Sir Bobby Charlton, an English football icon and Manchester United legend, has passed away at 86 years old.
A statement from his family released by Manchester United stated that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. No cause of death has been disclosed. In November 2020, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia.
He was an extraordinary player, a legend of the beautiful game, and one of the greats of his era alongside Pele, Garrincha, and Beckenbauer. He is arguably one of the greatest Englishmen to ever play for the Three Lions, and he is even the inspiration behind David Robert Bekham’s middle name.
Sir Bobby is one of the few players to have survived the tragedy of the Munich air disaster of 1958, when a plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed during take-off, taking the lives of 23 players, staff, and journalists.
Having survived miraculously, shouldering the burden of survivor’s guilt, Sir Bobby played at the 1966 World Cup, dazzling the crowd with his technique, proving himself with four goals, and carrying the English team to their first world cup trophy and their only since.
Sir Bobby was an exceptional footballer, predominantly an attacking midfielder, amassing 249 goals for the Red Devils in Manchester. He achieved this feat in 606 appearances over the course of his 17 years at the club, and until Wayne Rooney overtook him in 2017, he was Manchester United’s leading goal scorer for more than 40 years.
He was also the top goal scorer of all time for England until 2016, being surpassed by Wayne Rooney and then Harry Kane, which is especially remarkable since he retired in 1970.
Following his retirement, he went on to serve Manchester United with distinction 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 first game after Sir Bobby’s passing was an emotional one for the players and fans alike. Manchester United paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton during their win at Sheffield United on Saturday, with players laying a wreath in the centre of the field and taking part in a period of applause in honour of the club great who has died at the age of 86. A picture of a young Charlton was shown on the screens inside Bramall Lane before kickoff as members of both teams stood in a line to pay their respects to one of the world’s most recognisable and respected players. Manchester United fans rose to their feet after Diogo Dalot’s late-winning goal, chanting, “There’s only one Bobby Charlton.”
Considered by many as England’s greatest ever player, Sir Bobby Charlton had a career decorated with medals, was adored by all. A true legend of the game. He may no longer be with us, but he’s achieved footballing immortality. Rest in peace Sir Bobby.
Penned By:
Rtr. Aditha Abeynayake
Editorial Committee Member 23.24
