Germany mourns the loss of one of its football legends as Andreas Brehme, the celebrated scorer of the winning goal in the 1990 World Cup final, has tragically passed away at the age of 63. Brehme’s death comes as a shock to the football community, especially poignant given the recent loss of his mentor, Franz Beckenbauer, just a month prior.
Brehme etched his name into football history with his decisive 85th-minute penalty kick that secured West Germany’s victory over Argentina in the World Cup final held in Rome. The left-back’s contribution to the sport extended beyond that iconic moment, having represented Germany 86 times during his illustrious career and playing for renowned clubs like Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan.
According to reports from German newspaper Bild, Brehme succumbed to a cardiac arrest on Monday night in Munich. Despite being rushed to a nearby clinic, efforts to revive him proved futile. The news outlet further revealed that Brehme had been profoundly affected by the passing of Beckenbauer, his former coach, and mentor, just weeks earlier.
Brehme leaves behind his partner, Susanne Schaefer, and two adult sons from his previous marriage to Pilar. Remembered as a modern full-back unafraid to venture forward and contribute to the attack, Brehme possessed a remarkable goal-scoring record for a defender. His versatility was evident in his adeptness with free-kicks and penalties, exemplified by his pivotal role in the 1990 World Cup semifinal against England.
His international career spanned a decade, gracing the stages of three World Cups and three European Championships. Brehme’s accolades include being named in the tournament’s best team on three occasions. Despite experiencing the highs of winning the 1990 World Cup, he also endured the disappointment of losing finals in 1986 and 1992.
Beyond his international exploits, Brehme enjoyed success at the club level, clinching Bundesliga titles with Kaiserslautern and Bayern Munich, as well as a Serie A title and UEFA Cup victory with Inter Milan.
The football world mourns the loss of a true icon, with tributes pouring in from across the globe. Bayern Munich, one of Brehme’s former clubs, expressed their condolences, highlighting his indelible mark on the sport and affirming his enduring legacy within their club.
Andreas Brehme’s legacy transcends his on-field achievements; he will be remembered not only as a World Cup hero but also as a cherished individual whose impact on the game and those around him will be felt for generations to come.
