# Stanley Matthews

> English association football player (1915-2000)

**Wikidata**: [Q216140](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q216140)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Matthews)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stanley-matthews

## Summary
Stanley Matthews was an English association football player, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Born in 1915, he played professionally for over three decades and was the first footballer to be knighted while still playing. Matthews is celebrated for his exceptional skill, longevity, and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 1, 1915
- **Nationality**: English
- **Education**: Not specified in the source material
- **Known for**: Being one of the greatest footballers of all time, known for his dribbling skills and longevity in the sport
- **Employer(s)**: Played for Stoke City and Blackpool, among others
- **Field(s)**: Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Stanley Matthews made significant contributions to the sport of association football. He played professionally for over 30 years, showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Matthews was the first footballer to be knighted while still playing, a testament to his impact on the sport. He also wrote an autobiography, sharing his experiences and insights into the game.

## FAQs
**What awards did Stanley Matthews receive?**
Stanley Matthews received several prestigious awards, including the Ballon d'Or in 1956, the first year the award was introduced. He was also knighted as a Knight Bachelor and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

**What teams did Stanley Matthews play for?**
Stanley Matthews played for several teams during his long career, most notably Stoke City and Blackpool. His performances for these clubs cemented his reputation as one of the greatest footballers of his era.

**What is Stanley Matthews known for?**
Stanley Matthews is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, longevity in the sport, and sportsmanship. He was the first footballer to be knighted while still playing, highlighting his significant impact on association football.

**When was Stanley Matthews born and when did he pass away?**
Stanley Matthews was born on February 1, 1915, and passed away on February 23, 2000.

## Why They Matter
Stanley Matthews is a legendary figure in the history of association football. His exceptional skill and sportsmanship set a high standard for future generations of footballers. Matthews' longevity in the sport, playing professionally for over three decades, is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. His knighthood while still playing underscores his significant impact and influence on football, making him a role model for aspiring athletes.

## Notable For
- First footballer to be knighted while still playing
- Winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1956
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Knight Bachelor
- Exceptional dribbling skills and longevity in the sport
- Autobiographer, sharing his experiences and insights into the game

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Stanley Matthews was born on February 1, 1915, in England. He began his professional football career at a young age, quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional dribbling skills and sportsmanship. Matthews played for several teams during his long career, most notably Stoke City and Blackpool.

### Professional Career
Matthews' professional career spanned over three decades, a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. He was known for his exceptional skill on the field, particularly his dribbling ability, which set him apart from his peers. Matthews' performances for Stoke City and Blackpool cemented his reputation as one of the greatest footballers of his era.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Stanley Matthews received numerous awards and honors. In 1956, he became the first winner of the Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in football. Matthews was also knighted as a Knight Bachelor and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.

### Autobiography
In addition to his achievements on the field, Matthews wrote an autobiography, sharing his experiences and insights into the game. This work provides a valuable perspective on his career and the evolution of football during his time.

### Legacy
Stanley Matthews' legacy extends beyond his playing career. His exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and longevity in the sport have made him a role model for aspiring footballers. Matthews' knighthood while still playing underscores his significant impact and influence on association football, ensuring his place in the history of the sport.

### Later Life and Death
Stanley Matthews passed away on February 23, 2000, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of football. His contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated, and his name remains synonymous with excellence and sportsmanship in association football.

## References

1. Soccerbase
2. Find a Grave
3. Transfermarkt
4. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
5. FBref
6. Croatian Encyclopedia
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Integrated Authority File
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Golden