A host of big names are supporting the call for England legend Bobby Moore, who captained the 1966 World Cup-winning side, to receive a posthumous knighthood.
The iconic Moore died in 1993 from cancer and was tragically never knighted.
He made his debut for the Three Lions in 1962 and was capped 108 times during his 11-year international career, in which he famously steered his country to glory.
West Ham great Moore is widely considered to be one of the game’s greatest ever defenders, commended for his ‘immaculate’ behaviour on and off the pitch.
Sir David Beckham and Sir Geoff Hurst are among those to have asked for Moore to be properly recognised for his services to football and to charity.
Here, the great and the good of English football backs Mail Sport‘s campaign to honour an icon…
The great and good of English football have backed the campaign to honour Bobby Moore
Moore won the 1966 World Cup with England but was not knighted before his death in 1993
He was awarded an OBE but legends who idolised him want him to be honoured properly
STUART PEARCE
ENGLAND AND NOTTINGHAM FOREST
When I was growing up, if there was one iconic figure from the generation that preceded mine it would have to be Bobby Moore.
I find it quite incredible that he wasn’t knighted and if there is anyone more deserving of that honour, I don’t know who it is.
I would also like to commend Stephanie Moore for all the work she has done for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, which has raised over £31 million – that in itself is an incredible total.
Stuart Pearce believes it is ‘quite incredible’ that Moore was never given a knighthood
TONY COTTEE
ENGLAND AND WEST HAM, EVERTON
Bobby Moore has always been my hero and his service to football and the legacy of the charity in his name should be honoured immediately.
TONY GALE
WEST HAM
Bobby Moore was my hero. I was lucky enough to have worn the Number 6 shirt at the two clubs that Bobby played for – West Ham and Fulham. I then followed him in my broadcasting career at Capital Gold alongside Jonathan Pearce.
It was an honour to have known him. He should also be recognised with an honour himself – a knighthood. Let’s all treasure and remember the greatest of all defenders and World Cup-winning captain.
TERRY BUTCHER
ENGLAND AND ARSENAL
Bobby was my hero, and that’s why I always tried to wear the Number 6 shirt. A true gentleman and a brilliant defender.
Terry Butcher (pictured bloodied in an England shirt in 1989) says Moore was his hero
JOE COLE
ENGLAND AND WEST HAM
Having come through at West Ham, Bobby was held up as an example of how a footballer and human being should be. Class, leader, noble and role model.
Joe Cole believes Moore was ‘an example of how a footballer and human being should be’
ALAN SMITH
ENGLAND AND ARSENAL
Bobby Moore was a childhood hero of mine. What a player – and what an achievement in leading England to their 1966 World Cup triumph. He should be recognised as a national icon.
LES FERDINAND
ENGLAND AND QPR
Bobby Moore was the first and only England captain to lift the World Cup, still the nation’s only major football trophy. This should never be forgotten. He was inspirational to all who had the opportunity to wear the Three Lions on their shirt.
LEE DIXON
ENGLAND AND ARSENAL
Bobby made the art of defending look easy. He made it cool to be a defender. The relationship he had with Pele, arguably the best player to ever play the game, says it all. The great Pele had the ultimate respect for England’s captain. Simply the best!
Lee Dixon credits Moore with ‘making it cool’ to be a defender, adding he was ‘simply the best’
IAN WRIGHT OBE
ENGLAND AND ARSENAL
Bobby was the epitome of grace, leadership and sporting excellence – a true gentleman of the game.
His calm presence at the back, impeccable timing and dignified conduct on and off the pitch made him a national hero and a global ambassador for the sport. A knighthood for Bobby Moore isn’t just deserved – it’s long overdue. He stands as a timeless symbol of what football can be at its very best.
DAVID SEAMAN
ENGLAND AND ARSENAL
Bobby Moore was the epitome of strength and leadership both on and off the field, at club level, at national level and on an international stage. He was a true giant of the game and a national hero, but most importantly, we will always remember that everything he achieved was done with a smile on his face.
MIKE SUMMERBEE
ENGLAND AND MANCHESTER CITY
Bobby was a very good friend of mine and I knew him better than most. I didn’t call him Bobby, I called him Robert because that was his name. He was unique in every way. A great captain, great man and a great friend.
I was in the shirt-making business with him and the only reason I appeared in the film Escape to Victory was because he asked me, ‘Do you fancy being an actor?’
He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet and it shouldn’t be a difficult task to get Bobby Moore a knighthood.
Mike Summerbee believes it should not be a difficult task to secure Moore a knighthood
To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/official-honour-bobby-moore-petition
For more information about the Bobby Moore Fund, visit http://cruk.ink/4e8eKrp
