John CHARLES (Patreon)

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William John Charles, CBE (27 December 1931 – 21 February 2004) was a Welsh international footballer who played for Leeds United and Juventus during his 25-year playing career. Rated by many as the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Britain,[2] he was equally adept as a forward or defender due to his strength, pace, technique, vision, ability in the air and eye for goal.[3][4] He has since been included in the Football League 100 Legends and was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.

He was never cautioned or sent off during his entire career,[5] due to his philosophy of never kicking or intentionally hurting opposing players. Thus, due to his correct behaviour and tall stature, standing at 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), he was nicknamed Il Gigante Buono – The Gentle Giant.[4]

His brother, Mel Charles and nephew Jeremy Charles, also represented Wales. His grandson, Jake Charles, currently plays for Stafford Rangers, and has represented Wales at youth level.

Honours

Leeds United

• Second Division runners-up: 1955–56

Juventus

• Serie A: 1957–58, 1959–60, 1960–61

• Coppa Italia: 1958–59, 1959–60

Cardiff City

• Welsh Cup: 1963–64, 1964–65

Wales

• British Home Championship: 1959–60; runners-up: 1960–61, 1961–62

• FIFA World Cup quarter-finalist: 1958

Individual

• English First Division Top Scorer: 1956–57

• Serie A Top Goal-scorer: 1957–58

• Ballon d'Or – Third place: 1959

• UEFA Golden Player: Wales