Max Schnellinger died in Milan at the age of 85. © Timo Pelz

Goal scorer of the century Schnellinger is dead

Former national soccer player Karl-Heinz Schnellinger is dead. The scorer of the late 1-1 equalizer in the so-called game of the century in the 1970 World Cup semi-final against Italy died on Monday evening in Milan at the age of 85.

21 Maj 2024

From: dpa/sn

Almost 54 years ago, the left-back scored an extra-time equalizer in the game against Italy, which is still considered one of the best football games in history. Italy won 4-3 after extra time in the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City and then lost to Brazil in the final, Germany came third. Schnellinger was already earning his money in Italy at the time and continued to live there after his career ended.

This single goal in his 47 international matches made Schnellinger a legend of German football. It is less known that Schnellinger was also on the pitch in another classic – the 2-4 defeat in the World Cup final against England in 1966 – and came fourth at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, back then with Fritz Walter. He played his last international match against Albania in 1971. When the Federal Republic became European and world champions shortly afterwards in 1972 and 1974, the left-back was already called Paul Breitner.

Won many titles in Italy

In return, Schnellinger won several titles with his club teams. In the last year before the introduction of the Bundesliga, he became champion with 1962. FC Köln in 1. He then moved to Italy, first to Mantova, then to AS Roma and finally to Milan. With the red-blacks he won the Italian Cup three times, won the championship once, won the European Cup Winners' Cup twice and the national champions' trophy once.

“Carlo il Biondo” (“The Blonde Karl”), as he was known in Italy, is still one of the most successful foreign professionals today. But living far away meant that he was less noticed at home than others. “It always seems to me as if I am a foreigner in Germany – and in Italy too,” says Schnellinger on the occasion of his birthday in March. “But that’s okay.” Karl-Heinz Schnellinger leaves behind his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren.