In the world of football, legends are born and their stories etched in history.
One such legend was Peter Bonetti, a name synonymous with brilliance between the goalposts.
However, his passing in 2020 left the footballing world in shock and sadness.
In this article, we delve into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the cause of Bonetti’s death, shedding light on the life and legacy of the man known as the Cat and the questions that still linger.
Peter Bonetti early life
Bonetti was born on September 27, 1941, in Putney, southwest London.
His parents were Swiss emigrants to England, and they moved to Worthing, Sussex in 1948, where they ran a café on the seafront next to the Dome Cinema.
Bonetti attended St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Worthing, where he played football and shone at an early age.
He was very popular when inviting school.
Bonetti was recommended to Chelsea for a trial by his mother, and he made his debut for the club at the age of 18.
He played for Chelsea for most of his career, making over 700 appearances for the club.
Bonetti was famous throughout football and innovative in the goalkeeping art.
He pioneered coming off his line, braving an often brutish melée, and catching any high ball in his penalty area.
He also broke the mould by rolling or throwing the ball out to a blue shirt rather than hoofing it upfield.
Bonetti was the first to recognize a role for gardening gloves in handling slippery winter balls, leading to his Peter Bonetti-branded specialist gloves, which were a first and so successful they were sported not only by kids up and down the land but by many of his contemporaries at the top level of the game too.
He continued to work in football after his playing career ended.
Bonetti became Chelsea’s first goalkeeping coach and later worked with Kevin Keegan at Manchester City, Newcastle United and Fulham.
He also had a brief stint with St Louis Stars in the United States, where he finished second to Pele as the North American Soccer League player of the year in 1976.
He also had a brief stint with St Louis Stars in the United States, where he finished second to Pele as the North American Soccer League player of the year in 1976.
Peter Bonetti cause of death
Bonetti died on April 12, 2020, at the age of 78, following a long illness.
The exact cause of his death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had been suffering from a long-term illness.
In November 2020, his brother Phil claimed that Bonetti’s dementia was caused by his daring dives as a goalkeeper and heading balls a lot during daily training with outfield team-mates.
Peter Bonetti career
As mentioned earlier, Bonetti was a legendary goalkeeper who played for Chelsea for most of his career, making over 700 appearances for the club.
He was famous throughout football and innovative in the goalkeeping art, and pioneered coming off his line, braving an often brutish melée, and catching any high ball in his penalty area.
It was he who broke the mould by rolling or throwing the ball out to a blue shirt rather than hoofing it upfield.
Bonetti was the first to recognize a role for gardening gloves in handling slippery winter balls, leading to his Peter Bonetti-branded specialist gloves.
He was a fundamental figure in all the club’s achievements during the 1960s and 1970s.
He was technically innovative and incredibly plucky, and his position in the pantheon of Chelsea Football Club is secure.
Bonetti was a charming and knowledgeable matchday host in the hospitality areas at the stadium, one of which carries his name.
As fit as any outfielder during his playing days, he appeared in goal for the Chelsea Old Boys team well into his 60s.
Bonetti continued to work in football after his playing career ended.