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England’s World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has passed away aged 81.
The 81-year-old has been heavily regarded as one of the sport’s greatest goalkeepers, being named FIFA goalkeeper of the year six times during his career as he earned 73 caps for the national side.
Aside from his triumphant World Cup campaign with England, Banks is also well-known for his incredible save to deny Pele during Brazil’s home World Cup in 1970.
Banks, born in Sheffield, won the League Cup with Stoke City and Leicester City respectively before retiring in 1973.
A family statement announced the sad passing:
“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.”
Tributes to the goalkeeping great have poured in from across the world on social media.
Legend….. RIP Gordon Banks ??????? pic.twitter.com/mrClVqJmUk
— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) February 12, 2019
Rest in peace, Gordon Banks. A World Cup winner and one of English football's greats. pic.twitter.com/wfiTfixeBA
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 12, 2019
Rest in Peace Gordon Banks. Had the pleasure of meeting you as an 18 year old with my Dad, and him being completely star struck by you. Total gent. You will always be a member of the Goallys Union ? ? pic.twitter.com/xN0u6IXitF
— Ben Foster (@BenFoster) February 12, 2019
So sorry to hear the news of my good friend gordon banks who passed away a few hrs ago myself and @Shanewh1tfield and all at kong events send our condolences what a loss & an unbelievable goal keeper & an incredible man a really true gentleman RIP mate ?xxGAZZAxxx pic.twitter.com/GvkHzb8Dyz
— Paul Gascoigne (@Paul_Gascoigne8) February 12, 2019
A fierce opponent and a good man.
Rest in peace, Gordon Banks ???????#DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/lAGgAulKuO
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) February 12, 2019
‘He showed amazing agility…I don’t think I will ever see a better save in my life’
Ex-Arsenal keeper Bob Wilson on THAT save by Gordon Banks from Pele's shot at the 1970 World Cup.
Goalkeeper Banks, one of England's 1966 World Cup winners, has died aged 81. pic.twitter.com/GeE9gkhiCv
— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) 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
