Jimmy Rimmer, the legendary English goalkeeper who won two European Cups with different clubs, has died at the age of 78, according to an official statement released by Aston Villa. Rimmer’s career included spells with Manchester United, Arsenal, Swansea City, and Luton Town, alongside a single appearance for the England national team.
Aston Villa confirmed the death of their former goalkeeper on the club’s official social media channels, noting that Rimmer spent the majority of his career in Birmingham. Rimmer achieved rare status by winning European football’s premier club competition—now known as the UEFA Champions League—with two separate English teams. According to historical club records, he was part of the Manchester United squad that lifted the trophy in 1968, though he did not play in the final, and later started in goal for Aston Villa when they defeated Bayern Munich to win the 1982 European Cup.
Career Highlights and Major Club Transfers
Rimmer began his professional journey at Manchester United under manager Matt Busby, signing as an apprentice before turning professional. During his time at Old Trafford, he served primarily as a backup to Alex Stepney but secured a European Cup winner’s medal during the club’s historic 1968 campaign. Seeking regular first-team football, Rimmer transferred to Arsenal in 1974, where he established himself as the undisputed starter and made more than 140 league appearances for the Gunners.
In 1977, manager Ron Saunders brought Rimmer to Aston Villa, a move that defined the peak of his playing days. Over the next six years, Rimmer anchored Villa’s defense, helping the club secure the First Division league title in the 1980-81 season. His crowning achievement with Villa arrived on May 26, 1982, in Rotterdam, where he started the European Cup final against Bayern Munich. Just nine minutes into the match, Rimmer suffered a recurrence of a neck injury and had to be substituted for reserve goalkeeper Nigel Spink, who went on to deliver a legendary performance in a 1-0 victory.
International Recognition and Later Playing Years
Despite his extensive domestic success and longevity at the top level of English football, Rimmer earned only one senior cap for the England national team. That appearance came on February 7, 1976, in a friendly match against Wales under manager Don Revie, where England secured a 2-1 victory at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.
Following his departure from Aston Villa in 1983, Rimmer played for Swansea City and finished his professional career with Luton Town before retiring from playing. His death follows a series of recent passings within the football community, marking the loss of another prominent figure from the 1970s and 1980s era of English club football.
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