My Heroes: (3) Bobby Moore

Bobby Moore holding the World Cup aloft in 1966

When England won the soccer World Cup in 1966 Bobby was the team captain. He was not only one of the very best footballers that Britain ever produced (arguably the best) he was also a great sportsman with a dedication to his chosen profession that is rare in any walk of life. In the classic 1970 quarter-final match against Brazil the legendary Pele sought out Bobby when the match had ended to congratulate him on his performance; they had formed a mutual admiration society. The mark of a great footballer is often said to be that they always seem to have time when in possession of the ball; they never panic. That was certainly a feature of Bobby's play.

He died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 51 after bearing his illness with the dignity that chracterised his playing career.