The news of Horst Eckel's death has prompted a wave of sadness among the Borussia Dortmund leadership.

"I've rarely met a person who received the highest sporting honours and was as socially engaged as Horst Eckel. I am very sad that he has died," said BVB president Dr. Reinhard Rauball.

"Horst Eckel was one of the true greats in German football. Not only because he became a World Cup winner in 1954, but because he always remained a very modest and warm-hearted person as well," said CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, adding: "Every conversation I had with him over the years enormously enriched my life."

Dr Reinhard Rauball is "proud to have played football with and against Horst Eckel, including in the Uwe Seeler Veterans' XI. Even after hanging up his boots, he was an ambitious player who loved our sport very much. I know from personal encounters that he was an outstanding, socially-minded person who always advocated for others. To this end, he set up a foundation to promote education together with his daughter Dagmar."