Gordon Banks, England’s football goalkeeper when they won in the 1966 World Cup has died age 81 in his sleep on 12 Feb 2019. The news of his passing announced by his former club Stoke City.
A key figure in the Club's greatest ever achievement. Thank you, Gordon. pic.twitter.com/tzrVtEcdEX
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 12, 2019
“It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight,” his family said.
“We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.”
1972 was a sad year for Gordon Banks. He Gordon Banks was involved in a car accident on 22 Oct 1972 that caused him to lose sight in his right eye.
While he was driving home, he tried to overtake a vehicle on a sharp bend and collided with the oncoming vehicle and ended up in a ditch.
Gordon Banks was taken to a hospital and had an operation on both his face and right eye’s socket using stitches.
Unfortunately his sight never returned after his operation and this affected his ability to be a goalkeeper and thus ended up retiring from his football career.
Gordon Banks is well known for making the greatest football save in history in the 1970 World Cup group match, where he successfully denied Pele (Brazil) his goal.
Over social media, tributes are pouring in to pay their respects to Gordon Banks.
The only Leicester City player to have won the World Cup while with the Football Club.
Rest in peace, Gordon.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 12, 2019
This one wasn't too bad, either. #GordonBanks #GKUnion pic.twitter.com/w2Hpn02rlr
— The Goalkeepers' Union (@GKUnion) February 12, 2019
We are saddened by the death of legendary @England goalkeeper Gordon Banks.@SirBobby: "Gordon was a fantastic goalkeeper and I was proud to call him a team-mate.
"He will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time." pic.twitter.com/JS6WXasrtH
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) 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
Goalkeeping has changed a lot since Gordon and I played. But if he were playing today, he would still be one of the very best. Rest in peace, my friend. https://t.co/NYDiEzY6VZ pic.twitter.com/EOYmMKbgPH
— Pelé (@Pele) February 12, 2019
