Premier League club Arsenal paid tribute to the club legend, George Eastham, earlier today, December 21.
In a statement shared on their X Page, Arsenal described George Eastham, who passed away at the age of 88, as a “trailblazer.”
The club’s statement reads: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of trailblazer, George Eastham. Our captain from 1963-1966 during his six-year spell at Arsenal, George was also part of the 1966 World Cup-winning England squad. May he rest in peace.”
George Eastham, a member of England’s iconic 1966 World Cup-winning squad, was born in Blackpool. He enjoyed a brief international career, making 19 appearances for the England national team. Although he was part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s squad during the 1966 World Cup triumph, he did not feature on the pitch. Eastham also served as an unused squad member during the 1962 World Cup.
Eastham made his England debut in a special FA Centenary match against Brazil at Wembley in 1963, with his final appearance coming in a friendly against Denmark just before the 1966 World Cup. Initially, only the 11 players who started the final match against West Germany received winners’ medals, but following a campaign for recognition, Eastham and other squad members, including Ramsey, were awarded their medals in 2009.
Eastham enjoyed a successful club career, playing for Newcastle United and Arsenal before transferring to Stoke City for £35,000 shortly after the 1966 World Cup. He made 194 appearances for Stoke and played a crucial role in their 1972 League Cup victory, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley.
In addition to his playing achievements, Eastham played a significant role in a landmark 1963 court case that improved players’ freedom to transfer between clubs, contributing to major reforms in the British transfer market. In recognition of his contributions to football, he was awarded an OBE in 1973.
After retiring from professional football in 1974, Eastham served as Stoke manager from March 1977 to January 1978.
