Jimmy Rimmer, Aston Villa’s 1982 European Cup-winning goalkeeper, has died aged 78 after a distinguished career spanning more than two decades

Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer, a member of the club’s historic 1982 European Cup-winning team, has died at the age of 78, Aston Villa confirmed on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Also read: Top 20 Young Premier League Talents to Watch in 2026/27

Rimmer enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than two decades and became one of the few English players to win the European Cup with two different clubs.

Aston Villa announced his death in a statement, with Sky Sports Premier League reporting the news on Friday.

Rimmer began his senior career at Manchester United, where he was part of the squad that won the European Cup in 1968.

Although he did not feature in the final against Benfica, the triumph gave Rimmer his first European Cup winners’ medal.

He later moved to Arsenal before joining Aston Villa, where he established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and became an important figure during one of the most successful periods in Villa’s history.

Rimmer played a key role in Villa’s 1980/81 First Division title triumph, helping the club secure the English championship before their memorable European campaign the following season.

Villa’s European Cup journey culminated in a dramatic final against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam in May 1982.

Villa won the final 1-0, with Peter Withe scoring the decisive goal to secure the club’s first European Cup.

Rimmer started the final but suffered an injury after only nine minutes, forcing manager Tony Barton to replace him with substitute goalkeeper Nigel Spink.

Spink went on to produce an outstanding performance, making several important saves as Villa held on to defeat the German champions.

Although Rimmer was unable to complete the final, his contribution to Villa’s European campaign meant he was recognised as part of the winning team and collected his second European Cup medal.

His achievement placed him in a select group of players to have won Europe’s premier club competition with two English clubs.

Rimmer made 229 league appearances for Aston Villa, leaving a lasting mark at a club where he enjoyed the most significant period of his playing career.

He also represented England, earning one senior international cap.

His career was notable not only for its longevity but also for the extraordinary contrast between his two European Cup triumphs.

He was part of Manchester United’s historic 1968 success and, 14 years later, helped Aston Villa reach the summit of European football.

The 1982 victory remains one of the defining moments in Aston Villa’s history, and Rimmer’s name is permanently linked to that remarkable achievement.

Also read: Top 20 Young Premier League Talents to Watch in 2026/27

His death marks the loss of a goalkeeper who played an important role in two landmark European triumphs and enjoyed a career that stretched across more than 20 years.