21 October 2023 , 17:03
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Sir Bobby Charlton 's name will go down in footballing folklore following his sad passing at the age of 86.
A bonafide Manchester United legend, Charlton was also an icon for his country after playing a starring role in England's sole World Cup triumph back in 1966. He scored three goals en route to the victory over West Germany in the final, including a brace in the 2-1 win over Portugal in the semi-finals.
Charlton won a glut of silverware to go along with that World Cup triumph during his illustrious career, including three league titles, an FA Cup and the European Cup. But there's one other coveted accolade that Charlton claimed during his playing days that puts him in a very exclusive group.
By winning the Ballon d'Or back in 1966, Charlton is one of just a handful of players in history who have won the World Cup, the European Cup and the Ballon d'Or award.
The only other players to have achieved such a remarkable feat are Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Rivaldo, Paolo Rossi, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller.
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While plenty of others have come close - including another Manchester United legend in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo - Charlton is one of the few who will always be associated with the ultimate trifecta of trophies.
Manchester United released a statement which said they were "in mourning" following the confirmation of Charlton's death on Saturday afternoon. The statement read: “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.
Charlton won the European Cup, the World Cup and the Ballon d'Or award during his illustrious career (Getty Images)“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was 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 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.
“Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever 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 heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”