Gordon Banks, England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, dies aged 81

World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks, who was between the sticks for England's triumphant 1966 final win against West Germany, has died at the age of 81.

Footballing legend Banks was part of Sir Alf Ramsey's England team who clinched the nation's first ever World Cup win 53 years ago in a 4-2 win against West Germany at Wembley, and earned 73 caps for his country in all.

Aside from his World Cup win, Banks was famous for pulling off one of the greatest saves ever recorded on film, pulling off an improbable stop from a close-range header from Brazilian icon Pele in 1970, somehow making it across the goal and diving low to scoop the ball over the bar when the ball seemed destined for the back of the net.

Getty Images / Clive Mason

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight," his family said, BBC Sport reported. 

"We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him."

Born in Sheffield, Banks spent the majority of his club career with Leicester City and Stoke City, winning the League Cup with both eight years apart, before retiring in 1973, having lost sight in his right eye as the result of a car crash.

In December, Banks took on the role of 'FIFA Legend' to take part in the Russia 2018 World Cup Final Draw in Moscow.