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A powerful new campaign is gathering momentum to grant Bobby Moore a posthumous knighthood, more than three decades after the legendary footballer lost his battle with cancer at the age of 51.
Sir Geoff Hurst, England’s 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero and Moore’s longtime teammate, is at the forefront of the movement. He says it’s time the Government and honours system righted a historical wrong and formally recognised the legacy of one of England’s greatest sportsmen.
“If any of the two of us deserved a knighthood, it was the captain of the team,” Sir Geoff told the Daily Mail. “Bobby led by example both on and off the pitch. He was the heartbeat of our World Cup squad, and one of the most honourable men I’ve ever known.”
Despite being one of the most iconic footballers of all time, Bobby Moore never received a knighthood during his lifetime, a fact that has long puzzled and angered fans and pundits alike.
A Gentleman of the Game
Moore, who captained West Ham United and England, was celebrated for his calmness under pressure, impeccable timing, and sportsmanship. Even legendary Brazilian striker Pelé once described him as “the greatest defender” he had ever faced.
Off the field, Moore’s contribution continued after his death. His widow, Stephanie Moore, established the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK in 1993. Since then, the fund has raised over £30 million to support bowel cancer research and raise awareness of the disease that took his life.
Petition Gains Traction
The campaign has already gained widespread support from footballers, celebrities, and the public, with tens of thousands signing a petition urging the Government to grant a posthumous knighthood. Supporters argue that Moore was “let down by the authorities” and that his omission from the honours list is an injustice that should be corrected.
“There are few names in football more deserving,” said former player and pundit Gary Lineker. “Bobby Moore wasn’t just a footballer; he was a national treasure.”
What Happens Next?
While posthumous knighthoods are rare, campaigners are hopeful that special recognition could be given under exceptional circumstances. Moore’s influence on English football, his unblemished reputation, and his legacy in cancer awareness certainly qualify.
As the push gains momentum, the question is no longer if Bobby Moore should be honoured, but why it’s taken so long.
