Paul was found dead in his tank Tuesday morning by devastated staff at the Oberhausen Sea Life Aquarium, a statement read. He died peacefully overnight, the statement added.
He was two years and 10 months old.
Paul predicted his way into the hearts of audiences during the football World Cup 2010 and earned world fame as an octopus oracle, the aquarium statement read.
Quick to head off any suspicions of foul play or neglect, general manager Stefan Porwoll, said: He died peacefully in the night of a natural death. It is a comforting thought that he had a good life with us, with the best possible care by a dedicated team.
Porwoll added: Paul inspired people on all continents, as he correctly predicted, one after another, seven matches for the German national team as well as the final. He was dear to all our hearts and we will miss him painfully.
Pauls body is now in a refrigerator and is expected to be cremated in the next few days.