Sir Bobby Charlton, English Soccer Star, Dead at 86: ‘One of the Greatest and Most Beloved Players’

Sir Bobby Charlton, the English football legend who famously played for Manchester United and England, has passed away. He was 86 years old.

The athlete’s family confirmed the news of his death in a statement to the BBC, stressing that he “passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning”. According to the media, he was diagnosed with dementia in 2020.

His family wanted to “express their gratitude to all who contributed to his care and to the many people who loved and supported him,” in a statement.

They added that Charlton died surrounded by loved ones. “We would ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time,” the statement concluded.

A representative for Charlton did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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Charlton played for Manchester United Football Club for 17 years and represented England in more than 100 victories, including their 1966 World Cup victory, for which he was awarded the Ballon d’Or.

Manchester United called the midfielder “one of the greatest and most loved players in our club’s history” in a statement on Saturday.

“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the UK, but everywhere football is played around the world,” the club said. “He was admired 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.”

Sir Bobby Charlton and Prince Harry at the official opening of the Royal British Legion Center for the Study of Blast Injuries at Imperial College London.

Eddie Mulholland – WPA collection/Getty

The club highlighted his 758 games as part of a 17-year tenure with the team, after which he continued with the organization as a director.

He scored 249 goals as a Manchester United player, 49 goals as an England player, and won the 1966 World Cup, the European Cup, three Premier League titles and the FA Cup.

United added: “The club’s sincere condolences to his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”

Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson at the Manchester United Opus Photocall.

Martin Doyle/FilmMagic

In a post on Instagram, the English national team expressed their opinion about the loss of one of their best.

“It is with a heavy heart that we learned that Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the #ThreeLions,” read the caption.

“A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby ❤️,” the statement concluded.

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Sir Bobby Charlton during his tenure at Manchester United in 1965.

Press Association via AP Images

Former Manchester United player David Beckham expressed his sadness at the loss with a touching tribute on Instagram, as he called the former captain an inspiration.

“It all started with Sir Bobby❤️ Sir Bobby was the reason why I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United… I will forever be grateful to the man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world”, he wrote.

Beckham, 48, continued: “A true gentleman, a family man and a true national hero… Today is not just a sad day for Manchester United & England, it’s a sad day for football and everything Sir Bobby stood for.”

In a replayed clip from a 2017 BBC documentary. Sir Bobby Charlton in his 80sBeckham hailed Charlton as a hero to him.

“Sir Bobby has obviously always been about being successful in his career, but he’s even more about helping other people,” Beckham said in the clip. “And that is what is special about him as a person. He is respected on the field, and he is respected even more off the field.”

Prince William also paid tribute to Charlton in a post shared on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote: “Sir Bobby Charlton. First League Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend. A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W.”

David Beckham and Sir Bobby Charlton sat together at Wimbledon in 2014.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

In a statement shared on his Instagram Story, FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Charlton as “a football legend whose influence on the game spanned generations”.

“On behalf of FIFA and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton,” Infantino continued in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, the Football Association and Manchester United. RIP.”

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Charlton is survived by his wife, Norma Ball, as well as his children and grandchildren.

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