Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Colin McDonald's life.
Colin was born
· Bury, England, United Kingdom
Career Start
Colin McDonald joined Burnley Football Club in 1948 as a young goalkeeper, beginning an association with the club that would span over a decade. After a brief period away, he returned in 1951 and would go on to become regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Burnley's distinguished history.
Career Start
Colin McDonald joined Burnley Football Club in 1948 as a young goalkeeper, beginning an association with the club that would span over a decade. After a brief period away, he returned in 1951 and would go on to become regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Burnley's distinguished history.
Career Achievement
McDonald earned his first international cap for England, beginning a run of eight appearances for his country. His commanding presence between the posts and outstanding shot-stopping ability had attracted the attention of England selectors, elevating him from club football to the international stage.
Career Achievement
McDonald earned his first international cap for England, beginning a run of eight appearances for his country. His commanding presence between the posts and outstanding shot-stopping ability had attracted the attention of England selectors, elevating him from club football to the international stage.
Career Achievement
McDonald played all four of England's matches in the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, keeping a clean sheet against eventual champions Brazil. He was voted the tournament's best goalkeeper alongside Northern Ireland's Harry Gregg and finished 11th in the 1958 Ballon d'Or rankings for European football's best player.
Career Achievement
McDonald played all four of England's matches in the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, keeping a clean sheet against eventual champions Brazil. He was voted the tournament's best goalkeeper alongside Northern Ireland's Harry Gregg and finished 11th in the 1958 Ballon d'Or rankings for European football's best player.
Won Championship
McDonald was a member of the England team that won the 1958-59 British Home Championship, a prestigious annual competition between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This represented international silverware to complement his stellar club career at Burnley.
Won Championship
McDonald was a member of the England team that won the 1958-59 British Home Championship, a prestigious annual competition between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This represented international silverware to complement his stellar club career at Burnley.
Career Achievement
McDonald made 201 appearances for Burnley FC before a serious leg injury in 1959 forced his retirement from professional football. His decade of service to the club saw him establish a reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in English football and he remained one of the club's most revered figures for decades.
Career Achievement
McDonald made 201 appearances for Burnley FC before a serious leg injury in 1959 forced his retirement from professional football. His decade of service to the club saw him establish a reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in English football and he remained one of the club's most revered figures for decades.
Legacy
McDonald held the distinction of being England's oldest living international footballer for many years, passing away at 95. His longevity allowed him to witness decades of change in the sport he loved and to serve as a living link to the golden era of English football in the 1950s.
Legacy
McDonald held the distinction of being England's oldest living international footballer for many years, passing away at 95. His longevity allowed him to witness decades of change in the sport he loved and to serve as a living link to the golden era of English football in the 1950s.
Colin McDonald passed away
