The 26-year-old, from The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own and Royal Irish) died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Sunday, after he was caught in an explosion from an improvised explosive device (IED) on February 3.
The soldier, from Bolton, was a Section Commander who deployed to Afghanistan with C (Coriano) Company, Combined Force Lashkar Gah (The Queen's Royal Hussars Battle Group) in October 2011.
Cpl Stanley was treated in Afghanistan and the UK after being wounded in the blast in February.
He died surrounded by his family, the Ministry of Defence said.
The soldier, who was on a patrol aimed at improving understanding of the area and the local population in Pupalzay Kalay, east of Lashkar Gah, was crossing into a field when he was caught in the blast.
He was taken by helicopter to a medical facility at Camp Bastion before being transferred to Birmingham .
Cpl Stanley, described as a "gifted young soldier", had already served in Iraq before he was deployed to Afghanistan.
He was hailed as "an outstanding footballer" and a key member of the Regimental team which won the British Army (Germany) Cup in 2010 and the Cavalry Cup in 2011.
He leaves behind his mother, Brenda, his father, Tom, his sisters, Rachel, Larissa and Joanne, and his girlfriend Sarah.
Paying tribute, Cpl Stanley's mother said: "Jack was a kind, generous lad with a ready smile.
"His dedication to his regiment was equalled only by his passion for Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
"He fought so hard to stay with us and the devastation we feel cannot be described. The world is duller without him and Heaven brighter."
Lieutenant Colonel Ian Mortimer, Commanding Officer of Combined Force Lashkar Gah (The Queen's Royal Hussars Battle Group) said junior soldiers aspired to be like Cpl Stanley.
"Cpl Jack 'Stan' Stanley joined The Queen's Royal Hussars in December 2003. Right from the beginning he made a huge impression.
"Such was his ability and flair for soldiering he was quickly singled out to join the Regiment's Reconnaissance Troop where he excelled. He was utterly dedicated to his friends and the regiment, and this just shone through in everything he did.
"Hugely popular with all ranks, he was known for his quick wit and ready smile, even in the darker moments.
"Professional, fit, robust and utterly determined, he thrived on the challenges of Army life, whether it was on operations in Iraq, or here in Afghanistan.
"He was fantastic at his job and also a renowned footballer. Both on and off the sports field he excelled. He epitomised the very best of his generation.
"We have lost a most outstanding soldier who was an inspiration to all. Junior soldiers aspired to be like Stan.
"He was gravely injured on operations here in Afghanistan and has tragically succumbed to his wounds. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult and tragic time. We will remember him."
Sergeant Jonathan David Hillary, 1 Platoon Sergeant, C Company, Combined Force Lashkar Gah (The Queen's Royal Hussars Battle Group) said Cpl Stanley would be missed by the whole platoon.
"Jack was a blonde, cheeky chap from Bolton who would do anything to preserve as much of his hair as possible without getting caught!
"More importantly though he was a soldier to respect and follow. He was, and will be remembered as, a great leader to his young soldiers and respected by his commanders.
"I have had the privilege of commanding Jack for the past 18 months and it has been the best time in my 13 years of service.
"Jack will be missed by the whole platoon and there is now a hole in the hearts of all of the men who knew him."
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has expressed his "heartfelt condolences" to Cpl Stanley's family, comrades and friends.
"It is clear from the tributes paid to him that Cpl Stanley was an extremely brave individual who exemplified all the virtues of the British soldier," he said.
"Personable and professional to the end, Cpl Stanley showed himself to be a trusted leader and by every account given by those who knew him, he was a credit to his parents and his regiment."
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