'England's greatest ever player' – Football pays tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

The football world has united in tribute to Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who died on Saturday.

Charlton, who “passed peacefully in the early hours of the morning” after suffering from dementia in 2020, won three league titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup in a distinguished career that lasted 17 years at Old Trafford.

He also scored 49 goals in 106 matches for the Three Lions, helping them win the 1966 World Cup.

“for me, [he is] “The greatest England player ever,” former England striker Gary Lineker told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“You can only judge the players you've ever seen in your life, and I was lucky enough to see him play when I was a young boy. He was one of my heroes, one of many people's heroes.”

“I was always nervous and in awe of him, but he was so sweet as a guy who always put you at ease. He was always so sweet.”

“He was one of a kind. Wherever you went in the world, even if they didn't speak the language, they knew two words – Bobby Charlton.”

Part of Manchester United's so-called 'holy trinity' alongside club legends Denis Law and George Best, Charlton scored twice in the famous 4-1 extra-time win over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup Final, as Sir Matt Busby's side became the first team on the continent. Champions of the English language.

He was England's all-time top scorer until 2015, when Wayne Rooney surpassed the Ashington-born attacking midfielder's tally of 49 goals.

“When you read about everything he did in the game, the number of titles he won, the games he played in and the goals he scored, you could excuse him for having a bit of arrogance about him,” the former Newcastle and England international said. English striker Alan Shearer.

“But there was absolutely none of that. If you haven't watched a football match and haven't seen him play, you'll just see him as an ordinary guy. I don't think you'll ever hear anyone say a bad word. A word against him.”

“Not only was he a great goalscorer, he was a great finisher. If anyone wants to look at how to bat a football, look at Sir Bobby Charlton.”

England coach Gareth Southgate also expressed his deep appreciation for Charlton and said: “The honor of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and passion in representing England, and simply confirmed in my mind his status as one of the gentlemen.” From the game.

“The football world will unite in mourning the loss of an undisputed legend.”

“A legend has passed away, a giant whose achievements are so enormous and huge. Global, not just England. [what] “He has achieved an unbelievable achievement,” Red Devils coach Erik Ten Hag said after his team’s victory over Sheffield United on Saturday evening in the English Premier League.

“All the matches, his trophies, his trophies, his contributions to his goals.

“I never had the honor of meeting him, but I heard that despite all the trophies and matches he achieved, he was very humble. A great personality and an example for all of us – as a footballer but also in society and around the world.” Some were inspired by him and wanted to win to celebrate it. “It was definitely an extra incentive.”

Club captain Bruno Fernandes laid a wreath in memory of Charlton before kick-off at Bramall Lane, while both groups of players and fans joined in a minute's applause.

Manchester United players past and present were quick to pay their respects to Charlton, who survived the 1958 Munich air disaster which tragically claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight United team-mates.

David Beckham, who made his first-team debut at the age of 17 after attending Charlton Football School, said: “Sir Bobby was the reason I got the chance to play for Manchester United.” “I owe everything to Sir Bobby.”

“I'm still in shock,” said Rooney, Manchester United's all-time top scorer, who took charge in his first match as Birmingham City manager against Middlesbrough on Saturday. “When we came out at half-time in the second half, we heard the news.”

“Winning the World Cup in 1966 and the European Cup in 1968 after the Munich disaster – he lived a wonderful life. He is an absolute legend of the game.”

“He is an iconic figure around the world,” added Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford as a player.

“I was lucky enough to know him, feel his support and feel what Manchester United meant to him. It was a situation I never took for granted.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney wrote on

The Red Devils paid fulsome praise, describing Charlton as “one of the greatest and most beloved players in our club's history”.

They said: “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the UK, but wherever football was played around the world.”

“He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as for his outstanding qualities as a footballer, and Sir Bobby will always be remembered as one of the giants of the game.”

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach: “A huge loss to his family, to the Manchester United family, to English football and European football.

“A great legend. On behalf of Manchester City, our condolences to his family, to Manchester United and to everyone because we have the Premier League because of these kind of people.”

Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup Final: “Very sad news today. We will never forget him and the whole of football will never forget him. He is a great teammate and friend. He will be greatly missed by the whole country beyond the sport alone.”

Prince William, President of the English Football Association: “Sir Bobby Charlton. Division One Champion. European Champion. World Champion. A gentleman. A legend. A true great who will be remembered forever. Thank you Sir Bobby.”

Rio Ferdinand, former England and Manchester United defender: “Sir Bobby. Icon, legend, great… These are words we all throw at so many who don't 100% deserve them, especially when compared to a man of Sir Bobby's calibre.”

Gary Neville, Manchester United defender: “One of the original Busby boys. He won the Youth Cup at Manchester United and then he won the European Cup, the World Cup and in the modern era he was a club manager. There's no doubt about that.” [he was] The greatest player and ambassador of English football. A champion on and off the field.”

Martin Keown, Arsenal defender: “He was a really great player with a huge talent. He's been a great ambassador for Manchester United in recent years. The way he carried himself – he was a gentleman and will be remembered for a very long time.”

John, Brampton: Bobby Charlton was my childhood hero – and an inspiration to me ever since – a gentleman and a great sportsman. Thank you Bobby for all the magical moments you provided for so many English and Man United supporters.

town: I'm honored to see all of Bobby's World Cup goals live on a black and white TV. He was a schoolboy hero in the 1960s and 1970s. Lots of kids will be screaming his name as they sign his name in the school yard or on the garage door!

Jay, Milton Keynes: 106 caps and 49 goals at a time when friends didn't matter says it all. England is the best ever. Thank you Sir Bobby Charlton.

David: Sir Bobby Charlton was the closest thing to royalty in British football. The greatest ambassador we had. Even those not interested in football knew him very much. Rest in peace to a true legend.

Salford land: Legend is a word used very loosely in the world of football and sports. What a legend this man was for the club he loved and for our country. Rest in peace Sir Bobby Charlton, a gentleman and a wonderful and wonderful player. They don't make them like Sir Bobby anymore.

Katie B, Stratford: Sir Bobby embodied the best, not just in United, but in football itself. true man.