Peter Shilton Football Biography
Biography of Shilton Peter: The Unyielding Guardian of the Goal
Early Years
Born on September 18, 1949, in Leicester, England, Peter Shilton displayed an early affinity for football. By age 13, he had already signed with Leicester City, marking the beginning of a legendary career that would span three decades.
Key Achievements
- Record-breaking longevity: Played professionally until age 47, amassing over 1,000 league appearances.
- World Cup legend: Represented England in three World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990), including the infamous "Hand of God" match against Maradona.
- Clean sheet king: Held the record for most career clean sheets (over 1,000) in English football history.
Personal Struggles
"A goalkeeper's life is solitary—every mistake is magnified," Shilton once reflected. His battle with gambling addiction in the 1980s tested his resilience, but he emerged stronger, later advocating for mental health awareness.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1966 | Professional debut for Leicester City |
| 1970 | First England cap |
| 1990 | World Cup semi-final heroics |
Legacy
Shilton's unmatched discipline and relentless work ethic redefined goalkeeping. His rivalry with Ray Clemence pushed both to greatness, yet Shilton's longevity set him apart.
As historian David Goldblatt noted:
"He was a fortress—time itself couldn't breach him."
Final thought: Peter Shilton wasn't just a goalkeeper; he was an institution.