Overview
Andreas Biermann (13 September 1980 – 18 July 2014) was a German professional footballer who spent his career playing in Germany. A defender by trade, he was active from 1999 until his death in 2014 and finished his playing career with FSV Spandauer Kickers.
Career
Biermann was primarily associated with clubs outside the top tier of German football, where many players combine semi-professional and regional careers. He was known as a defensive player who contributed experience and leadership to squads in the regional and lower national divisions.
- Position: Defender
- Playing span: 1999–2014
- Final club: FSV Spandauer Kickers
Personal life and health
Biermann was born in West Berlin and raised in the German capital area; his birthplace is commonly cited as West Berlin. He was married and had two children. For many years he struggled with mental illness; sources note a prolonged battle with depression and multiple suicide attempts. He had attempted to take his life on several prior occasions and ultimately died by suicide on 18 July 2014 in Berlin. His long-term diagnosis and public reports referenced ongoing depressive illness (depression).
Legacy and significance
The circumstances of Biermann's death drew public attention to the mental-health pressures athletes can face, especially those outside elite, well-supported environments. His case is often mentioned in discussions about player welfare, the need for accessible mental-health services, and the stigma that sometimes prevents sportspeople from seeking help.
Notable facts
- His career spanned roughly 15 years at the senior level.
- He balanced a professional sporting life with the personal challenges of family and long-term illness.
- His death helped prompt conversations in Germany about mental-health support in football and sport generally.