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Hans Schäfer passes away aged 90

Ed McCambridge
November 7, 2017

German football is mourning the loss of 1954 FIFA World Cup winner Hans Schäfer. The former FC Cologne and West Germany international passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.

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Hans Schäfer
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Bongarts/DFB/T. Wagner

Hans Schäfer, a member of Germany's 1954 World Cup winning team, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 90.

The midfielder, described by the international press as "the best left-winger in the world" during his playing days, leaves Horst Eckel as the sole surviving member of the West Germany side who became world champions in Bern.

Schäfer spent his entire playing career at FC Cologne, scoring 254 goals in 394 appearences. He is regarded by many as the single greatest icon in the club's 70-year history.  

According to a statement released by the club, Schäfer died in the presence of his wife Isis, and their two daughters Stefanie and Regine.

"The entire FC Cologne family is in deep sadness and our thoughts are with Hans Schäfer's family. We are losing one of FC Cologne's biggest personalities. As a world champion and one of the greatest icons at this club, Hans Schäfer is immortal." Said club President Werner Spinner.

Vice President Toni Schumacher added: "Of all the great players in FC Cologne's history, Hans Schäfer was the greatest of all."

SID/jt/em