•Part of Manchester United’s so-called ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside club legends Denis Law and George Best, Charlton scored twice in a famous 4-1 extra-time win against Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final.
•“The privilege of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and emotion in having represented England," —Southgate.
Image: MAN UTD
The world of football has united in tribute to Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who died on Saturday.
Charlton, who “passed peacefully in the early hours of the morning” after being diagnosed with dementia in 2020, lifted three league titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup in a distinguished 17-year career at Old Trafford.
He also scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for the Three Lions, famously helping them win the World Cup in 1966. “For me, (he is) England’s greatest ever player,” former England striker Gary Lineker told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“You can only judge players that you have seen in your lifetime and I was lucky enough to see him play when I was a young boy. He was one of my heroes, one of many people’s heroes.
“I was always nervous and in awe of him, but he was so gentle as a man he always put you at ease. He was always so kind.
“He was unique. Wherever you go in the world, even if they didn’t speak the language, they knew two words - Bobby Charlton.”
Part of Manchester United’s so-called ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside club legends Denis Law and George Best, Charlton scored twice in a famous 4-1 extra-time win against Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final as Sir Matt Busby’s team became the continent’s first English champions.
He was England’s record goal-scorer until 2015 when Wayne Rooney surpassed the Ashington-born attacking midfielder’s tally of 49.
“When you read about everything he has done in the game, how many trophies he has won, appearances he has made, and goals he has scored, he could have been excused for having a little bit of arrogance about him,” said former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer.
“But there was absolutely none of that. If you hadn’t watched a game of football and didn’t see him play, you would just see him as a normal guy. I don’t think you will ever hear anyone say a bad word against him.
“He was not only a great goalscorer but a scorer of great goals. If anyone is wanting to look at how to strike at a football, look at Sir Bobby Charlton.”
England manager Gareth Southgate also paid a heartfelt tribute to Charlton and said: “The privilege of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and emotion in having represented England, and simply confirmed in my mind his standing as one of the gentlemen of the game. “The world of football will unite in sadness at losing an undisputed legend.”
“A legend, a giant passing away—his achievements are so immense and huge. Global, not only England, (what) he achieved is incredible,” Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag said after his team’s Premier League victory at Sheffield United on Saturday evening.
“All the games, his titles, his trophies, the contribution he had with his goals.
“I never had the honour to meet him but I heard despite all his trophies and games he was so humble. A big personality and an example for all of us— as a footballer and also in society and worldwide.”
“I heard some players got some inspiration from it and they wanted a win to mark it. It was an extra motivation, absolutely.”
Club captain Bruno Fernandes laid a wreath in Charlton’s memory prior to kick-off at Bramall Lane, while both sets of players and fans took part in a minute’s applause.
Manchester United players past and present were quick to pay their respects to Charlton, who survived the Munich air disaster in 1958 which tragically claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight of his United team-mates.
“Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United,” said David Beckham, who made his first-team debut for the club aged 17 after attending Charlton’s soccer school. “I owe everything to Sir Bobby.”
United record goal-scorer Rooney, who took charge of his first game as Birmingham City manager at Middlesbrough on Saturday, said: “I’m still in shock. Coming out at half-time for the second half, we heard the news.
“Winning the World Cup in ‘66 and the European Cup in ‘68 after what he’d been through with the Munich disaster - he’s had a great life. He’s a great, an absolute legend of the game.
“He’s an iconic figure around the world,” added Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford as a player.
“I was lucky enough to get to know him and feel his support and feel what Manchester United meant to him. It was a position I never took for granted.”
Former United goalkeeper Alex Stepney wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “A huge loss for the game, a magnificent player and man. So many great times were shared. Bless you, Bobby, it was a privilege.”
The Red Devils paid their own fond tribute, describing Charlton as “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,” they said.
“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.”
“A big legend. On behalf of Manchester City our condolences to his family, Manchester United, and everyone because we have the Premier League that we have because of these types of people.”
Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final said: “Very sad news today. We will never forget him & nor will all of football. A great colleague and friend. He will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone.”