The world of football is in mourning after the death of legendary German striker Gerd Muller at the age of 75.

Muller is one of Bayern Munich's greatest players and scored an incredible 566 goals for the team in 607 appearances. He still holds the record for most goals scored in the Bundesliga with 365, while he was the league's top scorer on seven occasions.

It was also on the international stage that Muller displayed his talent, as he netted 68 goals in 62 caps for Germany, with whom he was part of the squad that won the 1972 European Championship and followed that up with the World Cup two years later in 1974.

"Today is a sad, dark day for FC Bayern and all its fans," Bayern president Herbert Hainer told the club's website.

"Gerd Muller was the greatest striker there's ever been, and a fine person and character of world football. 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 Muller. His name and memory will live on forever."

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn also offered his condolences after Muller's passing.

"The news of Gerd Muller's death deeply saddens us all," he said.

"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 Muller 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."