A Welsh international footballer who played for Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea Town, earning 59 caps and scoring 16 goals for Wales. He was a winger known for his pace and skill on the pitch.
Cliff Jones, born on February 7, 1935, is a Welsh former footballer renowned for his incredible skills as a winger and his vital contribution to Tottenham Hotspur's 1960-61 double-winning side. As the last surviving player from the Welsh team in the 1958 World Cup, Jones' football career is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport.
Jones was born into a footballing family in Swansea, Glamorgan. His father, Ivor, and uncles Shoni, Emlyn, Bryn, and Bert were all players, as well as his brother Bryn and cousin Ken. This rich football heritage undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Jones' early life and career.
Jones began his professional career at Swansea Town in 1952, joining his brother Bryn at the club. During his time at Swansea, he also worked as an apprentice sheet metal worker at The Prince of Wales Dry Dock. Jones made his debut in the League match against Bury in October 1952 and scored his first goal in the match against Leeds United two games later.
In 1958, Jones joined Tottenham Hotspur for a record £35,000, equivalent to £1,032,844 in 2023. His debut for the club was on February 22, 1958, in the away match against Arsenal at Highbury. Although Jones struggled to find his form initially, he eventually broke into the team and became an integral part of their success.
Jones' remarkable football career has left an indelible mark on the sport. He remains an iconic figure in Welsh football, and his achievements continue to inspire future generations of players. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport have cemented his place as one of the greatest Welsh footballers of all time.
Jones was brought up in the Sandfields area of Swansea and attended St. Helens Mixed Junior School. He was a schoolboy friend of Terry Medwin, who later became his teammate at Tottenham Hotspur. Jones captained the Swansea Schoolboys team, winning the Welsh Shield and English Schools Trophy in 1950.
Cliff Jones' incredible football career is a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for the sport. As the last surviving player from the Welsh team in the 1958 World Cup, Jones' legacy continues to inspire and captivate football enthusiasts around the world.
64 Years Old
A bassist and songwriter for Metallica, known for his aggressive playing style and iconic songs like "Master of Puppets" and "Orion".
93 Years Old
A Welsh footballer and manager who played for several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, and later managed teams in the English Football League, earning a reputation as a skilled player and tactician.
80 Years Old
Former English footballer and manager who played for several clubs, including Coventry City and Aston Villa, and managed teams like Wimbledon and Coventry City. He's known for his successful managerial stint at Coventry City, leading them to FA Cup victory in 1987.