1. Laurence Paul Cunningham was an English professional footballer who played as a left winger.
13 Facts About Laurie Cunningham
1. 2.
Laurie Cunningham notably played in England, France, and Spain, where he became the first-ever English player to sign for Real Madrid.
3.
Laurie Cunningham had signed a schoolboy contract with Arsenal in 1970, but was released in 1972 as his style of play was deemed incompatible with the Gunners' "give and go" tactics.
4.
Laurie Cunningham signed with Wimbledon in 1988, where, as a member of the "Crazy Gang", he won the FA Cup in 1988 for the final trophy of his career.
5.
Laurie Cunningham received his first international call-up to the England U21 side in 1977 while playing for West Bromwich Albion, becoming the first black footballer to represent an England international team organised by the Football Association.
6.
Laurie Cunningham later earned six caps for the full national team between 1979 and 1980, becoming one of the first-ever black England internationals.
7.
Laurie Cunningham started in schoolboy football and was turned down by Arsenal before joining Leyton Orient in 1974.
8.
Laurie Cunningham joined West Bromwich Albion in 1977, where, under manager Johnny Giles, he teamed up with another black player, Cyrille Regis, and the following year under Ron Atkinson, with Brendon Batson.
9.
Laurie Cunningham scored twice on his debut and helped Madrid win the league and cup double.
10.
Laurie Cunningham scored the goal that secured their promotion to the Primera Division.
11.
Laurie Cunningham was killed in a car crash in Madrid on the morning of 15 July 1989, at the age of 33.
12.
Laurie Cunningham was survived by his wife and their son.
13.
On 27 April 1977, Laurie Cunningham made his debut for the England under-21's team in a friendly match against Scotland at Bramall Lane, scoring on his debut.