Who Is Gordon Banks? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gordon Banks was born on December 30, 1937, and he passed away on February 12, 2019. While we can no longer provide current updates on his life in 2025, we can reflect on his extraordinary legacy. Banks is celebrated not only for his remarkable skills as a goalkeeper but also for his sportsmanship and contributions to the world of football. His illustrious career included a key role in England's 1966 World Cup triumph and he is often regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1937 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Sheffield, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 12 February, 2019 |
| Died Place | Madeley, Staffordshire, England |
Popularity
Gordon Banks's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
Gordon Banks had a tall and athletic frame, which contributed significantly to his performance on the field, allowing him to make incredible saves and command the penalty area.
On 22 October 1972, while driving home from a session of work on his injured shoulder with the Stoke physiotherapist, Banks lost control of his new Ford Consul (a re-badged Ford Granada Mk I) car, which ended up in a ditch. He had attempted to overtake a car on a sharp bend and collided with an oncoming Austin A60 van.
He was taken to the North Staffordshire Hospital and, during an operation, received 200 stitches in his face and over 100 micro-stitches inside the socket of his right eye, and was told the chances of saving the sight in his eye were 50–50.
His sight never returned, and as the loss of binocular vision severely limited his abilities as a goalkeeper, he retired from professional football the following summer.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gordon Banks was married to his wife, Ursula Banks, for over 50 years. Together, they raised three children: Barbara, Wendy, and Robert. Despite his passing, Banks’ legacy lives on through his family, who frequently share stories of his life and career, maintaining his connection to fans and supporters worldwide.
The family later moved to the village of Catcliffe after his father set up a (then-illegal) betting shop. This brought greater prosperity but also misery; one day, Banks's disabled brother was mugged for the shop's daily takings and died of his injuries some weeks later.
Banks left school in December 1952, aged 15, and took up employment as a bagger with a local coal merchant, which helped to build up his upper body strength.
He spent a season playing for amateur side Millspaugh after their regular goalkeeper failed to turn up for a match; the club's trainer spotted Banks amongst the spectators and invited him to play in goal as he was aware that Banks had previously played for Sheffield Schoolboys.
His performances there earned him a game in the Yorkshire League for Rawmarsh Welfare. However, a 12–2 defeat to Stocksbridge Works on his debut was followed by a 3–1 home defeat, and he was dropped by Rawmarsh and returned to Millspaugh. Still aged 15, he then switched jobs to become a hod carrier.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2019, Gordon Banks had an estimated net worth of around $5 million, accumulated through his successful football career, endorsements, and various business ventures. His earnings during his playing days and subsequent involvement in football-related ventures helped secure his financial stability.
Banks was given his first-team debut by manager Doug Livingstone, at the expense of long-serving Ron Powell, in a Third Division game against Colchester United at Saltergate in November 1958.
The game ended 2–2, and Banks kept his place against Norwich City in the following match; by the end of the 1958–59 season, he had missed only three games, those owing to injury.
With no goalkeeping coach to guide him, Banks had to learn from his mistakes on the pitch, and he soon developed into a modern vocal goalkeeper who ordered the players in front of him into a more effective defence.
Having just 23 league and three cup appearances to his name, it came as a surprise to Banks when Matt Gillies, manager of First Division club Leicester City, bought him from Chesterfield for £7,000 in July 1959; this also meant a wage increase to £15 a week.
Career, Business, and Investments
Gordon Banks played for several clubs throughout his career, including Chesterfield, Leicester City, and Stoke City. His time at Stoke City was particularly notable, where he became a club legend. Banks not only excelled as a player but also contributed as a coach and mentor after retiring from professional football.
He was involved in various charitable organizations and works post-retirement, using his platform for good causes. His love for the game also saw him participating in football-related business ventures and sports commentary.
Gordon Banks (30 December 1937 – 12 February 2019) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he made 679 appearances during a 20-year professional career, and won 73 caps for England, highlighted by starting every game of the nation's 1966 World Cup victory.
Social Network
Posthumously, Gordon Banks continues to be celebrated on social media platforms. His official accounts and fan pages on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook regularly share highlights from his career, memorable moments, and tributes from fans and fellow footballers. Though no longer with us, his impact remains, keeping his spirit alive in the football community.
In November 1980, he left Jackie Mudie in temporary charge of team affairs whilst he underwent surgery and led the club to defeat in the FA Trophy at the hands of a lower league club. On his return to the club Banks was sacked.
He was offered the position of raffle ticket seller and accepted the post in the belief that it would entitle him to the money owed to him in the terms of his management contract; he eventually had to settle for 50% of his contract. He later stated that "It broke my heart ... I did not want to stay in the game."
Education
Gordon Banks did not have formal football training in the conventional sense, as his rise in football came through local clubs and his natural talent. His commitment to improving his skills and understanding of the game set him apart, contributing to his success on the international stage.
Banks also played in two of England's three games at the "Little World Cup" in Brazil in the summer of 1964, a 1–1 draw with Portugal and a 1–0 defeat to Argentina. Blackpool's Tony Waiters won five caps in the England goal in 1964 but found that his challenge to Banks's first-team place came to an end after he conceded five goals to Brazil.
During England's summer of 1965 tour he built up a solid understanding with his defenders—George Cohen, Jack Charlton, Bobby Moore, and Ray Wilson—as he only conceded two goals in four matches against Hungary, Yugoslavia, West Germany, and Sweden.
They then played seven friendlies in 1966 in the build-up to the World Cup, though the team passed their biggest test of character in the British Home Championship, beating Scotland 4–3 in front of a crowd of over 130,000 at Hampden Park.
Going into the competition, the only defeat in 21 matches since the "Little World Cup" came against Austria, in a game that Banks missed due to injury.
