Footballing legend Jack Charlton has sadly died at the age of 85. Alongside his brother Bobby, he was part of the 1966 winning World Cup squad, playing every game in the tournament.
Footballing Legend Jack Charlton Dies Aged 85
Remembering His Career
Charlton was a one-club player, spending his entire career at Leeds from 1950-1973. Over those 23 years, he became the club’s record appearance maker, playing 773 times for the club.
He was apart of the club’s most successful era to date, helping the team promotion from the Second Division as runners up in 1955/56 and as champions in 1963/64.
Charlton also played a part in winning the League Cup in 1968, the First Division in 1968/69, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971, the Charity Shield in 1969 and the FA Cup in 1972.
A year after making his England debut, he would play in the 1966 World Cup, winning the trophy alongside his brother, Bobby. The following year, he won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.
He retired at the end of the 1973/73 season, with his final game being against Southampton. As well as being the record appearance maker at the club, he is also the club’s ninth-highest scorer. He scored 96 times in his record 773 appearances.
Following retirement, Charlton would have managerial spells at Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United. He would also take the Republic of Ireland to the European Championship in 1988 and two World Cups in 1990 and 1994.
Family Statement
A statement from the Charlton family said: “Jack died peacefully on Friday 10 July at the age of 85.
“He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side.
“As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
“We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.
“He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.
“His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories.”
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