Hidalgo, who managed France between 1976 and 1984, died "naturally of exhaustion" in Marseille, his family told a French radio station.

French Football Federation President Noël Le Graët is among those to have paid tribute to Hidalgo, who had been ill for several years.

"Our football is in mourning," Le Graët said. 

"Michel Hidalgo is one of the biggest names in French football.

"Through his philosophy of play, his personality, his exemplary passion, he contributed to the influence of our sport on the international level and to its popularity in France. 

"He was able to provide us with emotions that are etched and will remain etched."

Hidalgo made 369 appearances in the French league as a player and was capped by the national team once.

But it was in coaching where he made his name, guiding France to the semi-finals of the 1982 World Cup and the Euro 1984 title with a team which included Michel Platini.

Hidalgo also served as technical director of the French team in 1982 and 1986, before becoming director of football at Olympique de Marseille.

He was later given a suspended prison sentence in the Marseille accounts case.

"Michel Hidalgo left a considerable legacy," Platini said.

"He rebuilt French football at international level.

"As coach, Michel took the France team to its greatest heights, opting for a beautiful style of football which allowed each one of us to fully express our individual talents."