England World Cup hero and Manchester United legend dies aged 86

England 1966 World Cup hero and Manchester United midfielder Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86.

In a statement, his family said: “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.

“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

He is survived by his wife, Lady Norma, their two daughters and their grandchildren.

Sir Bobby, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, was one of only two surviving players from the 1966 squad, along with Sir Geoff Hurst, 81.

One of the world’s best-known footballers, he played 106 matches for England, including every minute of the team’s World Cup-winning campaign in which he scored three goals.

An extravagantly gifted midfielder with a ferocious shot, he was the leading scorer for both United (249 goals) and England (49 goals) for more than 40 years until being overtaken by Wayne Rooney.

Sir Bobby made 758 appearances for United from 1956-73, winning three league titles and one FA Cup, and playing alongside George Best and Denis Law in the so-called “Trinity” that led United to the 1968 European Cup.

Early in his career at United, Sir Bobby survived the 1958 Munich air disaster which killed eight of his teammates when their plane crashed on the runway as it attempted to take off in heavy snow.

Sir Bobby, who was just 20 at the time, was dragged from the plane by goalkeeper Harry Gregg, having suffered head injuries. He recuperated in hospital but was engulfed by terrible regret and sadness.

He wrote in his autobiography: “All the time the question came pounding in: ‘Why me, why did I survive?”‘.

However, he chose to draw strength from those around him rather than submit to the impact of the catastrophe and somehow returned to action just a month later – with United reaching the FA Cup final less than three months after the tragedy.

At the 1966 World Cup, he scored a stunning long-range strike in the group-stage win over Mexico and a brace in the semi-final defeat of Eusebio-inspired Portugal.

A quieter display followed in the final against West Germany, but England triumphed 4-2 after extra-time to be crowned champions of the world – a feat not repeated by the men’s team since.

Sir Bobby left Manchester United in 1973 towards the end of his playing career, but after spells at Preston and as caretaker manager of Wigan, he returned to United in 1984 and became a club director – a position he held until his death.

The footballing legend continued to be a huge figure at United, greeting new players and watching them home and away with his wife, Lady Norma, who he met at a Manchester ice rink in 1959 and married in 1961.

In a statement on Saturday, the club said: “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.

“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 statement added: “Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club 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 club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”

“There has never been a more popular footballer. He was as near perfection as man and player as it is possible to be,” former United boss Sir Matt Busby said of Charlton.

His 1966 squad-mate Sir Geoff Hurst said: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away We will never forget him and nor will all of football. A great colleague and friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone.”

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man. A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”

Ex-United player Gary Neville said: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton. The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador. A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”

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