- Brehme, 63, reportedly suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Munich last night
- He was West Germany’s hero when they defeated Argentina to win the 1990 World Cup
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Andreas Brehme, who scored West Germany’s winning goal in the 1990 World Cup final, has died at the age of 63.
The left back scored the decisive penalty in the 85th minute as Franz Beckenbauer’s side defeated Argentina 1-0 in Rome.
Brehme made 86 appearances for Germany during his playing career and at club level for the likes of Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
This was reported by the German newspaper Bild that Brehme died in Munich on Monday evening, apparently of cardiac arrest.
Brehme was reportedly admitted to the emergency room of a clinic on Ziemssenstrasse, close to his apartment, but could not be saved.
Andreas Brehme converts the decisive penalty to win the 1990 World Cup for West Germany
Brehme pictured with his partner Susanne Schaefer at a benefit for Franz Beckenbauer in 2022
Brehme (left) was among the legends who paid floral tributes last month at the memorial service for Franz Beckenbauer at the Allianz Arena
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According to the newspaper, Brehme was deeply affected by the death of his former coach and mentor Beckenbauer last month.
He is survived by his partner Susanne Schaefer and two adult sons from his marriage to Pilar.
Brehme, the player, was remembered as a modern full-back who was not afraid to push forward to cross or shoot, and he boasted a good goalscoring record for a defender.
He was also adept at free kicks and penalties, and was the first to stand up for West Germany against England in the 1990 semi-final, which Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle later missed.
Brehme’s decade-long international career, during which he scored eight goals, saw him play at the 1986, 1990 and 1994 World Cups and the 1984, 1988 and 1992 European Championships.
He was named in the tournament’s best team in 1984, 1990 and 1992. In addition to the 1990 victory, he was involved in West Germany’s losing finals against Argentina in 1986 and Denmark in 1992.
Beckenbauer admitted he never found out whether the ambidextrous Brehme was left- or right-footed, while German great Lothar Matthaus said he was the most talented footballer he played with.
Brehme also enjoyed success at club level, winning an incredible Bundesliga title during his second spell at Kaiserslautern in 1998, just a year after they won promotion to the top tier.
Brehme at San Siro in 2018 – he won the Serie A title and the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan
Brehme pictured during his time coaching Kaiserslautern in 2000
He had already won the German league with Bayern in 1987, the same year they lost to Porto in the European Cup final.
His spell at Inter saw them win the Serie A in 1989 and win the UEFA Cup in 1991, when they defeated compatriots Roma 2-1.
Bayern Munich tweeted following the news: ‘FC Bayern is extremely saddened by the sudden death of Andreas Brehme.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Andreas Brehme will remain in our hearts forever, 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!’