Vale - Grant Turner

Words: ACFC Media

Tuesday 28 February 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC are saddened to hear of the death of Grant Turner, one of the true greats of the New Zealand game.

Turner last played on Kiwitea Street back on 20 January 2005 when he participated in the South-East Asia Tsunami Fundraiser Charity Football Match featuring an NZ All Whites Invitational XI against an All Stars XI.

The charity match was very successful and raised around $30,000.00 for the cause and was the only time Turner ever played on Kiwitea Street.

In September last year, Auckland City FC and Central United FC presented Turner and his family with a portrait of the former All White playing against China.

REST IN PEACE - Central United FC pass on our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of #AllWhites legend Grant Turner who has sadly passed away. pic.twitter.com/hwcuDj2U6z
— Central United Football Club (@CentralUtd_FC) February 27, 2023

A member of the legendary 1982 FIFA World Cup side, Turner played 71 times for the All Whites between 1980 and 1988.

Turner made his debut and scored in the famous 4-0 win over Mexico in 1980.

He was instrumental as part of the qualification campaign for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, scoring 8 goals from midfield including one of the greatest ever All Whites goals vs Australia in the 1981 2-0 win.

While injury ruled him out of the 1982 FIFA World Cup finals and opportunity to make his name on the global stage, he will be remembered as one of the greatest New Zealand players of his generation.

In 2021 Turner revealed he was battling cancer. He passed away on 28 February 2023.

We join the football community in our nation in passing our condolences to his family and friends at this time.

Ends