The striker scored 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany and was widely regarded as one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the sport.

"Der Bomber" won the Ballon d'Or in 1970, the 1974 FIFA World Cup - where he scored the winning goal in the final - and the 1972 European Championship.

West Germany hosted the 1974 World Cup and came from behind to beat The Netherlands in the final.

Four years earlier, in Mexico, Müller scored 10 goals to win the Golden Boot and help the West Germans finish third.

Müller scored a combined 14 goals in World Cup tournaments, which was a record until 2006.

Only Miroslav Klose, with 71, has scored more total goals for the German national team than Müller.

He was also prolific at the domestic level scoring 566 goals in 607 appearances for Bayern Munich between 1964 and 1979.

"Gerd Müller was the greatest striker there’s ever been, and a fine person and character of world football," Bayern President Herbert Hainer said.

"We’re all united in deep mourning with his wife Uschi as well as his family.

"FC Bayern wouldn’t be the club we all love today without Gerd Müller.

"His name and memory will live on forever."

The club's chief executive Oliver Kahn added: "The news of Gerd Müller’s death deeply saddens us all. 

"He’s one of the greatest legends in the history of FC Bayern, his achievements are unrivalled to this day and will forever be a part of the great history of FC Bayern and all of German football. 

"As a player and a person, Gerd Müller stands for FC Bayern and its development into one of the biggest clubs in the world like no other. Gerd will forever be in our hearts."

FIFA also issued a tribute saying: "FIFA is deeply saddened at the passing of Gerd Müller.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the German football community. RIP Gerd."

A host of former players also paid tribute to Müller, with former Germany defender and manager Franz Beckenbauer describing him as "the most important player in the history of Bayern Munich" and former England striker turned broadcaster Gary Lineker describing him as "the greatest penalty box goal scorer I have ever seen."