William John Charles CBE (27 December 1931 – 21 February 2004) was a Welsh footballer who played as a centre-forward or as a centre-back. Best known for his first stint at Leeds United and Juventus, he was rated by many as the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Wales. [2] .

John Charles, the gentle giant from Swansea who became a hero in Turin, is arguably British football’s greatest ever export. Beginning his league career with Leeds United in 1949, even at the age of 17 it was clear that Charles; 6’2″, strong, fast, good in the air and with two good feet, was a talent to be reckoned with.

Jun 28, 2019 · It’s been 42 years since John Charles last donned the famous black and white of Juventus – but they haven’t forgotten. They never will. Days later he falls ill, and within a month he’ll be gone.

Feb 21, 2004 · John Charles was a footballing hero to many and was the first British player to be signed by a foreign club, joining Juventus of Italy in 1957 for a then record fee of £65,000. He was born in...

Nov 9, 2016 · On 8 September 1957, John Charles made his Juventus debut against Hellas Verona. With the score level at 2-2, thanks to goals from Boniperti and Sívori, the Welshman popped up to grab a...

Feb 22, 2004 · John Charles, one of the greatest soccer players of his generation, died Saturday in Wakefield, England. He was 72. The player who became known as “Il Buon Gigante” during his playing time in...

Feb 23, 2004 · Tears have been shed, especially in his native Wales and his much-loved Italy, for John Charles - one of the greatest of footballers, who died on Friday at the age of 72.

John Charles was a remarkable footballer and the first Welshman to win fame in the international arena. He was undoubtedly the finest player raised in Wales in the twentieth century. He was educated at Cwm-du Primary School and Manselton Seconday School.

Feb 21, 2004 · John Charles former footballer from Wales Centre-Forward * Dec 27, 1931 in Swansea, Wales

Mar 25, 2024 · John Charles Sports. A current player of his standard would undoubtedly retire with no financial worries but a number of failed business ventures including a hotel, a sports shop and two pubs meant he had to be bailed out by Leeds chairman Leslie Silver after being pursued for unpaid rates.