Legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81.
Banks was the goalkeeper for England when they won the 1966 World Cup on home soil and he produced one of the greatest saves in history in the 1970 World Cup to deny Brazil’s Pele.
The former Leicester City and Stoke City goalkeeper was known across the planet as one of the all-time great stoppers. Banks was named the FIFA goalkeeper of the year for five-straight years from 1966-71 and won the League Cup in England with both Leicester and Stoke.
Banks played 73 times for England, as well as playing in the U.S. for the Cleveland Stokers and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers towards the end of his career.
Below is a look at his finest moment, while plenty of key figures in the game have paid tribute to Banks.
Once a champion, always a champion 🦁🏆
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 12, 2019
We are deeply sorry to hear of the death of @England World Cup winner @thegordonbanks.
He was one of the game's greatest goalkeepers, a provider of stunning World Cup memories & a gentleman.
Our thoughts are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/tsD4c71Ixt
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
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
I’m devastated - today Ive lost my hero our condolences to his family rip Gordon
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) February 12, 2019
Legend..... RIP Gordon Banks 🏴 pic.twitter.com/mrClVqJmUk
— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) February 12, 2019
We used to always speak about finishing. His advice to me was to try and catch keepers early - "get the shot away early" he'd say. In 1970 we saw one of the greatest crosses, met by one of the greatest headers and saved by one of the greatest goalkeepers. RIP GB ❤️🙏🏿 Thank you pic.twitter.com/q2PlIJiBmk
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) February 12, 2019