Oldest Ballon d'Or winner
Images
The oldest winner of the Ballon d'Or was Stanley Matthews, who won the first in 1956 at 41. Note that the award was limited to the best European footballer then. Stanley played for another nine years after that, becoming the oldest to play in England's top division at 50. He was also the first player to be knighted and still is the only active player to get the honor.
Quotes
He was one of the greatest players the game has even seen,...He ranks alongside players like Pele, Maradona and Cruyff -- and he was one of ours.'
Bobby Robson
References
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Sir Stanley Matthews: Remembering the man who won the inaugural Ballon d'Or aged 41
Injuries bugged him thereafter, and at 37, there were major doubts regarding his ability to play at the top level. A transfer back to Stoke was agreed to by all parties, until Blackpool manager Joe Smith intervened and made Matthews believe that a successful FA Cup run was still possible.
Sportskeeda
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Stanley Matthews, 85, Knight and Soccer Star
In a career that spanned more than three decades, Sir Stanley was one of soccer's premier players, renowned as the Wizard of Dribble for his playmaking skills. He was also known as the First Gentleman of Soccer, having never received a warning from a referee or been expelled from a game for rough play.
The New York Times
