thomas and Michael — and the family of his late son Stephan — had already been given an inheritance in the form of a gift several years prior to the Germany legend’s death.

Thanks to his long-term planning and determination for fair distribution among the families, there has reportedly been no ill-feeling between the relatives since his passing.

Bunte reports that Beckenbauer owned or had interest in several properties — and combined part of his real estate collection into a company he co-owned with Heidi.

These shares of the business were transferred to Francesca and Joel in February 2022, leaving him with only a small stake until his death approximately two years later.

He also sold the luxury and exclusive Riedenburg Restaurant in Salzburg in 2020 for £2.87million, in a move believed to aid the distribution of his estate when he died.

Beckenbauer, pictured next to fellow football great Pele, passed away in January 2024

A statue of Beckenbauer was erected in Munich in honour of the legendary Germany defender

Beckenbauer played over 400 games for Bayern Munich before moving to New York Cosmos and latterly Hamburger at the end of his career, while chalking up an impressive 103 caps for West Germany.

A World Cup and two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he left behind a remarkable legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation.