Bobby Charlton obituary: A titan of world sport and one of football’s most dignified ambassadors

Bobby Charlton, who has died aged 86, was a titan not just of football, but of world sport. A youth product at Manchester United who barely survived the 1958 Munich air disaster and went on to lift the very biggest prizes in the game, his claim to be regarded as the greatest British player of all time is stronger than that of almost anyone else.

Bobby, a prolific scorer at schoolboy level, signed for Manchester United in his mid-teens and would spend 17 eventful seasons at Old Trafford, winning three English league titles and an FA Cup. The first of those titles, in 1957, cemented the legend of the Busby Babes, the coruscating young team constructed by the redoubtable manager Matt Busby. They looked poised to dominate for years – until the grim events of February 6th, 1958.

But their footballing chemistry was explosive. United won the league again in 1967, putting themselves into the following season’s European Cup, where they squeezed past Real Madrid in a titanic semi-final. In the final, on an emotional night at Wembley, wearing unfamiliar blue, they overwhelmed Benfica in extra-time, winning 4-1. Charlton scored the first and fourth goals, heading home David Sadler’s centre, then sweeping in a low cross by Brian Kidd.

At international level, Charlton won 106 English caps between the late 1950s and early 1970s. A non-playing reserve at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, he finally got his chance in the 1962 finals in Chile, where he scored against Argentina in the group stage. Four years later England hosted the tournament. Managed by the brilliant, driven Alf Ramsey, they seized their once-in-a-lifetime chance to scale world football’s summit.

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Eastenders fans are not happy about this big plot hole with Bobby BealeThe website for Irish women
Source: Herdotie - 🏆 15. / 63 Read more »

Ratcliffe’s pursuit of Manchester United poised to go to extra timeGlazer family’s sale of the football club has proven a protracted process
Source: IrishTimesSport - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

United host City in the season's first Manchester Derby - plus much, much more weekend actionEvery weekend sees sports fans spoiled for choice, with epic Premier League clashes, electrifying F1, PGA classics - and so much more!
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Seven of the greatest Manchester Derby moments as United host City this weekendManchester derbies are among the most anticipated games every year, as the fierce rivalry between neighbours City and United often brings out the best in both teams - not to mention the fans.
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Top quotes of the week as Eamon Dunphy slams Manchester UnitedWe have a look at some of this week's quotes from sports stars.
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Manchester derby marked by drama, intrigue and a new striker rivalryCity’s supremacy and United’s struggle to be a force again embodied by superstar Erling Haaland and Ten Hag’s new signing Rasmus Højlund
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »