Late great legend Bobby Charlton dies aged 86 as football pays tribute

The late great much loved legend Bobby Charlton dies aged 86 as football pays tribute on what has turned out to be a very sad day.

He won 106 caps for England and scored 49 international goals – both one-time records for his country – and in his club career, he won three league titles, a European Cup and an FA Cup with United during 17 years at Old Trafford.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning,” a statement from his family read.

“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.

“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, 1937-2023.

Words will never be enough.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 21, 2023

MAN UTD STATEMENT:

Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.

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.

A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals, and won the 1966 World Cup.

Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through 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.

Gary Neville tweeted: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton. The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador. A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby ❤️❤️”

Sir Geoff Hurst wrote: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.”

Ian Dennis (BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter), said: “This sad news will extend far beyond Manchester and indeed these shores, because Sir Bobby Charlton was one of the greatest players that the world had ever seen.

“One of the few players to win the World Cup, a European Cup and the Ballon d’Or.

“What a life, what a player, and what a person. As the Manchester United statement said, ‘a man of real integrity.’

“He was the last surviving member of those involved in the Munich Air disaster in 1958. He captained United to their first European cup against Benfica, the first English team to win the competition. Of course a World Cup winner for England in 1966, scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances.

“Such longevity in his career, 1956 to 1980 was his career, in over 750 appearances for club and country and only twice booked.

“A true great for club and country. He will be much missed.”

RIP Bobby Charlton
A true gentleman!#MUFC #England pic.twitter.com/kzmf47rFix

— TV Football 1968-92 (@1968Tv) October 21, 2023

Martin Keown (Former England defender on Final Score): “He was a truely wonderful player and an immense talent. He’s been a great ambassador for Man United in recent years and has been a major shining light for that football club for many years.

“The way he carried himself – he was such a dignified man and he’s going to be remembered for a very long time.

“An all time great and an absolute legend.”

England tweeted: “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.

“An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the #ThreeLions.

“A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby ❤️”

@EFL: “The EFL is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.

“One of the greatest players in English football history, Sir Bobby was an absolute great on and off the pitch.

“A hugely sad day for the world of football.”

Gary Lineker: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, @ManUtd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby. 🙌🏻”

Bobby Charlton saw close friends die at Munich. He helped lead Manchester United’s recovery to become English, then European champions. For decades the club’s record goal and appearance holder, he was a World Cup winner and European player of the year too. What a life. RIP.

— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) October 21, 2023

BOBBY CHARLTON’S HONOURS:

Manchester United Youth
FA Youth Cup: 1953–54, 1954–55, 1955–56

Manchester United
Football League First Division: 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67
FA Cup: 1962–63; runner-up 1956–57, 1957–58
FA Charity Shield: 1965, 1967
European Cup: 1967–68

England
FIFA World Cup: 1966
UEFA European Championship third place: 1968
British Home Championship (outright): 1961, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969
(shared) 1958, 1959, 1960, 1964, 1970

Individual
FWA Footballer of the Year: 1965–66
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1966
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1966, 1970
Ballon d’Or: 1966; runner-up: 1967, 1968
PFA Merit Award: 1974
FWA Tribute Award: 1989
FIFA World Cup All-Time Team: 1994
Football League 100 Legends: 1998
English Football Hall of Fame: 2002
FIFA 100: 2004
UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll: 14th
PFA England League Team of the Century (1907 to 2007):
Team of the Century 1907–1976
Overall Team of the Century
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award: 2008
UEFA President’s Award: 2008
Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award: 2012
FIFA Player of the Century:
FIFA internet vote: 16th
IFFHS vote: 10th
World Soccer The Greatest Players of the 20th century: 12th[56]
IFFHS Legends

Orders and special awards
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE): 1969
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE): 1974
Knight Bachelor: 1994
Order of the Rising Sun, 4th class: 2012