Stanley Matthews
Awards & Honours
18
Awards Won
5
Honours
6
Rankings
3
Covers
5
Records
Sir Stanley Matthews' career is defined by historic firsts and unmatched longevity. He became the first winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1956 and the first Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1948. He is the only player knighted while still active. His record as the oldest player in England's top division (50 years, 5 days) and the oldest England international (42 years, 104 days) still stand. In the 1953 FA Cup final, his performance is widely considered the greatest in the competition's history. He was ranked 2nd in The Times' 1997 list of the 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time, behind only Pelé.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Knight Bachelor
Knighthood for services to football
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Honorary doctorate
Guinness World Record
Oldest player to appear in a Football League match (50 years, 5 days)
Freedom of the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Honorary freedom of the city
Statue
Bronze statue unveiled outside Britannia Stadium
Rankings & Lists
100 Greatest Footballers of All Time
Players of the 20th Century
Ballon d'Or Dream Team
100 Greatest Footballers of All Time
World's Best Player of the 20th Century
BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Magazine Covers
Time Magazine
1954-04-05
Soccer's Matthews: The Wizard of Dribble
Picture Post
1953
FA Cup final cover
World Soccer
1956
Ballon d'Or win cover
Records & Feats
Oldest player in English top division
Played at age 50 years, 5 days for Stoke City against Fulham in 1965.
Oldest England international
Played for England at age 42 years, 104 days against Denmark in 1957.
First winner of Ballon d'Or
Awarded the inaugural Ballon d'Or in 1956 as the best European footballer.
First winner of FWA Footballer of the Year
Awarded the inaugural Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1948.
Only player knighted while still active
Knighted in the 1965 New Year Honours while still playing for Stoke City.