Robert Frederick Charles “Bobby” Moore instantly became a legend of English sport the moment he lifted the World Cup trophy aloft in 1966 and his ability to thrive against the best players in the world made him a “football idol”. It was Franz Beckenbauer who gave Moore this title, after years of rivalry on the field, and to be admired by the greatest defender of all time was a fitting complement.
So, what was it about Moore which earned Beckenbauer’s admiration? He was in many ways the first of his kind, breaking the mould of the traditional defender with his intelligent reading of the game and precise tackling. His charm and gentility on and off the field made him a favourite amongst England supporters and to many he was ‘the first gentleman of English football’.
An international career spanning 13 years began at the tender age of 19 and ignited two years later when he made his first team debut against Peru, just weeks before the 1962 World Cup. Moore instantly impressed the selectors and earned his place in the squad travelling to Chile; England reached the quarter finals but exited to Brazil as Moore got his first taste of Pele and company. Speedy progression through the ranks was rewarded with the captain’s armband in 1963 and the 23-year-old was handed the task of leading The Three Lions to glory at Wembley.
England were by no means favourites for the tournament but the squad had the exuberance of talented youngsters and, with Alf Ramsey at the helm, Moore’s side could stretch their ambitions beyond the last eight. When supporters reflect upon ’66, they often remember the four goals against West Germany in the final or the two goals from Bobby Charlton in the semi-final but very few recognise the magnificent defensive record at the tournament. Moore’s contribution to England’s success was immense, leading his side to four clean sheets before Eusebio’s penalty in the semi-finals. When he finally collected the Jules Rimet trophy, he considerately wiped his palms as he approached the queen, not wanting to dirty her hands – an air of gentility was at the heart of everything he did.
Moore captained England for another seven years, clocking up 108 caps and leading the national side out at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where they contested Group C with Brazil. Moore was accused of stealing a bracelet days before the tournament and was detained in a Colombian prison whilst the rest of the squad flew to Mexico. After four days in jail, the England captain was released and rejoined his team-mates having endured a traumatic blow to their preparations. Moore was seemingly unfazed by the episode and, although England exited in the quarters, he played some of his finest football in Mexico. In the group match against an imperious Brazil, as England’s defenders stood and gazed at Pele’s bedazzling footwork, Moore intervened with a magnificently precise tackle and ran away with the ball at his feet as the Brazilian legend lay resignedly on the ground; Moore could contain the greatest strikers in the world.
Leading up to the finals in 1966, Moore enjoyed glittering success with West Ham, leading them to an historic FA Cup victory and receiving Player of the Year in 1964 before lifting the European Cup in 1965. When making his debut in a 3-2 victory over Manchester United in 1958, Moore was destined for greatness and a special relationship was forged with his boyhood club, whom he would captain for over ten years. When Moore eventually left the Hammers in 1974, many supporters questioned his motive for joining local rivals Fulham but he answered the critics by helping his new side to their first FA Cup final, where they would meet no other opponent than West Ham. His former club came out on top, winning 2-0, but many of the supporters who had criticised Moore’s decision to leave Upton Park were left applauding his remarkable road to the final.
In his final season at a star-studded Fulham, who had signed George Best from Manchester United, Moore was approached by several American clubs and in the summer of 1977 he departed from English football and joined San Antonio Thunder. After two short stints promoting the newly formed American league, with Thunder and then Seattle Sounders, Moore concluded his playing career in Denmark and appeared nine times for Herning Fremad before hanging up his boots.
Moore, whose life was tragically cut short by cancer in 1993, aged 51, will be remembered for his incredible talent on the field and his charming nature off it. He was the poster boy for English football and the first member of modern celebrity in sport. Two decades after his death and almost half a century since the ‘66 triumph, his image remains not only in the hearts of those who love the sport but also those who have been affected by the illness which tragically took his life.
Imperial defender, national treasure and lord of the game, Bobby Moore’s name will forever be firmly etched into the history of international football.
By Sam Fletcher
Picture provided by Steve Edwards.
