FIFA Global Cup champion Andreas Brehme, who gave Germany their third global title in 1990 after a late penalty against Argentina in Italy, passed away on Tuesday at the age of sixty-three, according to a statement from his old team, Kaiserslautern. According to Kaiserslautern, “FCK laments the passing of Andreas Brehme
Our prayers are with Andi’s family and friends as the FCK family is in a deep state of bereavement. Before his retirement in 1998, Brehme had previously played for Inter Milan and Bayern Munich. With eight goals, including the one for which he is most known, he earned 86 caps for Germany.
Andreas Brehme’s stormy career
Andreas “Andi” Brehme, a German professional football player and coach, is best known for scoring the winning goal for Germany in the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final against Argentina.
Brehme was a versatile attacking full-back known for his crossing ability, ambidexterity, and accuracy from free-kicks and penalties. He played for several teams in Germany and had spells in Italy and Spain.
Brehme, a former player for 1. FC Kaiserslautern, played for Bayern Munich from 1986 to 1988, winning the Bundesliga in 1987. He then joined Inter Milan from 1988 to 1992, where he won the Serie A in 1989 and the UEFA Cup in 1991, alongside fellow players Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann.
Brehme played for Real Zaragoza in La Liga from 1992-93 before returning to Germany in 1993.
He won the German Cup with Kaiserslautern in 1996, despite relegation. Brehme played a key role in the team’s promotion and won the Bundesliga with the club in 1998. He ended his playing career after playing 301 matches. Also, Brehme participated in the UEFA Euro 1984, UEFA Euro 1988, UEFA Euro 1992, and the 1994 World Cup as a former member of the German national team.
He scored a goal in Germany’s first-round draw with Italy, helping them advance to the Euro 88 semi-finals. In the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Brehme again placed second but lost to Argentina in the championship match. He used his right foot to score a penalty kick in the 1990 World Cup final. During the 1994 World Cup, Brehme’s final cap was used when Germany fell to Bulgaria in the quarterfinals.
What caused Andreas Brehme’s death?
Brehme, the World Cup-winning player from the 1990 and on-ward squads, passed away from a cardiac arrest on 20 February. The tragic event has left the soccer scene in Germany deeply saddened, with clubs across the country offering their condolences on social media.
The sudden death of the beloved soccer player has left many Germans shocked and heartbroken. Susanne, Andreas’ wife, requested privacy for her family and asked the media to refrain from asking any questions. His former employers FC Bayern Munich and 1. FC Kaiserslautern have also expressed their sadness.
Besides, Andreas Brahme, a 1990 FIFA World Cup winner, had a remarkable playing career, playing for European giants like FC Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. He was a prolific left-back, earning 86 caps for Germany and making over 300 appearances in the Bundesliga.
Football world reacts to Andreas Brehme’s death
“Andreas, you will always remain in our thoughts. Peace be with you.” Real Zaragoza shared a tweet on X.
Other condolences followed such as: “FC Bayern is stunned beyond belief by Andreas Brehme’s unexpected passing. In addition to becoming a world champion, Andreas Brehme will always hold a particular place in our hearts. Rest in peace, sweet Andi, for he will always be a member of the FC Bayern family.”
“The city of Kaiserslautern is in mourning for Andreas Brehme. Over ten years, he represented the “Red Devils” and won the German Championship and Cup with FCK. He ultimately achieved football superstar status in 1990 when he helped the German national team win the World Cup with a penalty kick.
The family of FCK is incredibly heartbroken, and our sympathies are with Andi Brehme’s family and friends. We’ll pay tribute to his memories,” Kaiserslautern wrote. A fantastic player and a fascinating subject. “Adieu, Andy, you will always be a legend,” Inter said on Brehme’s memorial.