Charlton played a major role in securing England its only World Cup title in 1966.
Legendary Manchester United player Bobby Charlton — who led England to its only World Cup title in 1966 — has died at the age of 86, the club announced Saturday.
“Manchester United is in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club,” the Premier League team said in a statement.
No cause of death was revealed. After Charlton’s death, Geoff Hurst is now the only living member of the World Cup winning 1966 England team.
In 1958, Charlton survived the Munich air disaster, when a British European Airways plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed on its third attempt at takeoff, killing eight of Charlton’s teammates.
Charlton, who played a major role in securing the European Cup for Manchester United in 1968 and scored two goals in the game, is remembered for being a “giant of the game” who inspired fans and other players globally.
“Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world,” the club said.
