Sir Stanley Matthews is often regarded as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. His achievements both on and off the pitch are unmatched.
- Matthews’ nicknames included “The Wizard of the Dribble” and “The Magician“
- First winner of the Ballon d’Or: Player of the Year Award
- First winner of the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year Award
- Inaugural inductee to the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002
- Only player to have been knighted while still playing
- Renowned for sportsmanship and was never cautioned or dismissed from a game during his entire career
- A vegetarian and teetotaler long before sports science existed
- Played at the top level until he was fifty years old
- Oldest athlete to play in England’s top football division or represent the England National Team
- Played his final competitive game in 1985 at the age of 70
- Spent fourteen years with Blackpool FC, where he became an FA Cup winner in 1953 at a game known as “The Matthews Final”
- Won 54 caps for England Between 1934 and 1957
- Played in the FIFA World Cup in 1950 and 1954
- Won nine British Home Championship titles
- Noted statesman who traveled the world coaching young soccer players
- Established an all-black team in Soweto known as "Stan's Men" during apartheid in South Africa
