England’s 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks dies after losing long battle with cancer

World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has died at the age of 81. 

The former Stoke and Leicester City goalkeeper was part of the famous England side who lifted the World Cup in 1966. 

Banks passed away with family at his side after his health deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.

He endured battles with cancer for many years and in recent months had been undergoing gruelling spells of chemotherapy.

Legendary England 1966 World Cup winner Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81

Banks is seen as the finest England goalkeeper ever as he played a key role in the 1966 success

Pictured with wife Ursula in 2016, Banks lost battle with cancer after battling in recent years

Many of his old Stoke team-mates had been visiting him at his home in Madeley in the hope of inspiring one more recovery, but to no avail this time.

Stoke confirmed the news on Tuesday morning writing: ‘From the family of Gordon Banks. It 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.’

Banks is regarded as the finest goalkeeper England have ever had as he became a cornerstone of England’s most successful period.

Four years after lifting the World Cup his worldwide fame rocketed again thanks to his so-called ‘save of the century’ to deny Pele and Brazil in the 1970 finals. 

Banks rose through the ranks in his early years playing for Chesterfield and Leicester before joining Stoke in 1967 and he quickly became a key figure in the Potters side. 

He won the League Cup with Stoke in 1972 but later that year saw his career cut short after a car accident left him blind in one eye.

More to follow.