Fierce opponent and a good man: Germany and England lead long list of tributes to World Cup winner Gordon Banks
England and Germany, fittingly, have led the social media tributes to Gordon Banks after the World Cup winning goalkeeper passed away aged 81.
Banks was the custodian that helped England to their only World Cup win back in 1966, aiding his side to a 4-2 victory over the Germans at Wembley in the final.
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And both the England and Germany twitter accounts paid tribute to the true goalkeeping legend:
We’re deeply saddened to hear that Gordon Banks, our #WorldCup-winning goalkeeper, has passed away.
— England (@England) February 12, 2019
Our thoughts are with Gordon’s friends, family and supporters at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/nbzncYBCFA
A fierce opponent and a good man.
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) February 12, 2019
Rest in peace, Gordon Banks 🏴#DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/lAGgAulKuO
His performances at the World Cup have been well-documented and Opta stats revealed that even the figures back up his status as arguably the best there ever was:
1 - Of the 62 goalkeepers to have played 8+ games at the World Cup, Gordon Banks has the best ratio of minutes per goal conceded (210 mins) in the history of the competition. Legendary. pic.twitter.com/OAYQbXvBAz
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 12, 2019
Curent and ex England internationals were joined by members of the goalkeeping fraternity to heap praise on a hero.
Former England team-mate Sir Bobby Charlton said: "Gordon was a fantastic goalkeeper and I was proud to call him a team-mate. He will be deeply missed and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."
A World Cup winner, a legend. RIP Gordon Banks 🙏 🏴 pic.twitter.com/P3KqVH0fEJ
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) 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
So sad to hear that Gordon Banks one of my heroes and a true legend in life and football, has passed away.
— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) February 12, 2019
An inspiration, a winner and a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and friends. #RIPGordonBanks pic.twitter.com/rd4hisuyqt
Rest in Peace Gordon Banks. Had the pleasure of meeting you as an 18 year old with my Dad, and him being completely star struck by you. Total gent. You will always be a member of the Goallys Union 🧤 🧤 pic.twitter.com/xN0u6IXitF
— Ben Foster (@BenFoster) February 12, 2019
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
While tributes to Banks' character were as plentiful as the praise for his goalkeeping ability, one story from journalist Lee Marlow proved a mark of the man.
I interviewed Gordon Banks when I was at the Mercury.
— Lee Marlow (@LM_Marlow) February 12, 2019
I told him my lad played in goal.
I didn’t put his response in the story but it was so lovely I transcribed it and gave it to my son.
It’s still on his bedroom wall today.
God bless you, Gordon Banks x pic.twitter.com/ItGZmqQwTQ
Belfast Telegraph Digital
