Karl-Heinz Schnellinger (born March 31, 1939 in Düren) is a former German footballer.

A vigorous defender, Schnellinger played most of his career in Italy. His debut in the Serie A came in 1963, when Schnellinger left 1. FC Köln for A.C. Mantova. He made his Serie A debut for a match against A.C. Milan ended in a surprising 4-1 victory of A.C. Mantova; however he played there only for one season, and was signed by A.S. Roma in 1964, and finally by A.C. Milan in 1965. He played nine seasons with the rossoneri, obtaining several successes both at the national and European level.

Schnellinger was a player for the West Germany national football team in the played in Mexico. Schnellinger, who never scored a goal in 222 matches for A.C. Milan, became famous for having scored the 1-1 tie in the legendary semi-final against Italy. His goal came during the injury time, when it missed just a few seconds before the end of the match, and actually drove a regular semifinal to become the so-called Jahrhundertspiel (or Match of the Century), then won 4-3 by the Italy.

Schnellinger left A.C. Milan in 1974, and retired after a season back in his native Germany with Tennis Borussia Berlin.

Today Schnellinger still lives in Milan, and he works as businessman.

German footballers | 1939 births | Living people | German International players | Football (soccer) defenders | FIFA World Cup 1958 players

Karl-Heinz Schnellinger | Karl-Heinz Schnellinger | Karl-Heinz Schnellinger | Karl-Heinz Schnellinger | Karl-Heinz Schnellinger