Star readers add their tributes to Sheffield-born football legend Gordon Banks

The Tinsley-born star had been suffering from kidney cancer and his family announced today that the World Cup winner had ‘passed away peacefully overnight’. 

The world of football has united to pay tribute to the ex-England keeper, including former opponent the great Brazilian striker Pelé. 

Star readers have added to the outpouring of grief and took to Facebook to describe Banks as a ‘fabulous goalkeeper and a gentleman.’

Kay Beeton said: “Growing up in Tinsley you were someone we were all proud to know. RIP.”  

Lesley Deacon described him as a “true gentleman and Sheffield legend.” 

John Lake posted: “So sad to hear the news about Gordon Banks’ death, what a fabulous goalkeeper and a gentleman.” 

Penny Mcneela said: “What a goalie, what a legend.”

Stephen Holloway added that he “took goalkeeping to another level with that Pele save. England's greatest.” 

A family statement said: “We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.”

Banks made 628 appearances during a 15-year career in the football league and won 73 caps for England. 

He is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, making one of the game’s best saves to prevent a Pelé goal in the 1970 World Cup. 

Banks was named FIFA’s  goalkeeper of the year on six occasions.

Pelé, often regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, said: “I have great sadness in my heart today and I send condolences to the family he was so proud of. 

“Rest in peace, my friend.

“Yes, you were a goalkeeper with magic.

“But you were also so much more. You were a fine human being.”