One of the true legends of English soccer has died.
Sir Bobby Charlton died at the age of 86 his family confirmed on Saturday, leaving behind a towering legacy in the sport.
He was a key member of the historic 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning England team where he also won the Ballon d’Or, and he scored 199 goals with Manchester United as one of its banner players from 1956-73.
He scored 49 goals for England while he played for the national team to join his incredible scoring tally with Manchester United.
Charlton is only one of nine players to ever win a World Cup, the European Cup in the now-Champions League and the Ballon d’Or. He was also a surviving member of the 1958 Munich air disaster that claimed the lives of a number of Charlton’s Manchester United teammates.
He inspired many future soccer players with his career on the pitch, including English soccer legend David Beckham. One of Beckham’s middle names is “Robert,” which honors Charlton’s accomplishments.
Beckham shared a tribute to Charlton’s life on Instagram after news of his death broke.
Many around the sports world paid tribute to Charlton and his monumental life in the game of soccer.
The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sir Bobby’s family and friends, and to all at Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/8jMnS3qJIG— Premier League (@premierleague) October 21, 2023
Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, 1937-2023.
Words will never be enough.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 21, 2023
Sad, terrible news. Sir Bobby Charlton has died at the age of 86, he was one of the greatest players the game has seen.
“It is with great sadness that we share news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family”. pic.twitter.com/8BS4P64aa9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 21, 2023
A phenomenal football player.
A gentleman of the game.
A foundational pillar of Manchester United as it is known around the world.RIP Sir Bobby Charlton. pic.twitter.com/JX641mbpxE
— Carl Anka (@Ankaman616) October 21, 2023
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 ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/WTkkulOijq
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 21, 2023
Sir Bobby Charlton RIP.
The saddest news.
The greatest English sportsman ever, world champion, European champion, league champion, FA Cup winner, Ballon d’Or, such a wise club director, a gentleman and a gentle man.
Thoughts with Sir Bobby’s family. pic.twitter.com/e4jY8Ab6n3
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) October 21, 2023
Bobby Charlton saw close friends die at Munich. He helped lead Manchester United's recovery to become English, then European champions. For decades the club's record goal and appearance holder, he was a World Cup winner and European player of the year too. What a life. RIP.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) October 21, 2023
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby’s family, friends and everyone connected with Manchester United at this time.
May he rest in peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/C1tYUb3x0r
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 21, 2023
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.
A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ft9MlutBWm
— England (@England) October 21, 2023
Rest in Peace, Sir Bobby Charlton ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WeeALTA7MH
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) October 21, 2023
Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family, friends and those at Manchester United at this difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/fNRuPo1vIF
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2023
Manchester United and England legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, was one of the greatest to ever play the game. pic.twitter.com/fhmaNUYTpf
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 21, 2023
Sir Bobby Charlton, the last remaining survivor of the Munich Air Disaster has passed away at 86. He was a Legend for both England and Manchester United:
Division 1 🏆🏆🏆🏆
Charity Shield 🏆🏆
FA Cup 🏆
European Cup 🏆
World Cup 🏆
Ballon d’Or 🏆👕 758 Appearances
⚽ 249… pic.twitter.com/z9Z5bGZQxJ— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 21, 2023
Sir Bobby Charlton, a legend that will live on forever.
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/XAGVbQDeOD
— AC Milan (@acmilan) October 21, 2023
An Ashington lad. 🖤🤍
We are deeply saddened to learn of the news of the passing of a true legend of the game in Sir Bobby Charlton.
Everybody at Newcastle United sends our deepest condolences to Sir Bobby's family, friends and everyone at Manchester United. https://t.co/VMPDXkc6cz
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 21, 2023
RIP Sir Bobby Charlton. Mr Manchester United. Take your places with the Busby Babes Legend.
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) October 21, 2023
