ENGLAND’S 1966 World Cup-winning hero Sir Bobby Charlton has tragically died aged 86.
The former Man Utd legend passed away after a battle with dementia just a week after celebrating his birthday.
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Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86 Credit: Getty
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The legendary midfielder is considered one of England’s greatest talentsCredit: PA
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Sir Bobby’s wife Norma revealed his battle with the disease in 2020. Credit: PA
His devastated family confirmed today that Sir Bobby “passed away peacefully” in the early hours of Saturday morning, surrounded by his loved ones.
A family statement said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to thank everyone who contributed to his care and the many people who loved and supported him.
“We would ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Read more about the football legend
Manchester United also paid tribute to the legend and said the club was in mourning following the news.
They said: “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the UK, but everywhere football is played around the world.”
And Prince William, president of the Football Association, paid tribute to a “true great”.
He wrote on the X: “Sir Bobby Charlton. League One Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend.
“A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W.”
His brother Jack, who died aged 85 in July 2020, also suffered from the disease later in life.
And brother Gordon died in January aged 79 after a battle with cancer and dementia.
Sir Bobby is considered by many to be one of the best footballers of all time.
He played in the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966 and won the Ballon d’Or later that year.
He also scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United – helping them win their first European Cup in 1968.
Despite playing as a midfielder, Sir Bobby scored a further 49 times in 106 games for England.
He spent almost his entire playing career at Man Utd and was known for his passing and long range shots.
Sir Bobby survived the 1958 Munich air crash that killed eight of his teammates.
His wife Lady Norma revealed the star’s battle with dementia in November 2020 in a bid to “help others”.
The sad news has prompted calls for more robust research into the link between football and dementia.
Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson have died since 2018 after living with dementia.
Sir Bobby was born on 11 October 1937 in the mining village of Ashington, Northumberland.
He joined Utd when he was 15 and made his league debut against Charlton where he scored twice despite a sprained ankle.
The star’s manager Matt Busby said of Sir Bobby: “There has never been a more popular footballer.
“He was as close to perfection as a man and a player can be.”
In his personal life, Sir Bobby famously fell out with brother Jack, who also helped guide England to World Cup glory.
Jack accused his brother of not visiting their mother Cissie before her death in 1996.
Sir Bobby then revealed that his wife Norma had been in conflict with Cissie and that the footballer had sided with his wife.
In 2007, he spoke out about their tumultuous relationship after claiming Jack had made some ‘absolutely disgraceful’ comments about his wife.
Bobby told the Guardian: “[Jack] appeared in the papers saying things about my wife that were absolutely disgraceful. Nonsense.
“Ask anyone who has ever met my wife: ‘hity-toity’ is not a word they would use.
“My brother made a big mistake. I don’t understand why he did it. There’s no way he knew her and said what he said. I was stunned.”
MANCHESTER UNITED STATEMENT IN FULL
Manchester United is in mourning after the death of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most loved players in the history of our club.
Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the UK, but everywhere football is played around the world.
He was valued as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.
A graduate of our youth academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during his 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. He played 106 games for England and scored 49 goals, and won the World Cup in 1966.
After his retirement, he continued to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years.
His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will forever be 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 sincere sympathy goes out to his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren and all who loved him.
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Sir Bobby played in England’s World Cup triumph in 1966. Credit: Getty
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In the same year, he won the Ballon d’Or as the best player in the world Credits: Rex
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The late Nobby Stiles with Bobby (right) and his brother Jack at Brocton Hall Golf Course in Staffordshire in 2013 Credit: Getty
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Sir Bobby pictured with his brother Jack Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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Bobby is pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes after the FA Cup win
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