Jimmy Greaves Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jimmy Greaves is an English football legend and record-breaking goal-scorer known for his extraordinary impact on the sport and enduring personal story.

Jimmy Greaves’s story is one of brilliant success on the pitch, deep personal loyalty off it, and a life shaped by both triumph and challenge. Born James Peter Greaves on February 20, 1940, his age/birthdate and birthday remain central to recounting the rise of one of England’s most celebrated strikers. Over his life he built an enduring legacy, though his Jimmy Greaves net worth at his passing reflected the era he played in — a time when footballers’ financial rewards were far less lucrative than today. Alongside famed athletic achievement, his Jimmy Greaves relationships — especially his long marriage to Irene Barden — paint a picture of a personal life that was tested but ultimately grounded in resilience and love.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

The Relentless Scorer Who Redefined English Football

James Peter Greaves’s journey began in Manor Park, Essex, where his natural talent emerged long before professional contracts. From scoring a staggering 114 goals in a single youth season to breaking into Chelsea’s first team as a teenager, his early promise soon became national sensation. Greaves was drawn to the simplicity of scoring — but behind that gift was an intense work ethic and devotion to the craft that made him the most feared striker of his generation. 

Defining moments in Jimmy Greaves’s journey include:

• Signing his first professional contract with Chelsea and scoring on debut.

• Moving briefly to AC Milan before returning to England.

• Becoming Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time scoring leader with 266 goals in 379 appearances.

• Setting the record for most goals in English top-flight history with 357.

• Representing England with 44 goals in 57 caps and being part of the 1966 World Cup squad. 

Greaves’s ascent was marked by fluid, instinctive striking ability — a rare blend of precision, pace, and anticipation that made scoring seem effortless. But beyond the statistics, his presence helped define English football’s golden era in the 1960s.

The Core Pillars of Jimmy Greaves’s Wealth

Although his career achievements were monumental on the pitch, the financial landscape of football in Greaves’s time was starkly different from the modern era of astronomical player salaries and sponsorship deals. His Jimmy Greaves net worth at the time of his passing was modest compared to contemporaries decades later.

The core pillars of Jimmy Greaves’s wealth include:

• Professional Football Earnings: Playing for Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United during a period when even top players earned comparatively modest wages. 

• Broadcasting and Media Work: After retiring from playing, Greaves transitioned into media, including popular television roles which provided additional income. 

• Writing and Public Appearances: He authored books and contributed columns, further diversifying his post-football income.

At his death, sources like CelebrityNetWorth estimated his net worth at about $100,000, reflecting both the financial context of his era and personal expenditures over time. 

Relationships & Family Life: A Story of Commitment

Jimmy Greaves’s personal life was shaped as much by highs and lows as his career. His marriage to Irene Barden, which began in March 1958, would stretch across decades, shaping the backdrop to his professional journey. 

Together they raised a family, including children Jimmy Jr., Lynn, Mitzi, Danny, and Andrew. Like many families in the public eye, they experienced tragedy — their first son, Jimmy Jr., passed away in infancy.

Greaves’s struggles with alcoholism in the 1970s strained their marriage, bringing them close to separation. But their eventual reconciliation, marked by renewing their vows in later years, stood as a testimony to enduring partnership and mutual support. 

Key insights into Jimmy Greaves’s relationships and personal life:

• Lifelong marriage to Irene Barden, with shared family challenges and triumphs. 

• Father to five children, with deep personal loss early in their family life. 

• Reconciliation after overcoming personal struggles, illustrating resilience and mutual commitment.

Beyond the Pitch: Lifestyle, Interests & Legacy

Beyond career success, Jimmy Greaves led a life reflecting both passion and purpose. His interests expanded into broadcasting, writing, and mentoring, and his public personality was warm, self-deprecating, and deeply connected to the sport he loved.

Beyond career success, Jimmy Greaves leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Television and Media: A beloved football pundit and television personality post-retirement.

• Writing and Storytelling: Authored books and shared candid reflections on life and sport.

• Charitable Engagement: His discussions about recovery from alcoholism and advocacy helped others facing similar challenges.

While material assets from his footballing years weren’t as prominent as modern stars, Greaves’s legacy — his records, influence on the game, and impact on fans — remains immeasurable.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Greaves’s net worth — often cited around $100,000 — reflects both the era’s financial norms for athletes and personal health and lifestyle factors toward the end of his life. 

Public Image, Legacy & Enduring Influence

Jimmy Greaves was widely recognized not only for his unparalleled scoring ability but also for his charisma, humor, and candidness. Fans remember him as a game-changer, a record-holder, and a beloved ambassador for English football.

Public figures, clubs, and supporters alike honored his memory following his passing on September 19, 2021 — marking another birthday in the months since and reminding the football world of his profound legacy.

Greaves’s influence continues across generations: from aspiring strikers inspired by his natural touch in front of goal to broadcasters modeling the approachable yet insightful style he brought to football media.

Conclusion

Jimmy Greaves’s story is a tapestry of extraordinary athletic talent, personal resilience, and deep human connection. From his age/birthdate in Manor Park to the records that still stand decades later, and through his Jimmy Greaves relationships that endured life’s challenges, his life offers both inspiration and reflection. His net worth may appear modest by modern standards, but the true wealth of his legacy shines through the countless fans, peers, and successors he influenced.