Jimmy Greaves

Date of Birth: February 20, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 19, 2021

Biography

James Peter ‘Jimmy’ Greaves was an English professional footballer who played as a forward. Born on February 20, 1940, in Manor Park, London, he quickly became one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of English football. Greaves’ career began at Chelsea, where he made his debut at the age of 17 and went on to score 124 goals in 157 league appearances for the club. He later played for AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United, among others. At Tottenham, he achieved his most significant success, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 266 goals in 379 appearances. Internationally, Greaves was a key player for England, earning 57 caps and scoring 44 goals. His playing style was characterized by his exceptional finishing ability, quick reflexes, and agility. Greaves’ career was not without its struggles; he faced personal challenges, including battles with alcoholism. After retiring from professional football, he became a well-known television pundit and co-hosted the popular TV show “Saint and Greavsie.” Jimmy Greaves passed away on September 19, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of football’s greatest strikers.

5 Interesting Facts about Jimmy Greaves

1. Jimmy Greaves is Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time leading goal scorer with 266 goals.

2. He scored a record 357 goals in the top division of English football.

3. Greaves was part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad but did not play in the final.

4. He made his debut for Chelsea at just 17 years old and scored five goals in his first full season.

5. Post-retirement, Greaves became a popular television pundit, co-hosting “Saint and Greavsie” with Ian St. John.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimmy Greaves

1. “Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”

2. “The thing about football – the important thing about football – is that it is not just about football.”

3. “I was born with a good right foot and a good left foot, and that’s what put me where I am today.”

4. “Football is a game of skill, we kick the ball, we pass the ball, we score the goals, and we win the match. Simple as that.”

5. “Scoring goals is like making love: everyone can do it, but not everyone does it well.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jimmy Greaves’ net worth was estimated to be around £1 million. However, his financial situation changed post-retirement, and he faced financial difficulties later in life.