Andreas Brehme, the renowned German footballer who etched his name into history by scoring the decisive goal in the 1990 World Cup final, has tragically passed away at the age of 63.
Brehme’s partner, Susanne Schaefer, confirmed the devastating news on behalf of the family, stating that he succumbed to a sudden heart attack overnight.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce on behalf of the family that my partner, Andreas Brehme, passed away suddenly overnight following a cardiac arrest. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time and refrain from asking questions,” Ms. Schaefer said in a statement released on Tuesday.
Hailing from Hamburg, Brehme earned 86 caps for the German national team throughout his illustrious career. His memorable penalty kick in the 1990 final in Rome, which secured victory over Diego Maradona’s Argentina, propelled Germany to its third World Cup title.
Despite experiencing heartbreak in the 1986 final against Argentina, Brehme’s contributions to German football were undeniable. He achieved success at the club level as well, notably winning the Serie A with Inter Milan in 1989 and the UEFA Cup in 1991.
Brehme’s accolades extended to the Bundesliga, where he clinched titles with both Bayern Munich and Kaiserslautern. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching roles at various clubs, including Kaiserslautern and Unterhaching.
The news of Brehme’s passing comes just weeks after the football world mourned the loss of another German icon, Franz Beckenbauer, who coached the national team during the 1986 and 1990 World Cups following his illustrious playing career.
Andreas Brehme’s legacy as a football legend and his unforgettable contributions to the sport will continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans around the world.