Scored over 100 goals in his career, playing for Manchester United and Stoke City, and later managed several clubs. Known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and managerial stints.
Jimmy Greenhoff, born on June 19, 1946, is an English former footballer renowned for his exceptional skills on the field, earning him the label of the finest English player never to play for the full national team. Despite being capped five times at under-23 level, he never received a call-up to the senior team, a distinction that still resonates among football enthusiasts.
Greenhoff's journey in football began at Leeds United in 1963, where he started as an apprentice and later turned professional in August 1963. Under the guidance of coach Syd Owen, he made his senior debut at just 16 years old and quickly established himself as a talented center-half. During his time at Leeds, the team secured promotion from the Second Division in 1963-64 and went on to finish as First Division runners-up in 1964-65 and 1965-66.
Greenhoff's impressive performances at Leeds earned him a spot in the under-23 national team, where he featured in five matches. Despite his outstanding skills, he was never called up to the senior team, a mystery that has puzzled football fans for decades. At the club level, he enjoyed success with Leeds, winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and League Cup in 1968 before moving to Birmingham City. He then joined Stoke City in 1969, where he won the League Cup in 1972 and the Watney Cup in 1973.
In 1976, Greenhoff made a high-profile move to Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup and Charity Shield in 1977. He later played for Crewe Alexandra, Port Vale, and Toronto Blizzard before becoming the player-manager at Rochdale in March 1983. Greenhoff resigned from his position at Rochdale in March 1984, marking the end of his playing career.
Throughout his career, Greenhoff made nearly 600 appearances in league football, a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Despite never representing England at the senior level, he remains an iconic figure in English football, with many still pondering what could have been if he had received a full international call-up. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he continues to inspire generations of footballers with his impressive skills and commitment to the beautiful game.
Greenhoff's younger brother, Brian, was also a professional footballer, and the two brothers often found themselves on opposing teams during their playing careers. Jimmy Greenhoff's personal life has been relatively private, but his love for football has always taken center stage.
79 Years Old
A mercurial winger and attacking midfielder who dazzled fans with his pace, skill, and goalscoring ability, earning him the nickname "the fifth Beatle" for his rockstar-like status.
88 Years Old
A legendary English footballer and manager who won the Ballon d'Or in 1966 and led Manchester United to numerous titles, including the European Cup. He's a national hero and icon in English football.
86 Years Old
A Scottish football legend and iconic striker, known for his impressive goal-scoring record and charismatic personality on and off the pitch.
73 Years Old
A former Manchester United defender and later a coach, known for his versatility on the pitch and successful stints in lower-division English football.
Born in 1909
Legendary Scottish footballer and manager who led Manchester United to European Cup victory in 1968, and rebuilt the team after the Munich air disaster.
77 Years Old
A Scottish footballer and manager who played for Manchester United and the national team, known for his defensive skills and managerial stints in the UK.
74 Years Old
A Scottish footballer and manager who played for Leeds United and managed several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers. He's known for his tough-tackling playing style and managerial stints in the English Premier League.
