Jimmy Rimmer, a former goalkeeper for Aston Villa and a member of the team that won the European Cup in 1982, passed away at the age of 78.
Rimmer was one of the few players to win the European Cup with two separate English clubs throughout his illustrious career spanning more than 20 years.
“Aston Villa have announced the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer, who died at the age of 78,” according to a post on Sky Sports Premier League’s X handle on Friday.
Despite not playing in the final against Benfica, Rimmer started his senior career with Manchester United and was a member of the team that won the European Cup in 1968.
After that, he relocated to Arsenal before joining Aston Villa, where he became the team’s starting goalie. Rimmer was crucial to Villa’s remarkable run in the European Cup the following season as well as their successful 1980–81 First Division title campaign.
In the 1982 European Cup final in Rotterdam, Villa defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 thanks to a goal by Peter Withe. After just nine minutes, Rimmer was forced to leave the game due to an injury. Nigel Spink then entered the game and gave a standout performance.
Rimmer received his second winners’ medal and was acknowledged as a member of the European Cup winning team despite leaving the field early.
In addition to making 229 league games for Aston Villa, Rimmer earned one senior cap while playing for England internationally.
