Sir Bobby Charlton, the legendary 1966 World Cup champion and Manchester United hero, has died at the age of 86.
Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup and European Cup winner and one of England and Manchester United’s finest players, died at the age of 86.
Charlton, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1966, became United and England’s record goalscorer during a career in which he was noted for his sportsmanship and decency, as well as his flair on the ball and his devastating shooting.
Charlton, a survivor of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, went on to win the European Cup a decade later, captaining Sir Matt Busby’s club and scoring twice in the final against Benfica.
He had been a key member of the only England squad to win the World Cup two years before, scoring both goals in the semi-final win over Portugal and playing alongside his brother, Jack. They are one of just two sets of siblings that have won the World Cup.
Charlton, the son of a miner in his home north-east, joined United at the age of 15 and scored twice on his debut as a 19-year-old. He was a member of the ‘Busby Babes,’ a group of young attacking footballers, but he and eight of his colleagues were murdered in an aircraft crash in Munich.
Charlton survived the flight and went on to form a legendary attacking three with George Best and Denis Law. He played 758 games for United, a record that has since been surpassed by Ryan Giggs, and scored 249 goals, which only Wayne Rooney has surpassed. During his time at United, he won three league titles and the FA Cup.
He played in three World Cups and made 106 appearances for England, which was a national record at the time. His 49 goals were the most by any England player until Wayne Rooney and subsequently Harry Kane surpassed him.
Charlton later managed Preston and was a United director for nearly four decades. In 2020, his family reported that he had been diagnosed with dementia. Sir Bobby Charlton, the legendary 1966 World Cup champion and Manchester United hero, has died at the age of 86.
“Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of our club’s greatest and most beloved players,” the club stated in a statement.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions of people around the world, not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom.”
“He was admired for his sportsmanship and integrity as much as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will be remembered as a game giant.”
“A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals for Manchester United during his 17-year career, winning the European Cup, three league titles, and the FA Cup.” He had 106 caps for England and scored 49 goals in the 1966 World Cup.
“Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club as a director with distinction for 39 years.” His unrivalled record of achievement, character, and service will go down in Manchester United and English football history, and his legacy will continue on via the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
“The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”
