Sir Bobby Charlton, England legend and 1966 football World Cup winner, dies aged 86
Sir Bobby, for England, won 106 caps and scored 49 goals, and won the 1966 World Cup.
Sir Bobby Charlton. Photo: Manchester United
England’s football legend and World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton passed away on Saturday (October 21), his former club Manchester United said. He was 86.
“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,” Manchester United posted on its website.
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, the club said.
The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him, it said.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Very sad to hear of the death of Sir Bobby Charlton. He has a place in history as one of the game’s greatest players and was hugely loved. Rest in peace Sir Bobby.”
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 Manchester United 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 said.