World Cup legend Gordon Banks remembered in Sheffield plaque unveiling
A blue plaque celebrating Sheffield-born football legend Gordon Banks has been unveiled in the city, paying tribute to the goalkeeper who helped England lift the World Cup in 1966.
Born in Abbeydale in 1937, Banks went on to become one of the most celebrated goalkeepers in football history.
He is perhaps best remembered for his spectacular save against Brazil’s Pelé during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, widely regarded as one of the greatest saves of all time.
The plaque was unveiled outside Jameson’s Tea Rooms on Abbeydale Road, near the site of the home where Banks was born, which has since been demolished.
Attending the ceremony was his family, including children Wendy, Julia, and Robert, as well as his nephew Nick Banks, drummer of Sheffield band Pulp.
“It’ll be seven years since we lost Dad, but he’d be very proud of us,” said son Robert Banks.
“He was a proud Yorkshireman and it’s a lovely honour bestowed on him by Sheffield.
“Thank you to everyone coming today and making it a special day for our family.”
The event was also attended by former Sheffield MPs David Blunkett and Richard Caborn, Sheffield Lord Mayor Safiya Saeed, and Sheffield United legend Tony Currie.
Andrew Kershaw, trustee of the Sheffield Home of Football, said the charity has two main aims:
“The Sheffield school of football aims to create a unique programme of education around Sheffield’s football history, as an area with the oldest football club in the world and the oldest football ground, but also the two oldest trophies.”
Historian, John Stocks, described Banks as “safe as the Banks of England”.
He said: “[He was an] absolute inspiration to the entire country and he was also a wonderful human being.
“If you had the pleasure to hear him speak, he was articulate, incredibly funny, told a superb anecdote and was a great improviser as well.
“He attributed his strength to lifting coal and bikes onto lorries in his youth, which gave him incredible upper body strength.
“A magnificent athlete, a man of the people, and one of the greatest personalities to grace this city.”
Gordon Banks was the youngest of four sons.
Banks began his football career with Chesterfield, later playing for Leicester City and Stoke City, and earned 73 caps for England.
He was named FIFA’s goalkeeper of the year six seasons in a row and was made an OBE in 1970.
The Sheffield Home of Football charity, formed in 2023, has installed a series of blue plaques highlighting the city’s rich footballing history, from notable players to iconic locations connected to the sport.
Banks passed away in 2019 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy as one of England’s finest footballers and a proud son of Sheffield.