ESPN Oct 21, 2023, 5:55pm ET5 minutes read
In memory of Sir Bobby Charlton
Alexis Nunes and Mark Ogden reflect on Sir Bobby Charlton’s impact on Manchester United, England and football in general following his death aged 86.
Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
Charlton was part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team and two years later he scored two goals as Manchester United won the European Cup at Wembley.
A club statement on Saturday said: “Manchester United mourns the loss of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most popular players in our club’s history.”
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the UK, but wherever football is played in the world.”
“He was admired for his sportsmanship and integrity as well as 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 in 17 years as a Manchester United player. He won the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals.” for England and won the World Cup in 1966.
Sir Bobby Charlton had a fantastic playing career with successes at Manchester United and England. Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
“After his retirement, he served the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled track record, character and achievements will forever be 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 deepest condolences go out to his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren and all who loved him.”
After joining United as a schoolboy in 1953, Charlton was a member of the famous academy under coach Sir Matt Busby – the players were affectionately known as the ‘Busby Babes’ – and won three consecutive FA Youth Cups from 1954 to 1956.
Charlton made his professional debut the same year and won their first league title in the 1956–57 season, scoring 10 goals in 14 games in the First Division.
On February 6, 1958, the club was rocked by the Munich air disaster, which killed 23 people, including eight United players. Charlton suffered minor injuries but survived. He then helped the club reach that year’s FA Cup final, but lost 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers.
Charlton was an integral part of the rebuilding process that followed the tragedy and United won the FA Cup in 1963, their first major honor after Munich, before winning the league two years later.
United regained the title in 1966/67 and became England’s first European champions twelve months later when Charlton captained the team to a 4-1 victory over Benfica.
After spells at Preston, Waterford and in Australia with Newcastle KB United, Perth Azzurri and Blacktown City, he retired in 1980. Charlton also managed Preston from 1973 to 1975.
A statement from his family said: “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 would like to thank everyone who contributed to his care and the many people who loved and supported him. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this time.”
His record of 758 United appearances was broken by Ryan Giggs in 2008, and his club record of 249 goals stood until 2017, when Wayne Rooney surpassed him.
Charlton had a fantastic relationship with George Best and Denis Law and the trio were honored with a statue outside Old Trafford in 2008.
He was also part of England’s greatest success: their only victory at the 1966 World Cup. Charlton scored both goals as England beat Portugal 2-1 in the semi-final and helped his country to a 4-2 victory in the final at Wembley West Germany.
Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in that final and is now the only surviving member of Alf Ramsey’s World Cup-winning side, led the tributes to his former team-mate.
“Very sad news today. “One of the true greats, Sir Bobby Charlton, has passed away,” Hurst wrote on X.
“We and all of football will never forget him. A great colleague and friend, he will be sorely missed across the country beyond sport.”
Charlton won the Ballon d’Or that year – one of only four Englishmen to win this honor – and was also part of the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cup squads as well as the 1968 European Championship party. In total he won 106 caps and his Rooney’s record of 49 international goals was surpassed again in 2015.
He was knighted in 1994. Charlton’s brother Jack was also part of the England team that won the World Cup.
“Today is not just a sad day for Manchester United and England; “It’s a sad day for football and everything Sir Bobby represented,” said former Man United and England midfielder David Beckham.
Man United beat Sheffield United 2-1 on Saturday, with players wearing black armbands and observing a minute’s silence before the game.
A book of condolence will be laid out for fans at Old Trafford on Sunday and United manager Erik ten Hag paid tribute to Charlton.
“The whole world is losing a great personality, a legend, a giant,” said the Dutchman.
“At Manchester United you always have to win, but I think he has set that standard as a Man United player, what he has achieved, he is a role model.”
The English Football Association said full honors will be given to Charlton at Wembley Stadium on November 17 when England play Malta.
“The world of football will unite in its grief at the loss of an undisputed legend,” said England coach Gareth Southgate.
Portal contributed to this story.