Jimmy Banks, a player on the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, passed away on Friday.
The 54-year-old passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. A winner of 36 caps with the USMNT, Banks would make two appearances at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
Banks and teammate Desmond Armstrong became the first two African-American players to be named to the USMNT World Cup roster. He played in a 1-0 loss to Italy and a 2-1 loss to Austria in 1990.
“The entire U.S. Soccer family is deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy Banks,” U.S. Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro said. “At a time when few African American players were reaching the elite level of the sport, Jimmy’s rise to play for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 1990 World Cup inspired a new generation to reach the same level.”
“His time as a player, coach and mentor will leave a lasting impact on the sport in this country, particularly his tireless efforts to grow the game through his inner city soccer programs. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates as we reflect on his pioneering legacy.”
A collegiate defender at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Banks spent his professional career with the Milwaukee Wave of the American Indoor Soccer Association. He totaled 136 appearances with the Wave from 1987-1993, scoring 31 goals.
He also managed the Men’s team at the Milwaukee School of Engineering from 1999-2019, while also being inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Hall of Fame.
Banks helped form several urban soccer programs in Milwaukee for youth, continuing to give back to the community until his passing.
I did not know he was even sick. I walk past MSOE’s soccer field on my way to work and would occasionally see Jimmy on his way into practice. It was always fascinating to think this seemingly normal guy getting equipment out of the trunk of his economy car played on the biggest stage of all in Italia ’90 and was a trailblazer for the game in America.
My friends and I loved Banks. Quick and tough defender. We got to watch him play for the Wave in the old AISA when they would come play our hometown Dayton Dynamo. It was pretty cool seeing guys with his quality and experience play up close and personal. The Wave had another guy that appeared for the US called George Pastor as well. Anyway, he was an inspiration for a lot of young players in the late 80s and early 90s. He wore a Pony Tail back in the day too, which always was something to see when he played. Like some of the others had said, you have Des Armstrong in the photo and not Banks. Thanks for the deserving tribute to this great player.
R.I.P Jimmy ???
RIP Jimmy.
BTW
That’s not Jimmy Banks!!!
Thats Des Armstrong!
Please fix this.
zayash@aol.com
RIP to one of the greats. He is possibly tjeost under appreciated player in US Soccer history. If not for Banks and Armstrong, I (and any other African American players) might have never even thought about picking up a soccer ball.