Andreas Brehme, a German football star, scored the winning goal in the 1990 World Cup final against Argentina. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest left-sided players of all time, possessing an incredible ability to take free kicks and penalties with both feet.
He played for several clubs, including Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Real Zaragoza, and won numerous trophies and awards. So, what about his personal life? Who is the woman behind the guy who won the World Cup for Germany?
Who was Andreas ‘Andi’ Brehme?
Brehme was born in Hamburg on November 9, 1960. He began his professional career with Saarbrücken in 1980 before transferring to Kaiserslautern.
He later joined Bayern Munich for a then-record fee of two million Deutsche Marks (about £870,000). After only two years, he moved to join Inter Milan. Brehme won the UEFA Cup in 1991 after being selected as the Italian footballer of the year in 1989.
He subsequently spent a year in Spain with Real Zaragoza before returning to Kaiserslautern. Brehme considered retiring in 1996, but decided to stay and lead the team to promotion.
The next year, he played an important role in the club’s surprising Bundesliga victory. Before his retirement, he earned 86 caps for Germany and scored eight goals, the most notable of which came in the 1990 final.
His partner, Susanne, verified that Brehme died on February 20, 2024. “It is with great grief that I can confirm on behalf of the family that my boyfriend Andreas Brehme died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack last night.
“We ask at this difficult time to respect our privacy and refrain from asking questions,” Schaefer said in a statement. According to accounts, Brehme was taken to Ziemssenstrasse Hospital near his Munich flat after suffering a heart attack, but he was unable to be saved. Bayern Munich stated on the passing of their former midfielder.
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Pilar Brehme: The First Wife and Mother of His Children
Andreas Brehme married a Spanish woman, Pilar Martinez, in 1987. They met in Madrid while Brehme was playing for Real Zaragoza. They had two boys, Ricardo and Alessio, who both became football players.
The pair appeared to be in a happy and secure marriage, supporting each other through the ups and downs of Brehme’s profession. However, after 23 years of marriage, they decided to divorce in 2010. The grounds for their divorce are unknown, however, some sources believe Brehme’s financial problems and tax fraud accusations may have played a factor.
Susanne Schaefer: The Partner and Companion of His Final Years
Following his divorce from Pilar, Brehme fell in love again with Susanne Schaefer, a German marketing manager. They began dating in 2011 and lived together in Munich.
Brehme accidentally recorded Schaefer topless while sending a message to a fan in a viral video, demonstrating their close relationship and sense of humor. The pair laughed about the incident and claimed they were not embarrassed by it.
Schaefer remained by Brehme’s side till his abrupt and terrible death in 2024 from a cardiac arrest. She revealed his death in a statement, requesting solitude and respect.
So sad to hear of the death of German football legend Andreas Brehme. Just 63, no age at all. 🇩🇪 🙏 ⚽ #RIP pic.twitter.com/qlntZpj0ek
— Éire Guide (@eireguide) February 20, 2024
Tributes and Condolences: The Football World Mourns the Loss of a Legend
Brehme’s passing stunned and devastated the football world, with many teams, players, and fans paying respect and offering condolences to his family. Bayern Munich, his old team, tweeted:
“FC Bayern is deeply shocked by the sudden death of Andreas Brehme. The German record champion is united in grief with his relatives and friends. We will always keep Andreas Brehme in our hearts – as a world champion and even more as a very special person.”
The Germanfootball_dfb Twitter account shared a sad post:
We are deeply saddened to report that Andreas Brehme has passed away.
Our thoughts are with Andy’s friends and family at this sad time.
RIP Andy! 🕊️ #DFBTeam
📸 IMAGO pic.twitter.com/VYCPmUdLzh— germanfootball_dfb (@DFB_Team_EN) February 20, 2024
Other clubs, including Inter Milan and Kaiserslautern, paid tribute to his memories and achievements. Brehme’s former teammates, including Lothar Matthaus, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Rudi Voller, expressed their sorrow and affection for him. Brehme will be remembered not only as an outstanding football player, but also as a devoted husband, father, and partner.
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