Globetrotting German football coach Rudi Gutendorf, who was in charge of the Socceroos between 1979 and 1981, has died at the age of 93.

Gutendorf's son Fabian confirmed the news late on Saturday.

"In him we are losing someone who has enriched us every day with his big heart and positivity," Gutendorf's family said in a statement.

Globetrotter: Rudi Gutendorf coached the Socceroos during their unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 1982 World Cup. Credit:Sydney Morning Herald

Gutendorf, who was born in Koblenz on the Rhine river, died of old age, according to his son.