Soccer Legend Bobby Charlton Dies at 86 Years Old

In the world of football, fans across the globe mourn the loss of a true legend. 

Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has sadly passed away at the age of 86.

Bobby Charlton Passes at 86 Years Old

Charlton’s passing was announced by Manchester United through an official media statement on Saturday (21 October).

The statement read: “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 worldwide.

“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 late football legend, whose career spanned 17 years as a Manchester United player, leaves behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the hearts of football fans. 

He graced the pitch for 758 games and scored an impressive 249 goals as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup.

He won 106 caps, scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.

Beginnings in Football Career

Charlton got his start in professional football back in 1953 when he embarked on his career with Manchester United. 

Under the guidance of manager Sir Matt Busby, Charlton and his fellow aspiring stars formed the “Busby Babes” at the club’s famed academy. They went on an impressive run, clinching three back-to-back FA Youth Cups from 1954 to 1956.

In that same year, Charlton made his professional debut. 

He won his first league title in the 1956-57 season, scoring ten goals in 14 First Division appearances. 

His pinnacle achievement came in 1966 when he played an important role in England’s historic World Cup win, contributing three crucial goals during the tournament.

Life After Retirement

After he retired from professional football, he continued to contribute to the club with unwavering dedication, serving as a director for an impressive 39 years. 

The Premier League club said that his unmatched accomplishments and sterling character will forever be etched into the legacy of Manchester United and English football history. 

Moreover, his enduring legacy will persist through the profound and life-changing endeavours undertaken by the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.

Despite his contributions to football and the foundation, Charlton had chosen to withdraw from public life since he was diagnosed with dementia in November 2020.

Condolences

With a career spanning decades, Bobby Charlton became a household name in the football world. 

In a statement quoted by The Guardian, his family also expressed their sadness at his passing. 

 

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A post shared by Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation (@thesbcfoundation)

Football fans worldwide have expressed their condolences on an Instagram post by the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, paying tribute to a legend who left a mark in football history.