John Charles, sportsman with a connection to Wales (Cwm, Swansea)

John Charles

Football Player for Leeds, Cardiff, Roma and Juventus.

Connection: Born in Cwmbwla, Swansea.

---

comment by:AllRightNow
John won a fantastic thirty-eight caps in the 1950's and 1960's. Became a manager.

comment by:Dontforget
Played Centre forward.

comment by:TomCat
I was fortunate enough to be present at Ninian Park when John Charles played his first game for Cardiff City against Norwich City after returning from Italy.

He took a free kick from inside his own half and scored from it! What a way to start your career at a club.

I'm sorry that he has not been in the best of health for the past few years.

comment by:morrig47
John was born in Cwmbwrla, Swansea and gained thirty-eight caps for Wales

comment by:sniffer
John- brother of Mel uncle of Jeremy, all of whom played for Wales. John and Mel along with Ivor and Len Allchurch created history by being the only two sets of brothers to represent their country in one match.

comment by:Sliw76
John Charles CBE (the Gentle Giant) the best Welsh footballer ever. He is arguably the finest all-round footballer that Britain has ever produced, a skilful giant of a man comfortable at either centre-forward or centre-half. He was the most successful British player ever to play in Italy and scored twenty-nine goals in his first season there. He was voted as one of the top ten foreigners ever to play for Juventus (forty years on!) Also been voted as one of the Leeds UTD Legends recently. He had an unsuccessful brief managerial career. He had a brother named Mel Charles who was also a pro footballer, although not as famous (might well have represented Wales though) (born 27th December 1931 in Cwm du near Swansea) thirty-eight caps, fifteen goals.

comment by:Swanseaboy
John Charles was included by non other than Sir Alex Ferguson in an all time world XI. He was the only British player included. Selection reads: Schmeichel (DEN), Santos (BRA), Maldini (ITA), Beckenbaur (GER), John Charles (WAL), Cruyff (HOL), DiStephano (ARG) Maradona (ARG), Zidane (FRA), Platini (FRA), Pele (BRA). Not bad for a Swansea boy.

comment by:owainapdafydd
John Charles should be 'Sir John Charles'. An ambassador and a gentleman, he will always be a legend to Welsh football fans young and old.




Related information...
      Terry Yorath, Footballer with Leeds United FC.
      Nathan Blake, Footballer with Cardiff City FC.
      Terry Boyle, Footballer with Cardiff City FC.
      Carl Dale, Footballer with Cardiff City FC.
      Phil Dwyer, Footballer with Cardiff City FC.
      Trevor Ford, Footballer with Cardiff City FC.
      David Giles, Footballer with Cardiff City FC.