# Bobby Charlton

> English association football player and manager (1937–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q171583](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q171583)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Charlton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bobby-charlton

## Summary
Bobby Charlton was an English association football player and manager (1937–2023), best known as a legendary striker for Manchester United and the England national team. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1966 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

## Biography
- Born: October 11, 1937, in Ashington, England
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: Attended Ashington Grammar School and later studied at Newcastle College of Physical Education
- Known for: Being a prolific striker for Manchester United and England, winning multiple trophies and individual awards
- Employer(s): Manchester United (player and manager), England national team (player and manager)
- Field(s): Association football (soccer), coaching and management

## Contributions
- **Manchester United Career**: Played for Manchester United from 1956 to 1973, scoring 249 goals in 652 appearances. Won the First Division title in 1965 and 1967, the FA Cup in 1963, and the European Cup in 1968.
- **England National Team**: Played 106 times for England, scoring 49 goals. Won the 1966 FIFA World Cup and the 1968 European Championship.
- **Ballon d'Or**: Awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1966, recognizing him as the world's best footballer.
- **Managerial Career**: Managed Manchester United (1973–1974), West Bromwich Albion (1974–1976), and England (1981–1982).

## FAQs
**What teams did Bobby Charlton play for?**
Bobby Charlton played for Manchester United from 1956 to 1973, where he became one of the club's greatest players. He also represented England in 106 matches, scoring 49 goals.

**What awards did Bobby Charlton win?**
Bobby Charlton won the Ballon d'Or in 1966, the FIFA World Cup in 1966, and the European Championship in 1968. He was also knighted in 1999 for his services to football.

**What is Bobby Charlton's most famous achievement?**
Bobby Charlton's most famous achievement is winning the Ballon d'Or in 1966, which recognized him as the world's best footballer. He also led England to victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

**Did Bobby Charlton manage any teams?**
Yes, Bobby Charlton managed Manchester United (1973–1974), West Bromwich Albion (1974–1976), and England (1981–1982). His managerial career was less successful than his playing one.

**What is Bobby Charlton's legacy in football?**
Bobby Charlton is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His skill, leadership, and contributions to Manchester United and England have left a lasting impact on the sport.

## Why They Matter
Bobby Charlton revolutionized football as a player, combining technical ability with tactical intelligence. His leadership on the pitch and in the dressing room inspired generations of players. As a manager, he helped shape the development of football in England. His influence extends beyond his playing career, as he became a respected figure in football administration and media. Charlton's legacy is cemented by his individual achievements, team successes, and his role in popularizing football globally.

## Notable For
- **Ballon d'Or Winner**: Awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 1966, recognizing him as the world's best footballer.
- **FIFA World Cup Winner**: Led England to victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, scoring a crucial goal in the final.
- **European Championship Winner**: Won the 1968 European Championship with England, showcasing his tactical brilliance.
- **Manchester United Legend**: Scored 249 goals in 652 appearances for Manchester United, helping the club win multiple domestic and European titles.
- **Knight Bachelor**: Appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1999 for his services to football, reflecting his status as a national hero.
- **UEFA President's Award**: Received the UEFA President's Award in 1998 for his contributions to football.
- **BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award**: Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 for his enduring impact on the sport.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Bobby Charlton was born on October 11, 1937, in Ashington, England. He attended Ashington Grammar School and later studied at Newcastle College of Physical Education, where he developed his football skills. His early career began with Ashington United before he moved to Newcastle United in 1954.

### Playing Career
Charlton joined Manchester United in 1956 and quickly became a key player. He scored 249 goals in 652 appearances for the club, helping them win the First Division title in 1965 and 1967, the FA Cup in 1963, and the European Cup in 1968. His partnership with George Best made him one of the most feared strikers of his era.

### International Career
Charlton made his debut for England in 1958 and went on to play 106 times, scoring 49 goals. He was a key figure in England's 1966 FIFA World Cup victory, scoring the winning goal in the final against West Germany. He also won the 1968 European Championship, further cementing his reputation as a world-class player.

### Individual Honors
Charlton was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1966, recognizing him as the world's best footballer. He was also knighted in 1999 for his services to football, becoming Sir Bobby Charlton. His achievements earned him a place in the English Football Hall of Fame and the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.

### Managerial Career
After retiring as a player, Charlton managed Manchester United (1973–1974), West Bromwich Albion (1974–1976), and England (1981–1982). His managerial career was less successful, but he remained involved in football administration and media roles.

### Legacy and Influence
Bobby Charlton's legacy is one of excellence in football. His skill, leadership, and tactical intelligence set new standards for players. He inspired a generation of footballers and remains a beloved figure in the sport. His contributions to Manchester United and England have left an indelible mark on football history.

## References

1. [Sir Bobby Charlton died after fall, inquest hears. 2023](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-67285478)
2. Who's Who
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. catalogue of Eye Film Museum
5. [Deutscher Fußball-Kulturpreis 2011. 2011](https://www.fussball-kultur.org/fileadmin/bilder/2_Kulturpreis/Archiv/Programmheft_2011.pdf)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. MusicBrainz
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Transfermarkt
12. Discogs
13. FBref
14. [Sir Bobby Charlton: England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend dies](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62989801)
15. [UNITED MOURNING THE LOSS OF SIR BOBBY CHARLTON](https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/manchester-united-deeply-saddened-as-club-legend-sir-bobby-charlton-passes-away-aged-86)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](https://sports.yahoo.com/sir-bobby-charlton-diagnosed-dementia-134459383.html)
18. [Source](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/11/01/sir-bobby-charlton-diagnosed-dementia/)
19. UEFA.com
20. CONOR.SI
21. BBC Things
22. LIBRIS. 2016
23. The Movie Database