Football Legend Jimmy Rimmer Dies at 78: European Cup Winner Remembered
Football Legend Jimmy Rimmer Dies at 78: European Cup Winner Remembered
Farewell to Jimmy Rimmer, the iconic goalkeeper who won the European Cup with both Man Utd & Aston Villa. A look back at his remarkable career and the tributes pouring in. #FootballLegend
The football world mourns the loss of a true legend, Jimmy Rimmer, who has passed away at the age of 78. A revered goalkeeper, Rimmer achieved the rare feat of winning the European Cup with two different English clubs, Manchester United and Aston Villa, 14 years apart.
Aston Villa announced Rimmer's death on Friday, though no further details were provided. The club paid tribute, describing him as “one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably one of the unluckiest when it came to big occasions.”
Rimmer's first European Cup triumph came in 1968 with Manchester United. While he was an unused substitute, serving as backup to Alex Stepney in United's 4-1 victory over Benfica at Wembley Stadium, he earned a winner's medal for his contributions to the squad. He was with United from 1965 to 1974.
His second victory in the prestigious competition was in 1982, starting for Aston Villa against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam, Netherlands. In a dramatic turn of events, Rimmer suffered a neck injury just nine minutes into the final and had to be replaced. Despite his initial tears in the locker room, he was able to join his teammates in the post-match celebrations after Peter Withe scored the winning goal for Villa. Rimmer had been instrumental in Villa's campaign that season, starting all nine of their matches in the competition, following an ever-present role in their English league title win the previous season. He played for Villa from 1977 to 1983, following a three-year stint at Arsenal.
Beyond his club heroics, Rimmer also represented his country once, featuring for England in a friendly against Italy in 1976.
Tributes have begun to pour in for the late goalkeeper. Manchester United expressed their deep sorrow in a post on X, stating they were “deeply saddened” by his passing and extended their thoughts to “Jimmy’s loved ones at this difficult time.” Jimmy Rimmer's legacy as a double European Cup winner and a dedicated professional will undoubtedly live on in the annals of football history.
