Germany World Cup final goal hero Andreas Brehme, 63, dies overnight of cardiac arrest, a month after the death of his mentor Franz Beckenbauer

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 slotted home the decisive 85th-minute penalty as Franz Beckenbauer’s side beat Argentina 1-0 in Rome.

Brehme played 86 times for Germany during his playing career and for Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan among others at club level.

German newspaper Bild reported that Brehme died on Monday night in Munich, apparently of a cardiac arrest.

Brehme was reportedly admitted to the emergency room of a clinic on Ziemssenstrasse, close to his apartment, but couldn’t be saved.

Brehme pictured with his partner Susanne Schaefer at a benefit for Franz Beckenbauer in 2022

Brehme (right), pictured with Franz Beckenbauer (left) and Lothar Matthaus after the 1990 win

Brehme (left) was among the legends who laid floral tributes at the memorial service to Franz Beckenbauer at the Allianz Arena last month

The newspaper said Brehme had been deeply affected by the death of his former coach and mentor Beckenbauer last month.

He leaves behind his partner Susanne Schaefer and two adult sons from his marriage to Pilar.

Schaefer told the DPA: ‘It is with deep sadness that I announce on behalf of the family that my partner Andreas Brehme died suddenly and unexpectedly tonight as a result of a cardiac arrest. 

‘We ask that you respect our privacy and refrain from asking questions during this difficult time.’ 

Brehme the player was remembered for being a modern full-back who wasn’t afraid of pushing forward to cross or shoot and he boasted a good goal record for a defender.

He was also adept from free-kicks and penalties, and was first to step up for West Germany against England in the 1990 semi-final which later saw Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle miss.

Brehme’s decade-long international career, which featured eight goals, saw him play at the 1986, 1990 and 1994 World Cups and the European Championships of 1984, 1988 and 1992.

He was named in the tournament’s best team in 1984, 1990 and 1992. As well as winning in 1990, he was involved in losing finals for West Germany against Argentina in 1986 and Denmark in 1992.

Beckenbauer admitted he never worked 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 experienced success at club level, too, winning an incredible Bundesliga title during his second spell with Kaiserslautern in 1998, just a year after they won promotion to the top level. 

Brehme was part of Kaiserslautern’s Bundesliga triumph in 1998, a year after promotion

Brehme at the San Siro in 2018 – he won the Serie A title and the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan

Brehme pictured during his time as coach of Kaiserslautern in 2000 

He was inducted into the German football Hall of Fame in 2019 in honour of his achievements

He’d already won the German league with Bayern in 1987, the same year they lost to Porto in the European Cup final.

His stint with Inter saw a Serie A title win in 1989 and victory in the UEFA Cup in 1991 when they defeated fellow Italians Roma 2-1 on aggregate.

Bayern Munich tweeted following the news: ‘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!’