Xinhua News Agency, London, February 12 (Reporter Prince Jiang) Gordon Banks, the legendary goalkeeper of England and the champion of the 1966world Cup, died on the 12th at the age of 81.
Stoke City Football Club, which banks once worked for, released the news of his death on the official website. It was revealed that banks “passed away peacefully” at night “.
Banks, born in Sheffield, made 73 appearances on behalf of England and was awarded the best goalkeeper of the year by FIFA six times. He participated in all England’s matches in the 1966world Cup, including the final of defeating Germany by 4:2. However, what impressed him most was the magical rescue in the game against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup. At that time, the Brazilian team’s yayilzenho passed down at the bottom, and the ball king Bailey jumped up to heading in, banks jumped out of the ball incredibly. This is recognized as one of the best saves in the world. After the fighting action was completed, banks and the doorpost crashed together. Bailey, who thought the ball had entered the net, was surprised with his head.
Bobby Charlton, who was also a member of the 1966 World Cup champion, expressed his condolences on the death of banks, saying that he was “proud” of having such teammates and said, although I watched the video of that game many times later, I still didn’t know how banks “caught Bailey’s header”.
Banks was the fourth player to die in the starting lineup of England in the 1966 World Cup final.
Banks once played for Leicester City club for 8 years, joined Stoke City in 1964and led the team to win the League Cup title in 1972, which was the biggest honor in Stoke City’s history. In 1973, he retired after losing his right eye in a car accident. In 2015, Stoke City set up a statue for him outside the stadium to commemorate his contribution to the team.