Sad news has reached the Maltese football community this evening with the passing of Louis Pace, former Malta international and Valletta FC player, at the age of 77.

Pace was regarded as one of Malta’s finest defenders during the 1970s, representing his country five times at senior level. He made his national team debut in Malta’s historic 1971 match against England at Wembley Stadium — the first time Malta faced England in an international fixture. That European Championship qualifier, played on 12 May 1971, ended in a 5–0 victory for the hosts.

Over the course of his international career, Pace also featured twice against Hungary and once each against Greece and Austria.

At club level, the composed defender was a loyal servant to Valletta FC, with whom he celebrated the 1973–74 league title. He made his senior debut for the Citizens in January 1966, aged just 18, in a match against Hibernians.

Throughout his career with Valletta, Louis Pace made 88 appearances, scoring one goal, and earned a reputation as a disciplined and dependable figure in defence.

The Maltese football community mourns the loss of a true gentleman of the game — a player who proudly represented both Valletta and Malta during a golden era of local football.