Germany Mourns the Loss of World Cup Champion Andreas Brehme
Germany’s football community is mourning the loss of former national team defender Andreas Brehme, who passed away suddenly at the age of 63. Brehme, who famously scored the winning goal in the 1990 World Cup final, died from cardiac arrest, according to his partner Susanne Schaefer.
A Legend on the Field
Andreas Brehme will forever be remembered for his crucial penalty kick in the final of the 1990 World Cup, securing Germany’s victory against Argentina in Rome. Throughout his career, Brehme earned 86 caps and scored eight goals for his country. Known for his versatility, he played as a left-back and represented top clubs such as Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan.
A Beloved Member of Football Community
Brehme’s sudden passing has left the football community in shock. Bayern Munich expressed their deep sadness at the news, stating, “We will always keep Andreas Brehme in our hearts – as a world champion and even more so as a very special person. He will always be part of the FC Bayern family. Rest in peace, dear Andi.”
Kaiserslautern, another club where Brehme left an indelible mark, also mourned his loss. They recognized his achievements with the club, including winning the Bundesliga title in 1998 and the German Cup in 1996. The statement from Kaiserslautern read, “The FCK mourns the loss of Andreas Brehme. He wore the Red Devils jersey for a total of 10 years and became German champion and cup winner with FCK.”
Inter Milan, whom Brehme helped win the Serie A title in 1989, paid tribute to their former player. The Italian club announced that their players would wear black armbands during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid as a mark of respect. Inter described Brehme as “a magnificent player, a true Interista. Ciao Andi, forever a legend.”
A Tribute from the Footballing Greats
Andreas Brehme’s impact on German football was far-reaching, and his fellow players have paid tribute to his remarkable career. Rudi Voller, a former Germany forward, referred to Brehme as both a World Cup hero and a close friend. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, another former Germany forward, highlighted Brehme’s loyalty and reliability as a teammate.
Bernd Neuendorf, the president of the German Football Association, acknowledged Brehme’s significance in German football history. He said, “Andreas Brehme is one of the greatest and best football players in German history. German football has a lot to thank him for.”
Philipp Lahm, the former captain of the German national team, shared his memories of Brehme. Lahm revealed that Brehme was one of his earliest football idols, having watched him score the famous penalty against Argentina in the 1990 World Cup final when he was just six years old. Lahm praised Brehme’s skill and versatility as a defender, stating that he was a defining part of his own career.
A Legacy Remembered
Andreas Brehme’s sudden passing has left a void in German football. As fans and fellow players mourn his loss, his legacy remains intact. Brehme’s contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Andreas Brehme.