We’d like to express our sorrow at the sad news of former England international and FA Cup winnner Jimmy Greaves’ death.
The former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United striker was one of the most successful players of his generation and his passing at the age of 81 was announced today.
A member of England’s World Cup winning squad in 1966, he won a total of 57 caps and scored 44 goals for the Three Lions between his debut in 1959 and his final appearance in 1967.
That ratio makes him the fourth-highest goalscorer in England records and the only player to have scored six hat-tricks for the Three Lions.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Greaves at the age of 81.
— England (@England) September 19, 2021
Jimmy was part of our @FIFAWorldCup-winning squad and scored a remarkable 44 goals in 57 games for the #ThreeLions.
All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs. pic.twitter.com/CetXiwD25l
He’s also Spurs’ highest scorer with 266 goals and the highest-scoring player in the top flight of English football, with 357 goals to his name.
Greaves scored in their 1962 FA Cup Final victory over Burnley at Wembley and while he didn't score in Spurs' 1967 Final victory over Chelsea, he was the competition's top scorer in that season with six goals from his eight appearances.
In total, he netted a remarkable 42 goals in 57 appearances in the FA Cup during his career.
Following his retirement, Greaves became known to a new generation of football fans in his position as a TV presenter on the ‘Saint and Greavsie’ weekly magazine show.
Manor Park-born Greaves was awarded an MBE for his services to football in the 2021 New Year's Honours list, alongside his former England teammate Ron Flowers.
England manager Gareth Southgate said: "Jimmy Greaves was someone who was admired by all who love football, regardless of club allegiances.
"I was privileged to be able to meet Jimmy’s family last year at Tottenham Hotspur as the club marked his 80th birthday. My thoughts are with them and I know the entire game will mourn his passing.
"Jimmy certainly deserves inclusion in any list of England’s best players, given his status as one of our greatest goalscorers and his part in our 1966 World Cup success.
"We will pay tribute to his memory at our home match with Hungary at Wembley Stadium next month. His place in our history will never be forgotten."
And FA chief executive Mark Bullingham added: "On behalf of all at the FA, we are saddened to hear the news of Jimmy Greaves’ passing.
"When it comes to considering our greatest players of all time, Jimmy has to be up there with his 44 goals in 57 England matches.
"Part of our 1966 World Cup-winning squad, Jimmy was as prolific for the clubs he represented including two FA Cup wins and a European Cup Winners’ Cup with Tottenham Hotspur as well as representing Chelsea, AC Milan and West Ham United.
"After his playing days, Jimmy remained in the public eye with his broadcasting career and his effortless manner in front of camera matched his poise in front of goal.
"A true England great who will never be forgotten, our sincere condolences go to his wife Irene, his family and friends.”
