Sir Bobby Charlton, England World Cup winner and Man Utd legend, dies aged 86
Charlton won 106 caps for England and scored 49 international goals - records for his country at the time.
He was diagnosed with dementia in November 2020
"Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning" - Charlton family
Ben Croucher
BBC reporter at Old Trafford
Fans already gathering outside Old Trafford to pay their respects to Bobby Charlton. Very sombre mood. Most of the fans here too young to see him play, but his legacy endures.
Image source, @BCroucherSport on X.
Gary Lineker
Ex-England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Report
For me England's greatest ever player.
You can only judge players that you have seen in your lifetime and I was lucky enough to see Bobby Charlton play when I was a young boy. It's a very sad day, he was one of my heroes, one of many people's heroes.
It's difficult to judge the 'best ever', but he was synonymous with English football all over the world for such a long time.
You could go somewhere that no one spoke English but people would know Bobby Charlton. That was a true testament to the fame he had and a testament to his ability.
BBC Radio 5 Live
Gary Lineker has been talking about Sir Bobby Charlton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sport Report.
We will also hear from Alan Shearer and Steve Bruce.
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A lad from a pit village in Northumberland. His brother became a legend for Leeds and Ireland but wor Bob survived a plane crash and went on to win every medal that matters and then represent his club with amazing dignity as its ambassador. This is not a day for tears although there will be many, it's a day for a celebration of the life of a genuine local hero to both Ashington and Manchester. Farewell, Bobby, legend
Sram
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir Bobby. A true footballing legend. A sad day for United fans around the world.
Andrew
Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Manchester United and the Charlton family are in support of the following commemorative plans:
Image source, Getty ImagesSir Geoff Hurst, who played a key role in the 1966 World Cup-winning team alongside Sir Bobby Charlton, paid this tribute on X, external:
"Very sad news today. One of the true greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football. A great colleague & friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith."
Sir Bobby Charlton's goals in England's 1966 World Cup campaign
If you never had the chance to see Sir Bobby Charlton play, sit back and enjoy his three goals in England's victorious 1966 World Cup campaign...
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Lorraine: And he became that football legend. May you RIP Sir Bobby
Image source, Lorraine Skarratt on X.I met Sir Bobby Charlton on holiday at a hotel while I was working in South Africa. Happy to chat, he told me how good the vanilla milkshakes were and asked if I'd tried them. I hadn't. Later, when sat by the pool, the waiter brought me over a milkshake, 'from Bobby'. Class touch from a lovely man.
Benjo
David: Sir Bobby Charlton was the nearest in British football to royalty. The greatest ambassador we had. Even those not interested in football very much knew of him. Rest In Peace to a genuine legend.
England
This tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton was post on the England men's team's Instagram, external account:
"It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton."An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the #ThreeLions, external."A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby ❤️"
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Legend is a word used way way too loosely in the world of football and sport. What a legend this man was both for the club I love and our country. RIP Sir Bobby Charlton, a true gentleman and wonderful wonderful player. They don't make them like Sir Bobby anymore.
Mark, Salford
Bobby Charlton is just a name you know and associate with football, Manchester United and England. He survived Munich & he went on to win leagues, the FA Cup, the European Cup, Ballon d'Or & of course the World Cup. Seemed a true gentleman. May you rest in peace.
Higgy
Sir Bobby epitomised the very best, not only of United, but of football itself. A true gentleman.
Kate B, Stratford
Michael: The word “legend” is thrown around very loosely these days. Sir Bobby Charlton truly warrants that description.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino delivered this tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton:
“On behalf of FIFA, and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton.
"We mourn the loss of one of England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup winning team and a football legend, whose impact on the game spanned generations.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. Rest In Peace.”
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer England captain and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has reacted to the news of Sir Bobby's death.
He posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
"A World Cup winner, Manchester United 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."
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Too often we throw the word legend at some footballers. Legend doesn't even come close to Bobby Charlton. RIP to a great footballer and person.
Bill from Liverpool
Very sad year for Man Utd all round.. and now a second of the family passes on. Condolences to the Charlton family. He was a tower of strength in football and in life. Rest well Sir Bobby.
Steve, London
Very sad to hear about Sir Bobby Charlton I saw him in European Cup Final in 1968 with my late father. My condolences to his family and friends.
Phillip, Milton Keynes
Thomas: RIP Bobby Charlton. You will be missed.
Myles: RIP Sir Bobby Charlton
Image source, Getty ImagesThere was a poignant moment at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, not far from Sir Bobby Charlton's birthplace Ashington.
His picture went up on the stadium's big screen as a standing ovation was held, led by two former Manchester United players - Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick and Birmingham City counterpart Wayne Rooney.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has been paying tribute.
He posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "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."
Image source, Getty Images
Chetan Pathak
BBC News sports correspondent
He was one of those players who transcended the sport. He will always be regarded as a legend of Manchester United. He was their record scorer for more than 40 years until that total was surpassed by Wayne Rooney.
That is what people will remember him for: those incredible goals in Manchester United colours. We shouldn't forget his goals for England, too, which will be forever etched in the memories of those who were watching. He is one of the all-time footballing greats.
He was front and centre of sharing the joy with United fans as they returned to the glory of his playing days more recently. He inspired a generation of players. Rooney knew it was with a heavy heart that he was beating Charlton's record.
We also think about the incredible work he did after his playing career - that charity work, which he also undertook in relation to dementia. He was keen to campaign on that during the latter years of his life.
Image source, Getty ImagesBobby Charlton: BBC Sport looks back at the life of Manchester United and England legend
Sir Bobby Charlton, who has died aged 86, was arguably the finest English footballer of his generation and one of the most famous and enduring sportsmen the country has produced.
Born in Ashington, Sir Bobby played alongside elder brother Jack against West Germany at Wembley in 1966 as one of only 11 England players to win the World Cup and captained Manchester United to the game's major honours, including the European Cup in 1968.
The European Cup win, with Sir Bobby scoring twice in a 4-1 win against Benfica at Wembley, carried great poignancy and emotion because he was a survivor of the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958 which killed 23 people, including eight players and three members of the club's staff.
United, led by manager Sir Matt Busby, were pacesetters in the pursuit of the iconic trophy and had just successfully come through a quarter-final against Red Star Belgrade. They were making their way back to Manchester when tragedy struck.
Read Phil McNulty's full tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton here.
Martin Keown
Former England defender on Final Score
He was a truely wonderful player and an immense talent. He's been a great ambassador for Man United in recent years and has been a major shining light for that football club for many years.
The way he carried himself - he was such a dignified man and he's going to be remembered for a very long time.
An all time great and an absolute legend.
Image source, Getty Images
Rachel Brown-Finnis
Ex-England goalkeeper on BBC One
He was someone who did all his talking with his presence. No matter what age you are and what football team you support, everyone knows what he has done for football.
He held the baton for such a long time for Manchester United and passed that baton on to the next group of players. He exemplifies that role model figure for so many people.
Image source, Getty Images
Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThis sad news will extend far beyond Manchester and indeed these shores, because Sir Bobby Charlton was one of the greatest players that the world had ever seen.
One of the few players to win the World Cup, a European Cup and the Ballon d'Or.
What a life, what a player, and what a person. As the Manchester United statement said, 'a man of real integrity.'
He was the last surviving member of those involved in the Munich Air disaster in 1958. He captained United to their first European cup against Benfica, the first English team to win the competition. Of course a World Cup winner for England in 1966, scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances.
Such longevity in his career, 1956 to 1980 was his career, in over 750 appearances for club and country and only twice booked.
A true great for club and country. He will be much missed.