Football Queensland is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Queensland Socceroo and Football Australia Hall of Fame inductee Cliff Sander this week.

Born in Ipswich, Cliff’s first experience of Premiership success at state level came at the age of just 17 when he won the Queensland title with St Helens, and later another Premiership with the club in 1956. 

Following a decade with the St Helens senior team, Cliff moved to Azzurri (now Brisbane City FC) where he played for several years including in their Premiership-winning 1961 season. 

A former Queensland captain and the most capped state representative, he played for Queensland 47 times. 

Cliff debuted for the national team as a teenager in 1950 and made 21 appearances for Australia, including at the 1956 Olympic Games. 

He was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a much-loved member of the football community, both on and off the pitch. 

Football Queensland extends our condolences to Cliff’s family and loved ones.