German football legend Karl-Heinz Schnellinger dies aged 85

The football world mourns the loss of a legend of the "game of the century": Karl-Heinz Schnellinger has died at the age of 85. His death was confirmed by his family.

The former German international, known for his decisive equaliser in the semi-final of the 1970 World Cup against Italy, died in the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where he had lived for over five decades, per reports by The Daily Mail.

Schnellinger played for Germany in four World Cups from 1958 to 1970 and achieved legendary status, especially through his goal in the "Game of the Century".

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The left-back will be remembered for his injury-time equaliser almost 54 years ago in a semi-final between Germany and Italy at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, which became known as the "Game of the Century".

However, his historical significance extended to other important matches, including the 1966 World Cup final and the 1958 World Cup, in which Germany finished fourth.

His last international match was against Albania in 1971. Although he enjoyed great success in both Germany and Italy, he received less attention in his home country, per the Associated Press.

In addition to his achievements at international level, Schnellinger also had numerous successes at club level. He was one of the first Germans to move to a foreign club, and he moved to Italy.

Schnellinger's successes at club level included a championship with 1. FC Köln in 1962 as well as several titles with Italian clubs such as AC Mantua, AS Roma and AC Milan, per AP News.

Nicknamed "Carlo il Biondo" ("The Blonde Karl"), he was one of the most successful foreign professionals in the Italian league.

With Schnellinger's death, the football world has lost not only an outstanding player, but also a personality who has shaped the sport for decades. He leaves behind his wife, three daughters and four grandchildren.

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