Former national soccer player Karl-Heinz Schnellinger has died at the age of 85. Schnellinger died on Monday in Milan, his family confirmed. Italian media had previously reported. On March 31st, Schnellinger celebrated his 85th birthday. He leaves behind his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren.
Almost 54 years ago, the former national player scored the late 1-1 equalizer for Germany in the so-called game of the century against Italy. The game in the semi-finals of the 1970 World Cup is still considered one of the best football games in history. Germany lost the game 3-4 in extra time and came third in the World Cup, while Italy lost to Brazil in the final.
Schnellinger lived in Italy until his death, where he also played football for a long time. “The blonde Karl”, as he was called in Italy (Carlo il Biondo), is still one of the most successful German professionals abroad. In Germany it was comparatively less noticed. “It always seems to me as if I’m a foreigner in Germany – and in Italy too,” says Schnellinger on the occasion of his birthday in March. “But that’s okay.”
A German legend in Italy
Schnellinger’s famous goal against Italy was the only one he scored in 47 international matches – but it made him a legend of German football. In addition, Schnellinger was also on the pitch in another classic: the 2-4 defeat in the World Cup final against England in 1966. At the 1958 World Cup he finished fourth with the national team and teammate Fritz Walter. Schnellinger played his last international match in 1971 against Albania.
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Schnellinger also won several titles with his club teams. In the last year before the introduction of the Bundesliga, he became champion with 1. FC Köln in 1962. He then moved to Italy, first to AC Mantua, then to AS Roma and finally to AC Milan. With Milan he won the Italian Cup three times, became champion once, won the European Cup Winners’ Cup twice and the national champions’ trophy once.
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Former national soccer player Karl-Heinz Schnellinger has died at the age of 85. Schnellinger died on Monday in Milan, his family confirmed. Italian media had previously reported. On March 31st, Schnellinger celebrated his 85th birthday. He leaves behind his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren.
Almost 54 years ago, the former national player scored the late 1-1 equalizer for Germany in the so-called game of the century against Italy. The game in the semi-finals of the 1970 World Cup is still considered one of the best football games in history. Germany lost the game 3-4 in extra time and came third in the World Cup, while Italy lost to Brazil in the final.
