English football legend Sir Bobby Charlton passes away at 86 following a battle with Dementia

Sadly, Sir Bobby Charlton, the hero of England's 1966 World Cup victory, passed away at the age of 86.

October 21, 2023

The beloved former Manchester United icon, Sir Bobby Charlton, passed away just a week after celebrating his birthday, following a valiant struggle with dementia. In the early hours of Saturday morning, surrounded by his loved ones, Sir Bobby peacefully left this world, as confirmed by his grieving family.

In a statement, his family expressed their profound sadness and gratitude: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.”

“He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.”

“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

Manchester United also paid their respects to this legendary figure and declared that the club is in mourning following this heartbreaking news. They conveyed, “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”

Prince William, President of the Football Association, paid his tribute, describing Sir Bobby as “a true great.” He wrote on X: “Sir Bobby Charlton. First Division Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend. “A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W.”

Sir Bobby’s brother Jack, who passed away in July 2020 at the age of 85, also battled dementia in his later years. Another brother, Gordon, succumbed to cancer and dementia in January at the age of 79.

Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest footballers in history, Sir Bobby played a pivotal role in England’s 1966 World Cup victory and clinched the Ballon d’Or later that year.

He contributed 249 goals in 758 appearances for Manchester United, notably assisting them in securing their first-ever European Cup victory in 1968.

Despite his position as a midfielder, Sir Bobby scored an additional 49 goals in 106 games for the English national team.

He spent the majority of his illustrious playing career at Manchester United and was celebrated for his precise passes and remarkable long-range shots.

Sir Bobby’s indomitable spirit endured the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight of his teammates. His wife, Lady Norma, disclosed his battle with dementia in November 2020, aiming to raise awareness and aid others facing a similar challenge.

This sorrowful news has underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the connection between football and dementia. Since 2018, football luminaries such as Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton, and Ray Wilson have all passed away after grappling with this devastating condition.

Sir Bobby, born on October 11, 1937, in the mining village of Ashington, Northumberland, joined Manchester United at the tender age of 15. In his league debut against Charlton, he astonishingly netted two goals despite nursing a sprained ankle.

His manager, Matt Busby, once commented about Sir Bobby: “There has never been a more popular footballer.”

“He was as near perfection as man and player as it is possible to be.”

In his personal life, Sir Bobby was known for a public feud with his brother Jack, who also played a crucial role in England’s World Cup triumph.

Jack had accused his brother of neglecting their mother Cissie before her passing in 1996.

In response, Sir Bobby revealed that his wife Norma had been at odds with Cissie, and he had taken his spouse’s side in the dispute.

In 2007, he openly discussed their tumultuous relationship, expressing his astonishment at Jack’s disparaging comments about his wife, stating, “[Jack] came out in the newspapers saying things about my wife that were absolutely disgraceful. Nonsense.”

“Ask anybody that ever met my wife: ‘hoity-toity’ is not a word they’d use.”

“My brother made a big mistake. I don’t understand why he did it. He couldn’t possibly have known her and said what he said. I was astonished.”

Sir Bobby Charlton. First Division Champion. European Champion. World Champion. Gentleman. Legend. A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby. W

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 21, 2023