Frank Mill, a key member of West Germany’s 1990 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, has passed away at the age of 67. His death was confirmed by his former clubs, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Rot-Weiß Essen, on August 5, 2025.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
Mill suffered a severe heart attack in May 2025 while at Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy, preparing to participate in a documentary about the 1990 World Cup. Emergency responders revived him at the scene, and he was airlifted to a hospital in Essen, Germany, where he remained under treatment until his passing.
Football Career and Legacy
Born on July 23, 1958, in Essen, Germany, Mill had a distinguished football career. He played for several Bundesliga clubs, including Rot-Weiß Essen, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and Fortuna Düsseldorf. Over his career, he made 506 professional appearances, scoring 201 goals.
Mill earned 17 caps for West Germany and was part of the 1990 World Cup squad, although he did not feature in the tournament. He also represented Germany at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where the team secured a bronze medal.
Tributes and Remembrance
Following his death, tributes poured in from the football community. Fortuna Düsseldorf described Mill as “not only one of the greatest footballers Rot-Weiß Essen has ever produced but also a fine person: down-to-earth, authentic, and full of positive energy.”
His former club, Rot-Weiß Essen, honored him as “a legend” and “an ambassador for football across the country,” reflecting his significant impact on German football.
In his post-playing years, Mill remained involved in football, founding a football school and participating in veteran matches, including playing for Borussia Dortmund’s alumni team as recently as 2024.
Frank Mill’s passing marks the second loss from the 1990 World Cup team, following the death of Andreas Brehme in 2024.
He is survived by his children, Vanessa, Kevin, and Max.
By
