Hans Schafer, 1954 FIFA World Cup™ and FC Koln legend, has passed away today aged 90. The former West Germany international was dubbed by the press as "the best left winger in the world" at the time of Die Nationalmannschaft's 1954 victory. He was one of the top performers during the Final, later dubbed "the miracle of Bern", directly involved in two of West Germany's goals in their 3-2 win over Hungary. As well as his World Cup winner's medal, Schafer twice won the German championship with FC Koln.

After his death, tributes began pouring in from the club where he spent his entire career.

"Of all the great players of FC Koln, Hans Schafer is the biggest thanks to the 'Miracle of Bern'," FC Koln vice-president and two-time World Cup Finalist Toni Schumacher said on fc.de. "I was always proud when he said: 'Toni, we both would have fitted together well in a team.'"