Trevor John Francis, a legendary figure in English football and Birmingham City’s most iconic player, passed away on July 24, 2023, at the age of 69 due to a heart attack at his home near Marbella, Spain. 
Born on April 19, 1954, in Plymouth, Francis made his professional debut for Birmingham City at just 16. Over nine seasons, he scored more than 100 goals in nearly 300 appearances, becoming a fan favorite and a symbol of the club’s ambition.
In 1979, he became Britain’s first £1 million footballer when he transferred to Nottingham Forest. He quickly justified the record fee by scoring the decisive goal in the 1979 European Cup final against Malmö, helping Forest secure back-to-back European titles.
Francis also enjoyed successful spells at Manchester City, Sampdoria, Rangers, Queens Park Rangers, and Sheffield Wednesday. Internationally, he earned 52 caps for England, scoring 12 goals and representing the nation at the 1982 World Cup.
After retiring as a player, he transitioned into management, leading teams like Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City, and Crystal Palace. His contributions to football, both on and off the pitch, left an indelible mark on the sport.
Tributes poured in from across the football world, with Birmingham City describing him as “the player everyone wanted to see” and Nottingham Forest honoring him as a “true legend who will never be forgotten.”
Trevor Francis’s legacy as a trailblazer and footballing icon will continue to inspire future generations.
Leave a Reply