World Champion and 1966 Ballon d’Or Winner, Former Midfielder Was a Giant in English Football
Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the most prominent figures in English and world football, passed away this Saturday at the age of 86. A legend of Manchester United, he became a world champion in 1966, during England’s sole World Cup victory. The announcement of his passing was made by the family in an official statement.
Football Legend and Global Icon
The world of football mourns the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, a true football legend. As a world champion and recipient of the Ballon d’Or in 1966, his career and legacy will be remembered with reverence.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday. He was surrounded by his family,” the statement read.
A Tribute to a Manchester United Icon
A former midfielder, Bobby Charlton spent the majority of his professional career at Manchester United. In 17 years at Old Trafford, he scored 249 goals in 758 appearances, clinching three English Premier League titles, a European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and an FA Cup.
Memorable Achievements of Sir Bobby Charlton
The statistics and achievements of Sir Bobby Charlton solidify his status as a football icon. With 249 goals in 758 matches for Manchester United and 49 goals in 106 appearances for the English national team, his impact on the sport is undeniable. Moreover, he won the English Premier League four times, the European Cup once, the World Cup once, and received the Ballon d’Or.
In 2020, the former player was diagnosed with dementia. His older brother and another English football legend, Jack Charlton, passed away the same year after battling the same condition and fighting lymphoma for years.
Legacy and Resilience
Bobby Charlton’s legacy extends beyond the pitch. His resilience, demonstrated by his recovery from the 1958 Munich air disaster when eight Manchester United footballers were among the 23 lives lost in a plane crash in Germany, is an inspiring story.
Tributes and Recognition
Manchester United, the club to which Bobby Charlton devoted his heart and soul, expressed its condolences:
“Manchester United is in mourning for the loss of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club,” the club stated.
An International Hero
In addition to his club achievements, Bobby Charlton was an international hero. He played every minute of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning campaign, with three goals, including two in the semifinal against Portugal. His passing leaves Geoff Hurst, the scorer of a hat-trick in the final against Germany that year, as the sole living Englishman to have won a World Cup.
International Relations and Goal-Scoring Legacy
The English icon had an excellent rapport and was revered by another global football legend, Pelé. Charlton also participated in the World Cups of 1958, 1962, and 1970. He held the record as England’s all-time top scorer until September 2015, and he now ranks third with 49 goals, behind Kane (61) and Rooney (53).
A Football Legend
Bobby Charlton was the Ballon d’Or winner in 1966 and finished as the runner-up in the following two editions. Charlton is one of nine players to have won the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League, and the World Cup, alongside Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Paolo Rossi, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and, most recently, Lionel Messi.
Tributes Worldwide
The Premier League and numerous clubs in England and around the world have paid tribute following the passing of the English legend. Manchester United is scheduled to play Sheffield United later on Saturday at 4 PM (Brasília time), with numerous tributes expected.
The Legacy of a Legend
The English icon is survived by his wife, Lady Norma, his daughters Suzanne and Andrea, and three grandchildren. Sir Bobby Charlton will be remembered not only for his football achievements but also for his enduring influence on the sport and the hearts of fans worldwide.