Sir Stanley Matthews, (born February 1, 1915, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England—died February 23, 2000, Newcastle-under-Lyme), soccer (soccer) participant, an outdoor proper ahead thought-about by many to be one of many best dribblers within the historical past of the game. In 1965 he turned the primary British footballer to be knighted.
The son of knowledgeable boxer, Matthews started his skilled profession with the Stoke City group in 1932. With his correct passing, ball management, and stability, he turned referred to as “the Wizard of Dribble.” By 1938 he was representing England in worldwide matches, and he ultimately appeared in 54 full worldwide contests. Named the primary European Footballer of the Year (1941), Matthews was transferred (traded) to Blackpool in 1946. With that group he competed within the 1953 Football Association Cup Final, thought-about to be his most well-known recreation. Matthews arrange Blackpool’s final three objectives to assist defeat the Bolton Wanderers in what turned referred to as “the Matthews final.” In 1961 he rejoined the Stoke City group, however 4 years later, on the age of fifty, he retired from skilled play. In addition to his athletic expertise, Matthews was additionally famous for his sportsmanship, which earned him the nickname “First Gentleman of Soccer.” An autobiography, The Stanley Matthews Story, appeared in 1960.