In one of the most tragic news from the football universe in recent times, the world lost one of the biggest legends of the sport, Sir Robert “Bobby” Charlton on Saturday at the age of 86, owing to a prolonged battle with Dementia. The news has left the entire football community in shock with tributes and condolences pouring out for the legend and his family from all across the globe.
A prolific player of the sport, Sir Charlton was cautioned only twice in his decorated career; once against Argentina in the 1966 World Cup, and once in a league match against Chelsea. His success was such that he was one of only nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the European Cup, and the Ballon d’Or at that time.
Back-tracking his historic career, he made his debut for the first-ever Manchester United team in 1956 at the age of just 18, after which he soon gained a regular place in the team. He played a crucial role in the team’s Football League First Division Championship victory in 1957.
A year later, he was part of the horrific “Munich Air Disaster” which claimed the lives of 8 Manchester United players, popularly known as the “Busy Babes” and 3 staff members. Charlton survived the crash after being rescued by teammate Harry Gregg. He helped United win the 1963 FA Cup and back-to-back Football League titles in 1965 and 1967.
He got his first taste of success as captain when he led the team that won the 1968 European Cup, scoring two goals in the final, a victory that made Manchester United the first English club to win the title. Charlton left Manchester United to become manager of Preston North End for the 1973–74 season. He later came back to become a member of Manchester United’s board of directors in 1984.
Renowned for his attacking instincts, passing abilities from midfield, ferocious long-range shooting from both left and right foot, fitness, and stamina, Bobby Charlton, was a decorated member of the English team that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
Sir Bobby. who played almost all of his club football at Manchester United, was 86 when he passed. His family announced on the day of his death that the legend passed away due to complications from dementia. His death now leaves Geoff Hurst as the last surviving player of the 1966 World Cup-winning team.
