Matthews, Sir Stanley

▪ 2001

      British association football (soccer) player (b. Feb. 1, 1915, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Eng.—d. Feb. 23, 2000, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire), became a legendary sports figure over an astonishing 34-year career that included more than 700 league and cup appearances for Stoke City (1932–47, 1961–65) and Blackpool (1947–61) and 54 international matches for England (1934–57). Matthews, known as the “wizard of dribble” for his dazzling footwork, was the first English player named European Footballer of the Year (an honour he garnered twice) and the first footballer to receive a knighthood. The son of a barber and veteran boxer who instilled in his son his own respect for physical fitness, Matthews joined Stoke City as an office assistant at age 15 and made his debut as a player at 17. His slight 1.75-m (5-ft 9-in) frame and self-effacing charm off the field belied his exceptional speed and ballhandling skill, and within two years he had been selected for the national side. He quickly became a crowd favourite, but he failed to win a national title until 1953 when, at age 38, he led Blackpool to the Football Association Cup championship. Matthews was appointed CBE in 1957 and was knighted in 1965, one month before he made his last professional appearance at age 50. An autobiography, The Stanley Matthews Story, was published in 1960.

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▪ British soccer player

born February 1, 1915, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England

died February 23, 2000, Newcastle-under-Lyme

      football (soccer) player, an outside right forward considered by many to be one of the greatest dribblers in the history of the sport. In 1965 he became the first British footballer to be knighted.

      The son of a professional boxer, Matthews began his professional career with the Stoke City team in 1932. With his accurate passing, ball control, and balance, he became known as “the Wizard of Dribble.” By 1938 he was representing England in international matches, and he eventually appeared in 54 full international contests. Named the first European Footballer of the Year (1941), Matthews was transferred (traded) to Blackpool in 1946. With that team he competed in the 1953 Football Association Cup Final, considered to be his most famous game. Matthews set up Blackpool's last three goals to help defeat the Bolton Wanderers in what became known as “the Matthews final.” In 1961 he rejoined the Stoke City team, but four years later, at the age of 50, he retired from professional play. In addition to his athletic skills, Matthews was also noted for his sportsmanship, which earned him the nickname “First Gentleman of Soccer.” An autobiography, The Stanley Matthews Story, appeared in 1960.

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