German 1990 WC hero Brehme dies

Andreas Brehme, who scored the winning Germany goal in the 1990 World Cup final, has died at age 63 of cardiac arrest, his partner Susanne Schaefer confirmed to dpa on Tuesday on behalf of the family.

"It is with deep sadness that I announce on behalf of the family that my partner Andreas Brehme passed away suddenly and unexpectedly overnight following a cardiac arrest. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time and refrain from asking questions," Schaefer's statement read.

Full back Brehme won 86 Germany caps between 1984 and 1994 and his successful late penalty in the 1990 final in Rome against Diego Maradona's Argentina gave Germany a then third World Cup title.

Hamburg born Brehme played at three World Cups, losing the 1986 final in Mexico City against Argentina.

"Rest in peace, Andi," was a first reaction from the German Football federation (DFB) on X, formerly Twitter, along with a photo of Brehme holding the World Cup trophy after the 1990 final.

His best time as a club player came at Inter Milan 1988-1992 where he won the Serie A in 1989 and the UEFA Cup in 1991. Brehme won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, where he played 1986-1988, and with Kaiserslautern, where he spent two terms 1981-1986 and 1993-1998. He also played at Spain's Zaragoza 1992-93.

Brehme later became a coach, with lesser success, at clubs including Kaiserslautern and Unterhaching.

"The FCK family is in deep mourning and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Andi Brehme. We will honour his memory," Kaiserslautern said on X.

Bayern said on the same platform: "FC Bayern are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of Andreas Brehme. 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!"

Inter said on X: "A magnificent player, a true Interista. Ciao Andy, forever a legend."

Brehme's death comes a few weeks after that of German football icon Franz Beckenbauer, who coached the team at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups after winning it as a player in 1974.