A right winger and considered by many the greatest dribbler in the history of football, he was the first British footballer to be knighted (1965).

Matthews began his professional career in 1931 and played at various times for the Stoke City and Blackpool teams. By 1938 he was representing England in international matches, and, when he retired in 1965, he had played in 54 full international contests.

He made his debut at age 17 for the local First Division professional team, Stoke City. Two years later, he was selected to play for England.

A right winger, Matthews was a wonderful dribbler whose subtle body swerves, acceleration, and superb ball control unsettled virtually every defender he faced. In 1947 he moved to Blackpool and it was then he finally won a Football Association (FA) Cup, in 1953. At the age of 41, Matthews won the first-ever European Player of the Year award. In 1965 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the first active football player ever to receive the honour. Widely respected as the perfect sportsman, Matthews was never cautioned by a referee throughout his 33-year career.

More than 35,000 fans attended Matthews's retirement game in 1965. So many of the world's top players came to the game to honour him that four teams formed and played two matches

An autobiography, The Stanley Matthews Story, appeared in 1960.