The goalkeeper won the World Cup with England in 1966
Former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks has died aged 81.
As well as winning the World Cup with England in 1966, Banks was perhaps best known for the iconic save he made to deny Pele during a game against Brazil in the 1970 tournament in Mexico.
Born in Sheffield in 1937, Banks started his career with Chesterfield before spells with Leicester City and Stoke City. He earned his first England cap in 1963 in a game against Scotland.
As well as the 1966 World Cup, where he played in every game for England, Banks also won two League Cup titles – the first with Leicester in 1964; the other with Stoke eight years later.Pelé
In a 2017 interview with the BBC, Banks spoke about that famous save against Pele:
‘I saw Pele racing to the edge of the box. I had a quick look before their winger Jairzinho crossed the ball – Pele had got in front of Alan Mullery.
‘Jairzinho centred the ball, but I could not come out for the cross. I knew from the penalty spot it would have to be a fantastic header to beat me.
‘But the ground was hard so I thought I should get off my line and as I dived I had to anticipate how high it was going to bounce. I got a hand to it, the ball actually hit the top of my hand and looked as though it was going into the top of the net.
‘As I hit the floor I saw that the ball had missed the goal. At first I thought “you lucky so and so” but then I realised it has been a bit special.’
Banks, who played one game for St Patrick’s Athletic, also spoke about that save in more colourful terms in 2014:
A true goalkeeping great.
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
