Sports
England World Cup Legend Bobby Charlton Passes Away at 86
England World Cup Legend Bobby Charlton Passes Away at 86
Bobby Charlton, the celebrated England World Cup winner and iconic figure of Manchester United, described by the club as a “giant of the game,” has passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed on Saturday.
Charlton was a pivotal member of England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup team and enjoyed remarkable success at the club level with Manchester United. United achieved a historic feat by becoming the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968, a decade after enduring the tragic Munich air crash that claimed the lives of several team members.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Charlton family, it was announced, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. 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.”
In 2020, it was revealed that Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia, and as the disease progressed, he ceased attending matches at Old Trafford.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Manchester United shared an image of Charlton with the caption, “Words will never be enough.”
Charlton’s crowning achievement in the European Cup came a decade after the devastating 1958 Munich air disaster, which he and team manager Matt Busby survived, but which tragically claimed the lives of eight of Charlton’s teammates.
The midfielder had the honour of playing in the World Cup final alongside his brother Jack, who passed away at the age of 85 in 2020. Bobby Charlton earned 106 caps for England and netted 49 goals.
His journey with United commenced in 1956, and he went on to play an impressive 758 matches for the Red Devils, scoring 249 goals. These records stood as the club’s long-standing benchmarks until they were surpassed by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, respectively.
During his time with Manchester United, Charlton secured three league titles and one FA Cup. Following his departure from the club in 1973, where he briefly served as Preston manager, he made a triumphant return to Old Trafford 11 years later, this time as a club director. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to football, he was knighted in 1994.
“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,” expressed the Premier League club in a heartfelt 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.”