Sir Bobby Charlton, a revered figure in the world of football, has passed away at the age of 86, as officially announced by Manchester United on a Saturday.
Charlton played a pivotal role in England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup campaign and, in 1968, he delivered a remarkable performance, netting two goals for Manchester United as they clinched the European Cup at Wembley.
In a statement released by the club on Saturday, Manchester United expressed their deep grief over the loss of Sir Bobby Charlton, who holds a special place in the annals of their history as one of the most esteemed and cherished players.
PHOTO Courtesy: 90min
Sir Bobby’s influence extended far beyond Manchester and the United Kingdom, resonating with football enthusiasts worldwide.
His reputation was built not only on his exceptional footballing abilities but also on his sportsmanship and integrity. Sir Bobby will forever be remembered as a true giant of the sport.
Having graduated from Manchester United’s youth academy, Sir Bobby played an astounding 758 matches and scored 249 goals during his remarkable 17-year tenure with the club.
His accomplishments included winning the European Cup, three league titles, and the FA Cup.
Sad, terrible news. Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86, he was one of the greatest players the game has seen.
“It is with great sadness that we share news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family”. pic.twitter.com/8BS4P64aa9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 21, 2023
On the international stage, he earned 106 caps for England and scored 49 goals, notably contributing to the 1966 World Cup victory.
Following his retirement from playing, Sir Bobby continued to serve the club with distinction, holding the position of director for an impressive 39 years.
His unparalleled achievements, character, and dedication are etched forever in the history of both Manchester United and English football.
His legacy will persist through the charitable efforts of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
The club extended their sincere condolences to Sir Bobby’s wife, Lady Norma, his daughters, grandchildren, and all those who held him in high regard.
Beginning his association with United as a schoolboy in 1953, Charlton was a product of the famed academy under the stewardship of manager Sir Matt Busby.
The young players under Busby’s tutelage were affectionately referred to as the “Busby Babes,” and Charlton was part of the team that secured three consecutive FA Youth Cups from 1954 to 1956.
In the same year, Charlton made his professional debut and went on to claim his first league title during the 1956-57 season, notching up 10 goals in 14 First Division appearances.
On February 6, 1958, the club endured a devastating tragedy when the Munich air disaster occurred, resulting in the loss of 23 lives, including eight United players.
Charlton, while sustaining minor injuries, survived the crash. He played an instrumental role in helping the club reach the FA Cup final that year, though they ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat against Bolton Wanderers.
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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ft9MlutBWm
— England (@England) October 21, 2023
Bobby Charlton played a crucial role in the process of rebuilding that followed the tragic events, and Manchester United achieved their first significant victory after the Munich disaster by winning the FA Cup in 1963.
Two years later, they clinched the league title.
In the 1966-67 season, United reclaimed the title and, under Charlton’s captaincy, became the inaugural English team to win the European championship with a 4-1 victory over Benfica.
In 1980, he retired from professional football after stints with Preston, Waterford, and various clubs in Australia, including Newcastle KB United, Perth Azzurri, and Blacktown City.
Charlton also took on the role of manager at Preston from 1973 to 1975.
A statement from his family conveyed the sad news of Sir Bobby’s peaceful passing in the early hours of a Saturday morning, with his loved ones at his side.
The family expressed gratitude for the care and support he received and requested that their privacy be respected during this time.
Sir Bobby’s remarkable record of 758 appearances for Manchester United remained intact until 2008 when it was surpassed by Ryan Giggs.
His club-record goals tally of 249 remained unbroken until 2017, when Wayne Rooney eclipsed it.
Charlton shared a close and memorable bond with George Best and Denis Law, and the trio was honored with a statue outside Old Trafford in 2008.
He was an integral part of England’s most significant achievement, their sole World Cup victory in 1966.
Charlton played a pivotal role in the semifinals against Portugal, scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory, and he contributed to his country’s 4-2 triumph over West Germany in the final at Wembley.
In recognition of his outstanding performance that year, Charlton received the Ballon d’Or award, joining a select group of only four Englishmen to have earned this honor.
He was also part of the 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cup squads, as well as the Euro 1968 team.
Over the course of his international career, he won 106 caps, and his record of 49 international goals was eventually surpassed by Wayne Rooney in 2015.
Sir Bobby was knighted in 1994, and his brother Jack was also a member of England’s World Cup-winning squad.
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