Gordon Banks Pele save: WATCH Gordon Banks AMAZING Pele save here
GORDON BANKS, England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has died aged 81. Despite being part of the winning side in 1966, Banks is best known for his history-making Pele save - which you can watch again right here.
Gordon Banks recalls England's 1966 World Cup victory
England World Cup goalkeeper Gordon Banks has died in his sleep aged 81, it was announced today. In a statement, his family said: "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." In December 2015, it was announced he was receiving treatment for kidney cancer.
Banks is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest players of all time having racked up an impressive 73 caps after making his debut in 1963.
The former goalkeeper is best known for being part of Alf Ramsey’s squad which secured England’s glorious World Cup final win over West Germany in 1966.
Four years on from that memorable moment at Wembley, Banks was in action for the Three Lions at the World Cup in Mexico.
And at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara he made one of the most iconic saves in football history as he denied Brazil hero Pele.
WATCH THE PELE SAVE HERE:
Banks acrobatically flung himself to his right after seeing Pele meet a Jairzinho cross from the right wing with his head.
And the Stoke stopper somehow managed to prevent the seemingly goal-bound effort from crossing the line, turning the ball over the bar.
Banks was immediately congratulated by England team-mates Alan Mullery and Bobby Moore as fellow defender Brian Labone looked on in disbelief.
But, not one to seek praise and dwell on his accomplishment, Banks dusted himself down and got ready for the subsequent Brazil corner.
Gordon Banks Pele save: The moment of the incredible save (Image: Getty)
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Gordon Banks: anks is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest players of all time (Image: Getty)
England were ultimately knocked out of the World Cup by West Germany in the following round.
However, their campaign brings back warm memories for fans due to the incredible nature of Banks’ save.
Banks, who passed away at the age of 81 on Monday night, later reflected on the save as the standout moment of his career.
"They won't remember me for winning the World Cup,” Banks said. “It will be for that save."
BBC commentary legend John Motson remembers Banks’ save from Pele vividly.
Gordon Banks: The former goalkeeper is best known for being part of Alf Ramsey’s squad (Image: Getty)
“The memorable moment wasthe amazingsave by GordonBanks,when Pele produced this powerful header that bounced down into the ground and was screaming back up towards the top corner,” Motson said.
“Banks somehow propelled himself across the goal and tipped the ball up and over the bar.
“I remember hearing David Coleman’s commentary on the television highlights later.
“‘What a save, Gordon Banks,’ he gasped, almost as though he couldn’t believe what he’d just seen. Neither could the rest of us, by the way.
“When I went to Mexico in 1986 I was sent to Guadalajara to do a match and the first thing I did when I walked into the stadium was grab somebody and ask which end Banks made that save so I could picture it as it happened.”