20 February 2024 , 08:44
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German football legend Andreas Brehme has died aged 63 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Munich.
A set-piece specialist who could play in multiple positions on the left, Brehme is best remembered for scoring the winning penalty in the 1990 World Cup final. His 85th-minute spot-kick - whipped into the left-hand corner with his 'weaker' right foot - famously gave Germany a 1-0 victory over Argentina in Rome, having beaten England in the semi-finals.
Alongside 86 caps for his country, the two-footed Brehme was a Bundesliga title winner for both Kaiserslautern and Bayern Munich, and a Serie A champion with Inter Milan. German newspaper Bild report that the 63-year-old died on Monday night in Munich, having suffered a heart attack.
He is survived by his partner, Susanne Schaefer, and two adult sons from his marriage to Pilar. It is said that the former footballer had been deeply affected by the death of his old coach and mentor, Franz Beckenbauer, last month.
Beckenbauer, who died aged 78, managed Germany during their triumph at Italia '90. Tributes for Brehme have poured in from across world football, with Bayern tweeting: "FC Bayern are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of Andreas Brehme.
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"We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Andreas Brehme will forever be in our hearts, as a World Cup winner and, more importantly, as a very special person. He will forever be part of the FC Bayern family. Rest in peace, Andi!"
Kaiserslautern posted a tribute of their own, which read: "He wore the Red Devils jersey for a total of 1- years and became German champion and cup winner with FCK.
"In 1990 he shot the German national team to the World Cup title with his penalty and finally became a football legend. The FCK family is deeply saddened and its thoughts are with Andi Breme's relatives and friends. We will honour his memory."
Inter Milan wrote: "A magnificent player, a great Inter fan. Ciao Andy, forever a legend."
Andreas Brehme and his partner, Susanne Schaefer, pictured in January 2023 (Gisela Schober/Getty Images)The German football federation, the DFB, also posted: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends." Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach added: "Our condolences go out to his relatives and friends."
Hamburg, Brehme's hometown club, paid tribute by saying: "We express our condolences and sympathy to the family, relatives and friends. May 'Andi' rest in peace!"
Spanish club Real Zaragoza - who he played for in the 1992-93 season, helping them reach the Copa del Rey final - added: "We will always remember you, Andreas. Rest in peace."