Ronnie Hellstrom at the 1974 World Cup in Germany
Photo: IMAGO
The longtime goalkeeper of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Ronnie Hellström, is dead. This was announced by his hometown club Hammarby IF.
The FCK also made condolences.
“We are in deep mourning this Sunday.
Dear Ronnie, we thank you for the time we were allowed to spend with you at FCK.
Not only were you an exceptional goalkeeper, you also left a deep mark on Kaiserslautern as a person.
Vila i frid," Lauterer tweeted on Sunday.
According to Hammarby, Hellstrom, who was suffering from cancer, died in the morning surrounded by his family at the age of 72.
The Swedish tabloid "Expressen" also reported on it, citing the family of the former international goalkeeper.
According to »Expressen«, Hellström said in November 2021 that he was terminally ill with esophageal cancer.
Hellstrom is considered one of the best goalkeepers Sweden has ever had.
In 1970, 1974 and 1978 he took part in the World Cup with Sweden, and in 1971 and 1978 he was voted Footballer of the Year in his home country.
He made 266 Bundesliga appearances for 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Most recently he lived in Beddingestrand in southern Sweden.
mfu/dpa