Former World Cup champions Gordon Banks OBE dies aged 81

The former Leicester City and Stoke City footballer was 29-years-old when he lifted the FIFA World Cup in 1966 with England.

Regarded as the second-best goalkeeper of the 20th Century after Lev Yashin, Gordon Banks died early on Tuesday, 12th February 2019. Gordon was pivotal in England's World Cup triumph in 1966. Out of the six games in the tournament, he kept four clean sheets and only let in just three goals in the net.

He started his career with Chesterfield in the Third Division, later playing for Leicester City and Stoke City respectively. He made 606 appearances in 16 years of combined stay at both the clubs, winning two League Cups in 1964 and 1972 with Leicester and Stoke respectively.

Stoke City FC first broke the news of the demise of Gordon Banks on Twitter. As it read, "We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him."

From the family of Gordon BanksIt is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight. We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him. pic.twitter.com/mg5GIgSoBb

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 12, 2019

A Leicester City statement said that they are deeply saddened to learn the death of Gordon Banks OBE.

Leicester City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our former goalkeeper Gordon Banks OBE, who has passed away at the age of 81. pic.twitter.com/Su47bGuWVA

— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 12, 2019

Raheem Sterling and Gary Lineker too conveyed their condolences through Twitter.

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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

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Banks played his last game in 1978 for St. Patrick's Athletic in Ireland league.