Clifford Sydney Bastin
Date of birth: 14 March 1912
Date of death: 4 December 1991 (aged 79)
Place of birth: Exeter, England
Nationality: English 🏴
Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.74 m)
Position(s): Left winger
Arsenal Senior Career: 1929-1947
Senior Apps/Goals: XXX
General Information
Cliff Bastin (born June 14, 1912 – died December 4, 1991) was an English professional footballer and one of Arsenal’s greatest forwards during the 1930s. Renowned for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, Bastin played a key role in Arsenal’s dominance of English football in that era.
Early Life
Bastin was born in Exeter, England. He began his football journey playing for local youth clubs before being signed by Arsenal in 1929 at the age of 17. His talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly established himself as a first-team regular.
Club Career
Bastin’s Arsenal career spanned from 1929 to 1947, during which he became one of the club’s most prolific forwards. Known for his excellent left foot and intelligent movement, he was a constant threat to opposition defences.
He helped Arsenal win five First Division titles (1930–31, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1937–38) and two FA Cups (1930, 1936). Bastin scored a club record 150 league goals until it was eventually surpassed decades later.
His ability to score in important matches earned him a reputation as a big-game player. He was also versatile, capable of playing across the forward line but mainly excelled on the left wing.
International Career
Bastin earned 21 caps for England between 1931 and 1937, scoring 12 goals. He was a regular for the national team during his peak years, admired for his pace and finishing.
Playing Style
Bastin was known for his blistering pace, precise crossing, and clinical finishing. He combined technical skill with an intelligent reading of the game, often creating chances as well as scoring goals. His left foot was particularly feared by goalkeepers.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from professional football, Bastin remained involved in the sport at a local level. He was respected for his contributions to Arsenal and English football.
Legacy
Cliff Bastin remains one of Arsenal’s all-time greats, a pioneer of the club’s golden era before World War II. His goal-scoring record and trophy haul reflect his importance to the team, and his name is still celebrated by Arsenal supporters as a symbol of dedication and excellence.
| Season | Appearances | Goals |
| 1929-30 | 29 | 11 |
| 1930-31 | 46 | 29 |
| 1931-32 | 47 | 22 |
| 1932-33 | 43 | 33 |
| 1933-34 | 42 | 15 |
| 1934-35 | 41 | 22 |
| 1935-36 | 39 | 17 |
| 1936-37 | 37 | 8 |
| 1937-38 | 41 | 17 |
| 1938-39 | 24 | 4 |
| 1945-46 | 1 | 0 |
| 1946-47 | 6 | 0 |
