Sir Bobby Charlton was an English footballer who played as a midfielder and a forward for Manchester United and England – below is his biography.
He was a key member of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup, and the Manchester United team that became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
He is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, and one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.
Sadly, Sir Bobby has died with his death reported today, October 21st 2023.
In this article, we will explore Sir Bobby Charlton biography – from his humble beginnings in Northumberland to his remarkable achievements on the pitch, to his contributions off the field.
We will also look Sir Bobby Charlton net worth, which reflects his success as a footballer and a businessman.
Sir Bobby Charlton Biography
Early Life and Career
Sir Bobby Charlton was born on 11 October 1937 in Ashington, Northumberland, England.
He came from a family of footballers, as his mother’s four brothers were all professional players, and his elder brother Jack was also a future World Cup winner.
Bobby started playing football at an early age, and showed great talent and passion for the game.
He joined Manchester United as an apprentice in 1953, when he was 15 years old.
He made his first-team debut in 1956, when he was 18 years old, and soon became a regular starter.
Charlton was part of the famous “Busby Babes”, a young and talented team coached by Matt Busby, who won the league title in 1957.
Munich Air Disaster and Recovery
In February 1958, tragedy struck when the plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed in Munich, Germany, after a refuelling stop on their way back from a European Cup match in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Eight of Bobby’s teammates died in the crash, along with three club staff members, eight journalists, and two crew members.
Charlton survived the crash with minor injuries, but was deeply affected by the loss of his friends.
He returned to playing football within a month of the disaster, and helped Manchester United rebuild their team.
He became the leader and star player of the club, scoring goals with his powerful shots and creating chances with his vision and passing.
Charlton helped Manchester United win the FA Cup in 1963, and the league title in 1965 and 1967.
World Cup Glory and Ballon d’Or
Bobby Charlton also had a brilliant international career with England. He made his debut for England in 1958, when he was 20 years old, and soon became a key player for his country. He played in four World Cups: 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970.
His finest hour came in 1966, when England hosted the World Cup for the first time.
Bobby played in all six matches for England, scoring three goals, including two in the semi-final against Portugal.
He also played a vital role in the final against West Germany, which England won 4-2 after extra time.
Bobby lifted the World Cup trophy with his captain Bobby Moore, in front of a jubilant crowd at Wembley Stadium.
Bobby Charlton’s performance at the World Cup earned him the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in Europe in 1966.
He was also runner-up for the award in 1967 and 1968.
Sir Bobby Charlton is one of only nine players to have won both the World Cup and the Ballon d’Or.
European Cup Triumph and Retirement
Bobby Charlton achieved another milestone in his career in 1968, when he led Manchester United to their first European Cup title.
He scored two goals in the final against Benfica of Portugal, which Manchester United won 4-1 after extra time. He became the first English player to score more than 200 goals for a single club.
Bobby Charlton retired from international football in 1970, after playing 106 times for England and scoring 49 goals. He is still England’s second-highest scorer of all time, behind Wayne Rooney.
He retired from club football in 1973, after playing 758 times for Manchester United and scoring 249 goals.
Once again, Bobby Charlton is Manchester United’s second-highest scorer of all time, also behind Wayne Rooney.
Sir Bobby Charlton Net Worth and Honours
Sir Bobby Charlton biography continues with a look at his net worth and honours.
Bobby Charlton’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, thanks to his successful career as a footballer and his subsequent involvement in the sport as an administrator and businessman.
He has also invested in various ventures, such as hotels, restaurants, and golf courses.
Bobby Charlton is also known for his charity work, especially for his support for landmine victims.
He founded the Find A Better Way charity in 2011, which aims to fund research and development of new technologies to detect and remove landmines. He has also supported other causes, such as cancer research, children’s welfare, and education.
After retiring from playing football, Bobby Charlton remained involved in the sport as a manager, a director, and an ambassador.
He managed Preston North End and Wigan Athletic in the 1970s, but did not have much success.
He became a director of Manchester United in 1984, and still holds the position today. He also became an ambassador for the club, and for various football organisations and charities.
Bobby Charlton received many honours and awards for his achievements in football and his contributions to society.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1969, a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1973, and a Knight Bachelor in 1994.
He also received the FIFA Order of Merit in 1984, the UEFA President’s Award in 2008, and the FIFA Golden Foot Legend Award in 2011.
Wife and Kids
Sir Bobby Charlton met his wife, Norma Ball, at an ice rink in Manchester in 1959 and they married in 1961.
They had two daughters, Suzanne and Andrea.
Suzanne was a weather forecaster for the BBC during the 1990s.
They went on to have grandchildren, including Suzanne’s son Robert, who is named in honour of his grandfather.
Sir Bobby Charlton died at the age of 86 in October 2023.
“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,” read a statement from 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.”
Sir Bobby Charlton leaves a legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and one of the most respected figures in the history of the sport.
He has achieved remarkable feats on the pitch, such as winning the World Cup, the European Cup, and the Ballon d’Or.
He has also made significant contributions off the field, such as helping Manchester United recover from the Munich air disaster, promoting peace and humanitarianism through football, and supporting various charities.
Sir Bobby Charlton is a true legend of football and a role model for generations of players and fans.
May he rest in peace.
Thank you for reading Sir Bobby Charlton Biography, Age, Net Worth
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