Northern Ireland and Aston Villa legend Peter McParland dies at 91

Northern Ireland and Aston Villa legend Peter McParland, hero of the 1957 FA Cup final, has passed away at age 91.

Peter McParland, legendary Northern Ireland forward and Aston Villa icon, has died at the age of 91.

A true footballing hero, McParland remains best known for scoring twice in Aston Villa’s famous 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the 1957 FA Cup final—the last time the club lifted the prestigious trophy.

The County Down-born striker earned 34 caps for Northern Ireland and holds the national record for most goals scored at World Cup finals. His five goals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden helped Northern Ireland reach an incredible quarter-final finish, a feat unmatched since.

McParland joined Aston Villa in 1952 from Dundalk and went on to score 121 goals in 341 appearances for the club. His impact extended beyond the FA Cup, helping Villa secure the Second Division title in the 1959-60 season and netting the decisive goal in extra time of the 1961 League Cup final against Rotherham United.

Aston Villa said in a statement, “Peter McParland, the last surviving member of the 1957 FA Cup-winning team, has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

His career also included spells with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Plymouth Argyle, Toronto Inter-Roma, Atlanta Chiefs, and a final stint as player-manager at Glentoran, where he led the team to a league title in 1969-70 before retiring in 1971.

McParland’s passing marks the end of an era in both Northern Ireland and Aston Villa’s rich football history.