All-Time Top 50: Number 19 - John Charles
Last updated : 24 November 2005 By Simon Head
 | Charles: A hero both in Wales and in Italy |
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Charles was a mountain of a man, standing well over 6 feet tall – and he put it to good use, both as a defender and a striker. He was simply unmatchable in the air. As a striker his goalscoring record was exemplary.
He joined Leeds United aged just 17, and scored 150 goals in eight seasons with the Yorkshire club, including 42 goals in 1954-55.
He then made an historic move to Italy to join the famous Juventus club, for a world-record fee. In 155 games for 'The Old Lady' of Italian football, Charles scored 93 goals - no mean feat in the defensive stronghold that is Serie A - and quickly became a footballing legend in his adopted homeland.
He returned to Elland Road, then had a second stint in Italy with Roma, before returning to his true home of Wales to finish his career with the Bluebirds of Cardiff City.
During his career he represented his country with distinction, playing in the greatest Welsh side in history, as a Charles-inspired side went all the way to the quarter finals of the World Cup in Sweden in 1958. Unfortunately Wales were dealt a double blow, losing Charles before the match through injury, then losing to a solitary goal from a young lad by the name of Pele, as Brazil went on to win the tournament.
John Charles died in February 2004 after reported heart and circulation problems. He is remembered fondly in Wales, in England and in Italy - and remains one of the very best footballers ever produced by the UK.