England’s 1966 World Cup hero goalkeeper Gordon Banks dies, aged 81

STOKE CITY FOOTBALL CLUB has broken the sad news that English footballing legend Gordon Banks, OBE has died.

In a Tweet they posted a message from his family saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.

“We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.”

Gary Lineker tweeted: “Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. @England’s World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIPGordon

Raheem Sterling added: “Of course there was THAT save, but its so much more we are mourning today. RIP Gordon Banks. @England legend, your legacy will live on. All my thoughts with the family.”

Gordon Banks, OBE (December 30, 1937 – February 11, 2019) made 628 appearances during a 15-year career in the Football League, and won 73 caps for England.

Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, the IFFHS named Banks the second-best goalkeeper of the 20th century – after Lev Yashin (1st) and ahead of Dino Zoff (3rd). He was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1972, and was named FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year on six occasions.

A car crash in October 1972 cost him both the sight in one eye and his professional career.

From the family of Gordon Banks

It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.

We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him. pic.twitter.com/mg5GIgSoBb

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 12, 2019

Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. @England’s World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIPGordon

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 12, 2019

We’re deeply saddened to hear that Gordon Banks, our #WorldCup-winning goalkeeper, has passed away.

Our thoughts are with Gordon’s friends, family and supporters at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nbzncYBCFA

— England (@England) February 12, 2019

As well as helping the #ThreeLions to glory in 1966, Gordon will be remembered for THAT save against Brazil four years later.

A true England legend 🙌pic.twitter.com/RTDZKaMKBt

— England (@England) February 12, 2019

Legend….. RIP Gordon Banks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/mrClVqJmUk

— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) February 12, 2019

of course there was THAT save, but its so much more we are mourning today. RIP Gordon Banks. @England legend, your legacy will live on. All my thoughts with the family pic.twitter.com/iyAKdH2Mfm

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) February 12, 2019