Trevor Francis death: How did the former football player die? Cause of death and obituary

Trevor Francis, a former football player for Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest, is said to have died at the age of 69. A truly sad day for everyone connected with Blues. 

His contributions to the sports community will endure, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations of players to push boundaries and tell their own stories through sports.

The news of his suspected death has shocked football fans all across the world as of the time this report was published. His absence leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled.

Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the sports world on social media. Here’s what we know everything about him and Trevor Francis cause of death.

Trevor Francis legendary football player died

England’s first $1 million football player and 69-year-old Marbella icon passes away. Trevor Francis, a former England player, passed away. The Three Lions legend reportedly died on Monday morning at his Marbella home.

Between 1977 and 1986, the former Birmingham City striker participated in 52 international games. Francis signed with Blues as a youngster, and at the age of just 16, he made his debut in 1970.

His ability to score goals was instantly apparent as he scored 15 goals in his first season. In 329 games over nine seasons, he would score 133 goals overall for Birmingham.

Francis was given a $1 million contract by legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough in 1979, and he went on to assist Forest win back-to-back European Cups, a feat that has never before been accomplished by an English team. Francis even scored the game-winning goal in the first final against Malmo.

Scroll down to read about Trevor Francis cause of death

Trevor Francis cause of death

Francis played for clubs across the country as well as abroad but broke the £1 million record when he signed for Nottingham Forest from Birmingham City under Brian Clough. 

And it was at Forest that he scored the winning goal in the 1979 European Cup final. He played for England 52 times and represented his country at the 1982 World Cup.

NOTTINGHAM Trevor Francis, a legend in England and a standout for Forest, passed away at age 69 in his Marbella home. 

At this time, attempts are being made to repatriate Francis’ body after he passed away today at his flat in Spain’s Marbella region. Therefore, Trevor Francis cause of death was confirmed as a heart attack.

Veteran ITV sports presenter and close pal Gary Newbon said,

“This is obviously a terrible shock for Trevor and his family and friends. “He was revered throughout football and has his place assured in the history of the game. “But he was also an incredibly kind and popular man, who will be greatly missed by so, so many people,”Gary told how Francis had a stent fitted following a heart attack 12 years ago but appeared to be in good health. He added: “Since then he had stayed in incredible shape. He power-walked daily and barely drank. That’s why this comes as such a shock.”

Family statement

A short statement released on behalf of his family this morning by the former controller of sport at Central TV Gary Newbon reads,

“Trevor Francis has died at the age of 69. “He had a heart attack at his apartment in Spain this morning. “On behalf of the family, this has come as a huge shock to everybody. “We are all very upset. “He was a legendary footballer but he was also an extremely nice person.”

Trevor Francis speaks candidly about having a heart attack in 2012

Blues legend Trevor Francis said he was fortunate to be alive because it took 11 hours for a catastrophic heart attack to be discovered.

The 60-year-old Broad Street Walk of Stars inductee, a former player, and manager, explained how he did not understand how serious his symptoms in April 2012 were.

During a ceremony at St. Andrew’s today, Francis spoke candidly about his health issue with the Birmingham Mail’s Blues reporter Colin Tattum.

He said: “Fortunately I’m here to tell the tale. April 13, 2012, I remember vividly, it’s a day I’ll never forget. “I was not fully aware of the extent of the problem. I had a heart attack but went 10 or 11 hours without being aware of it. “All the symptoms were there – pains down my arms, tightness across the chest, sweating.

About Trevor Francis’s Life

Trevor John Francis was a forward who played for several clubs in England, the US, Italy, Scotland, and Australia. He was born in England.

Francis was raised at Plymouth’s Public Secondary School for Boys after being born in Plymouth, Devon. He was a quick and talented forward who joined Birmingham City while still a student.

Francis gained popularity rapidly and made his first-team debut for Birmingham City in 1970 at the age of just 16. Before turning 17, he scored four goals against Bolton Wanderers, demonstrating his brilliance. He scored 15 goals in his debut season’s final 22 games.

Trevor Francis’s Football Career

In 1979 Trevor Francis became the first British footballer to command a £1 million transfer fee when he moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest.

To relieve pressure on the inexperienced attacker, manager Brian Clough may have publicly stated that the real cost was £999,999, but Francis quickly paid back the manager’s faith and the cash with an important goal.

Francis scored the game-winning goal as Nottingham Forest defeated Malmo 1-0 in the European Cup final on May 30, 1979, in Munich. Francis dove low to throw the ball high into the goal.

Injury would end Francis’ time with Forest, but his position in their legend was secure. Francis began his football career as a schoolboy in Plymouth, but joined Birmingham City at the age of 16, making his debut in 1970.

Before joining Forest in 1979, he had 280 impressive games and scored 119 goals. He even went on loan to NASL team Detroit Express in the summer after that European Cup, scoring a tonne of goals in a league full of international talent.

He would, however, be forced to miss the 1980 European Cup final as Forest miraculously defended their title due to injuries.

23 years of a successful career

Francis moved from Forest to Manchester City for £1.2 million in 1981 despite his troubles with injuries, and his undeniable talent helped him earn a spot on the 1982 World Cup team, where he scored twice in the opening round.

He spent four seasons with Genoa and one with Atalanta before being enticed by Italian powerhouse Sampdoria just after the World Cup.

After playing with fellow Hall of Famer Graeme Souness in Italy, Souness lured Francis back to the UK to play for his Glasgow Rangers team, and Trevor then made the transition into the player-manager position with Queens Park Rangers and later Sheffield Wednesday.

Francis’ won the League Cup and was promoted to the top division in 1991. The manager played in the Premier League until 1994 when he decided to hang up his boots at the age of 39.

Throughout his 23-year career, Francis played in the Second Division in the early 1970s, the Premier League in the 1990s, the USA, the Italian football capital of the 1980s, and, in one memorable period, the European football elite.

He also crossed paths with Cruyff and Beckenbauer there. Clough didn’t need to be concerned about the price tag’s pressure.

Tributes paid to Trevor Francis

The BBC presenter reacted to Francis’s passing in an emotional post on Twitter.

He wrote: ‘Deeply saddened to hear that Trevor Francis has died. A wonderful footballer and a lovely man. It was a pleasure to work alongside him both on the pitch and on the telly. RIP Trevor.’

England’s most-capped men’s player Peter Shilton added: ‘I’m devastated to hear about my old teammate Trevor Francis such a wonderful gentleman a friend and a terrible loss.’

Viv Anderson, a Forest team-mate and the first black footballer to play for England wrote on Instagram: ‘Just heard the unbelievable news regarding Trevor Francis, he was such a wonderful person and fabulous teammate he will be sadly missed, my condolences go to his family and friends. RIP.’

Stan Collymore’s tribute to Francis read: The loveliest of men, humble, humorous, and always giving of his time and advice. Gutted that Trev has gone, they say never meet your heroes, well, I met mine and he was an absolute gentleman. Rest in peace, Ledge, one in a million.

Trevor Francis’s Obituary

Saying goodbye to someone we love is heartbreaking. May you find comfort in all the special memories shared with Trevor Francis. Also, words cannot express sadness.

May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. I write this obituary with a heavy heart to inform you of the demise of legendary football player Trevor Francis. Moreover, he was the first Million-pound footballer and the man who scored the winner in the 1979 Euro Cup Final.  

He was a great player for both Birmingham and Nottingham Forest. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

A true great legend of the Football community. You will be missed, thanks for so many wonderful memories. His family needs you to be strong now. Also, it’s not a time to mourn. It’s time to look back and remember all the good things in life he did for you.

Moreover, his family will make further announcements regarding funeral services and preparations. No details on survivors were immediately available. And as soon as we receive official reports, we will update the information.

During this difficult time, our thoughts and sympathies go out to Trevor Francis’s fans, family, and loved ones. May they find comfort and strength as they mourn his loss. Feel free to drop your condolences below in the comment section.

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