Gordon Banks death: Pele hails England World Cup winner as a magical goalkeeper and ‘one of the very best’

Banks’ moment of brilliance to deny Pele at the 1970 World Cup is still regarded by many as the finest save ever made

(Getty)

Pele has hailed Gordan Banks as one of the greatest goalkeepers who ever lived after the England World Cup-winning goalkeeper passed away overnight on Monday, aged 81.

The goalkeeper’s moment of brilliance to deny Pele at the 1970 World Cup, twisting in mid-air to scoop the Brazilian’s header from behind him, is still regarded by many as the finest save in football history.

Pele later admitted to being so convinced he had scored that he shouted ‘gol’ as he connected with the header, and cannot believe the feats of the ‘magical’ goalkeeper even now.

“For many people, their memory of Gordon Banks is defined by the save he made against me in 1970. I understand why,” Pele said on social media.

“The save was one of the best I have ever seen – in real life and in all the thousands of games I have watched since.

“When you are a footballer, you know straight away how well you have hit the ball. I hit that header exactly as I had hoped. Exactly where I wanted it to go. And I was ready to celebrate.

“But then this man, Banks, appeared in my sight, like a kind of blue phantom, is how I described him. He came from nowhere and he did something I didn’t feel was possible. He pushed my header, somehow, up and over. And I couldn’t believe what I saw. Even now when I watch it, I can’t believe it. I can’t believe how he moved so far, so fast.”

Banks and Pele formed a close relationship after the save, and the legendary Selecao striker stressed that he was not only paying tribute to one of the greatest players, but also to a friend.

“I scored so many goals in my life, but many people, when they meet me, always ask me about that save. While it was indeed phenomenal, my memory of Gordon is not defined by that – it is defined by his friendship. He was a kind and warm man who gave so much to people.

Gordon Banks saves a shot from Denis Law during an England vs Scotland match in 1967 (Getty)

“So I am glad he saved my header – because that act was the start of a friendship between us that I will always treasure. Whenever we met, it was always like we had never been apart.

“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.”