Figures from the world of sport and public life have paid tribute to Jimmy Greaves, remembering him as one of England’s best ever footballers.

FIFA, UEFA, the English Football League, the Premier League, the Football Association and the England team as well as Greaves’ former clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, West Ham United, Brentford, Chelmsford City and Barnet all marked the death of the goalscoring legend.

A minute’s applause is due to be held ahead of Tottenham’s match with Chelsea, while West Ham and Manchester United marked Greaves’ passing before their tie on Sunday afternoon.

We will be remembering the great Jimmy Greaves with a minutes applause prior to kick off. 💙 pic.twitter.com/hfjoT4Btj1

Among those leading the tributes was England manager Gareth Southgate, who said: “Jimmy Greaves was someone who was admired by all who love football, regardless of club allegiances.

“I was privileged to be able to meet Jimmy’s family last year at Tottenham Hotspur as the club marked his 80th birthday. My thoughts are with them and I know the entire game will mourn his passing.

In memory of the great Jimmy Greaves ❤️#WHUMUN pic.twitter.com/f6hx1N8NCF

“Jimmy certainly deserves inclusion in any list of England’s best players, given his status as one of our greatest goalscorers and his part in our 1966 World Cup success.

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“We will pay tribute to his memory at our home match with Hungary at Wembley Stadium next month. His place in our history will never be forgotten.”

England captain Harry Kane said on Twitter: “RIP Jimmy Greaves. A true legend and one of the great goalscorers. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Greaves at the age of 81.

Jimmy was part of our @FIFAWorldCup-winning squad and scored a remarkable 44 goals in 57 games for the #ThreeLions.

All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs. pic.twitter.com/CetXiwD25l

Gary Lineker, who is one above Greaves on England’s all-time top goalscorers list, added: “Terribly sad news that Jimmy Greaves has died. Quite possibly the greatest striker this country has ever produced. A truly magnificent footballer who was at home both in the box and on the box. A charismatic, knowledgeable, witty and warm man. A giant of the sport. #ripGreavsie”

Michael Owen said: “Sad to hear that the Great Jimmy Greaves passed away earlier today. He was a generation before my time but my dad always said he was the best finisher in the game. Rest In Peace Jimmy”

Sad to hear the news about Jimmy Greaves.

He will be remembered as a goalscoring legend and one of the greats of English football.

My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans. https://t.co/htaB2StYYR

Ex England striker Ian Wright said: “The first footballers name I ever heard from my teacher. ‘No Ian! Finish like Jimmy Greaves!’ May he rest in peace.”

Former England star and current pundit Rio Ferdinand said: “Big loss to the footballing world.. sending my condolences to the Greaves family. First autobiography I ever read! Inspiration”.

Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Jimmy Greaves.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. 💙

Adding a political voice to that of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who tweeted his thoughts, was Labour’s Tottenham MP David Lammy who said: “Man so sad @jimmy_greaves has left us. What a superb goal scorer, character and all round footballing legend. One of a kind. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Lord Sugar, who was chairman and part-owner of Tottenham Hotspur from 1991 to 2001, told Sky News: “As a child, going to the White Hart Lane ground, my father taking me there, (I remember) him being an awesome striker… something for Harry Kane to try and catch up with!

❤️ We are deeply saddened to hear that Jimmy Greaves, one of England’s greatest ever natural goal scorers, has passed away.

❤️ In 1963, his natural finishing skills helped Tottenham Hotspur win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup – the first ever English club to lift a UEFA trophy. pic.twitter.com/MV69K1JJh0

“When I took the chairman’s position, Jimmy was quite helpful to me… I had some quite troubled times, difficult occasions and he would give me some advice. He was a great player and also a great broadcaster. He was a legend, a British legend.

“He was a very down to earth bloke, not only very experienced in the football world, he said it as it was and that was really a kick off to football punditry as we know it these days. (With Ian St John), their banter was fantastic.”

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