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Bobby Charlton, the esteemed English World Cup winner and Manchester United icon, has passed away at the age of 86. The club hailed him as a “giant of the game,” as it was announced on Saturday.
Charlton played a pivotal role in England’s historic 1966 World Cup victory and achieved immense success at the club level with Manchester United. The Red Devils became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968, a decade after suffering the tragic loss of team members in the Munich air crash.
A statement released on behalf of the Charlton family conveyed the sad news, saying, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family. His family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone who contributed to his care and to those who loved and supported him.”
In 2020, it was revealed that Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia, which eventually led to him discontinuing his attendance at matches held at Old Trafford.
Manchester United posted a picture of Charlton on social media, accompanied by the caption: “Words will never be enough.”
Charlton’s European Cup triumph with Manchester United occurred a decade after the tragic 1958 Munich air disaster, which he and team manager Matt Busby survived, but which claimed the lives of eight of Charlton’s fellow teammates.
The legendary midfielder played alongside his brother Jack in the World Cup final, and Jack Charlton passed away at the age of 85 in 2020. Bobby Charlton earned 106 caps for England, scoring 49 goals.
He made his debut for Manchester United in 1956 and went on to play 758 matches for the Red Devils, netting 249 goals. Both records stood for a significant period until they were surpassed by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, respectively.
During his tenure at Old Trafford, Charlton secured three league titles and one FA Cup. After leaving Manchester United in 1973 to become the manager of Preston North End, he returned to Old Trafford 11 years later as a club director. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to football, he was knighted in 1994.
“Manchester United is in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club,” the Premier League club said in an official statement. “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer. Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.”
