Bobby Charlton.

Robert Charlton

Bobby Charlton — Animator

Born 11 Oct 1937 Ashington, United Kingdom

Died 21 Oct 2023 Macclesfield, United Kingdom

Citizenship United Kingdom

Would Be 88 yr If Living

10 min read

Reading time

1,881

Words

Jun 24, 2026

Published

23

Film credits

4

Books

7

Awards

TL;DR

Bobby Charlton won the Ballon d’Or in 1966, the same year he scored both goals in England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over Portugal. A Manchester United icon, he made 606 league appearances and scored 199 goals for the club. He was knighted in 1994 and died in 2023 at age 86 after a fall caused by dementia.

Identity & family.

KIN · 3

Names, aliases, and relatives of Bobby Charlton — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Robert Charlton

Nicknames Mr. Manchester United

Aliases Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, Sir Bobby Charlton

Spouses: Norma Charlton
Children: Suzanne Charlton
Siblings: Jack Charlton

At a glance.

STATS

Bobby Charlton by the numbers — life, work, and family.

86 Years lived

23 Film credits

4 Books

7 Awards

1 Marriage

1 Child

Who was Bobby Charlton?

BIOGRAPHY

Bobby Charlton — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

At age 15, Bobby Charlton was spotted playing for East Northumberland schools by Manchester United chief scout Joe Armstrong, signing amateur forms on 1 January 1953 alongside Wilf McGuinness. He was born on 11 October 1937 in Ashington, Northumberland, into a family with deep football roots. His mother’s cousin was Newcastle United striker Jackie Milburn, and his uncles Jack, George, Jim, and Stan Milburn all played professionally. He attended Bedlingtonshire Community High School and Loreto Grammar School before joining Manchester United as a trainee.

Career

Charlton made his Manchester United debut in 1956, but his career nearly ended in the 1958 Munich air crash, in which he was seriously injured and lost his best friend Duncan Edwards. He recovered to become a key figure in the club’s resurgence, winning the First Division title in 1965 and 1967. For England, he played in the 1962, 1966, and 1970 World Cups, scoring both goals in the 1966 semi-final against Portugal to secure a 2-1 victory. That same year he won the Ballon d’Or. He scored 49 goals for England, a record that stood until 2015, and earned 106 caps. His ferocious long-range shot and remarkable fitness defined his style. He was cautioned only twice in his career.

Personal life

Charlton married Norma Charlton, and they had one daughter, Suzanne, who later worked as a BBC Weather presenter for the Met Office in the 1980s and 1990s. His elder brother Jack was also a footballer and a member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team as a defender for Leeds United. He considered Duncan Edwards his best friend from youth; Edwards died from injuries sustained in the Munich air crash. He remained close to his family and showed gentlemanly conduct on and off the pitch.

Legacy

Bobby Charlton was the only English player selected by Johan Cruijff for his dream all-time XI. On 2 March 2009 he received the freedom of the city of Manchester. He was knighted in 1994, and he also received the OBE and CBE. His 49 goals for England stood as the national record until Wayne Rooney surpassed it in 2015.

Filmography.

FILMS · 23

The complete filmography of Bobby Charlton — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

Match of the Day

1964

TV

HARDtalk

1997

Movie

James Bond: the First 21 Years

1983

Movie

Goal!

1966

Movie

Manchester United: Beyond the Promised Land

2000

Movie

Busby

2019

Movie

Sir Bobby Robson: a Knight to Remember

2009

Movie

Ilusión Nacional

2014

Movie

The Worlds Greatest Goals

1989

Movie

Eusébio: Story of a Legend

2017

Movie

World Cup 1966: Alfie's Boys

2016

Movie

Beckham and the Battle with Argentina

2003

Movie

The Three Kings

2020

Movie

Manchester United: the Official History 1878-2002

2002

Showing 14 of 23 View all 23 films

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 7

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Bobby Charlton — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Ballon d'Or
Knight Bachelor
British Sports Book Awards
Walther Bensemann award
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award
UEFA President's Award

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 4

Bobby Charlton's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

My Manchester United Years

by Bobby Charlton

Amazon

Ryan Giggs' Soccer Skills

by Ryan Giggs et al.

Amazon

Bobby Charlton's Most Memorable Matches

by Bobby Charlton

Amazon

The Official Illustrated History of Manchester United

by Bobby Charlton

Did you know?

FACTS · 21

Little-known facts about Bobby Charlton — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Along with his brother Jack, Bobby Charlton won the FIFA World Cup with England in 1966.
The 1969 Queen’s Birthday Honours List awarded Bobby Charlton the OBE; the 1974 New Year Honours List gave him the CBE; and the 1994 Birthday Honours List made him a Knight Bachelor for services to football.
Bobby Charlton appeared for England at the 1962, 1966, and 1970 FIFA World Cups.
Bobby Charlton, along with Geoff Hurst and Michael Owen, fronted the unsuccessful bid for England to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
After his playing career, Bobby Charlton served as an ambassador for Manchester United, promoting its reputation worldwide.
Bobby Charlton wore the number 9 shirt for the England national team.
From 1958 to 1970, Bobby Charlton earned 106 caps for England.
Bobby Charlton’s 49 goals for England stood as the national record until Wayne Rooney surpassed it in 2015.
Bobby Charlton was seriously injured in the 1958 Munich air disaster, which claimed the lives of many players, staff, and journalists.
Bobby Charlton considered his childhood friend Duncan Edwards, who died in the Munich air crash, the most gifted footballer England ever produced.
Bobby Charlton’s daughter Suzanne worked as a BBC Weather presenter for the Met Office in the 1980s and 1990s.
Bobby Charlton later served as a director at Manchester United Football Club.
Alan Ball named Bobby Charlton among England’s five truly world-class players in the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, alongside Gordon Banks, Bobby Moore, Ray Wilson, and Jimmy Greaves.
Bobby Charlton scored both goals in England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over Portugal in 1966, becoming the first England men’s player to score in a World Cup semi-final; only Gary Lineker 1990 and Kieran Trippier 2018 have since done so.
According to his brother Jack, Bobby Charlton’s ambidexterity made it difficult to tell his preferred foot.
Johan Cruijff selected Bobby Charlton as the only English player in his dream all-time XI.
Bobby Charlton made 606 appearances in the First Division for Manchester United from 1956 to 1973, scoring 199 goals.
On 2 March 2009, Bobby Charlton was granted the freedom of the city of Manchester, an honor he called fantastic and expressed great pride in.
As a 15-year-old pupil at Bedlington Grammar School, Bobby Charlton was spotted by Manchester United chief scout Joe Armstrong while playing for East Northumberland schools on 9 February 1953; he signed amateur forms on 1 January 1953 alongside Wilf McGuinness.
Through his mother’s side, Bobby Charlton was related to numerous footballers: uncles Jack, George, Jim, and Stan Milburn, as well as his mother’s cousin Jackie Milburn, the Newcastle United and England striker.
Bobby Charlton participated in the 1966 FIFA World Cup held in England.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 35

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Bobby Charlton.

When was Bobby Charlton born?

Bobby Charlton was born on 11 October 1937 in Ashington, Northumberland. He grew up in a footballing family and was signed by Manchester United at age 15.
Where was Bobby Charlton born?

Bobby Charlton was born in Ashington, Northumberland, England. The town has a strong mining and football heritage, producing several professional players.
When did Bobby Charlton die?

Bobby Charlton died on 21 October 2023 at the age of 86. His death was caused by an accidental fall related to dementia.
How old was Bobby Charlton when he died?

Bobby Charlton was 86 years old when he passed away on 21 October 2023. He had been suffering from dementia in his later years.
Where did Bobby Charlton die?

Bobby Charlton died in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England. He had been living there with his family before his death.
How did Bobby Charlton die?

Bobby Charlton died from an accidental fall caused by dementia. He was 86 years old and had been battling the disease.
What was Bobby Charlton's real name?

Bobby Charlton’s full birth name is Robert Charlton. He was known professionally as Bobby and later became Sir Bobby Charlton after being knighted.
What did Bobby Charlton do for a living?

Bobby Charlton was primarily a professional footballer who played as a midfielder or forward. After retiring, he also worked as a television analyst and an ambassador for Manchester United.
What nationality is Bobby Charlton?

Bobby Charlton was British, specifically English. He represented England at international level, winning the 1966 World Cup.
What language did Bobby Charlton speak?

Bobby Charlton’s native language was English. He was born and raised in England.
Who was Bobby Charlton married to?

Bobby Charlton was married to Norma Charlton. They had one daughter together, Suzanne.
Did Bobby Charlton have children?

Yes, Bobby Charlton had one daughter named Suzanne Charlton. She worked as a BBC Weather presenter in the 1980s and 1990s.
Did Bobby Charlton have any siblings?

Yes, Bobby Charlton had an older brother named Jack Charlton, who was also a professional footballer and a member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team. Jack played for Leeds United and later managed Ireland.
Where did Bobby Charlton go to school?

Bobby Charlton attended Bedlingtonshire Community High School and Loreto Grammar School. He was spotted by Manchester United while playing for East Northumberland schools.
What awards did Bobby Charlton win?

Bobby Charlton won numerous awards including the Ballon d’Or 1966, Knight Bachelor 1994, CBE, OBE, BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, and UEFA President’s Award.
How many awards did Bobby Charlton win?

Bobby Charlton received seven major awards including the Ballon d’Or, knighthood, and several national honors from the Queen.
What is Bobby Charlton best known for?

Bobby Charlton is best known as a footballer who won the 1966 World Cup with England and played for Manchester United. He also appeared as an analyst on Match of the Day and in films like Goal! and Manchester United: Beyond the Promised Land.
How tall was Bobby Charlton?

Bobby Charlton was 5 feet 9 inches 1.75 meters tall. His height did not hinder his ability to become one of football’s greatest midfielders.
What was Bobby Charlton's nickname?

Bobby Charlton was known as Mr. Manchester United for his lifelong association with the club. He was also affectionately called Sir Bobby after his knighthood.
What were Bobby Charlton's aliases?

Bobby Charlton was also known as Sir Bobby Charlton CBE and Sir Bobby Charlton after being knighted in 1994. He was awarded the CBE in 1974.
Who were Bobby Charlton's relatives in football?

Bobby Charlton was related to several footballers. His brother Jack Charlton played for Leeds United and England. His mother’s side included uncles Jack, George, Jim, and Stan Milburn, and cousin Jackie Milburn, the Newcastle and England legend.
How many goals did Bobby Charlton score for England?

Bobby Charlton scored 49 goals for England in 106 appearances. This was the national record until Wayne Rooney surpassed it in 2015.
Who scored in the 1966 World Cup semi-final for England?

Bobby Charlton scored both goals in England’s 2-1 win over Portugal in the 1966 semi-final. He became the first England player to score in a World Cup semi-final.
What was Bobby Charlton's shirt number for England?

Bobby Charlton wore the number 9 shirt for England. Despite being a midfielder, he famously wore the number associated with strikers.
What happened to Bobby Charlton in the Munich air crash?

Bobby Charlton was seriously injured in the 1958 Munich air disaster. He lost his best friend Duncan Edwards and many teammates in the crash.
Did Bobby Charlton win the Ballon d'Or?

Yes, Bobby Charlton won the Ballon d’Or in 1966, the same year he helped England win the World Cup. He was the second English player to receive the award.
What honor did Bobby Charlton receive on 2 March 2009?

On 2 March 2009, Bobby Charlton was granted the freedom of the city of Manchester. He expressed great pride in the honor.
How many appearances did Bobby Charlton make for Manchester United?

Bobby Charlton made 606 appearances in the First Division for Manchester United from 1956 to 1973, scoring 199 goals. He spent almost his entire club career at Old Trafford.
Who was Bobby Charlton's best friend?

Bobby Charlton’s best friend was Duncan Edwards, a fellow Manchester United and England player. Edwards died from injuries sustained in the Munich air crash.
Was Bobby Charlton knighted?

Yes, Bobby Charlton was made a Knight Bachelor in the 1994 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to football. He was then known as Sir Bobby Charlton.
What did Bobby Charlton do after retiring from football?

After retiring, Bobby Charlton worked as a television pundit for Match of the Day and served as a director at Manchester United. He also became a global ambassador for the club.
How many caps did Bobby Charlton earn for England?

Bobby Charlton earned 106 caps for England between 1958 and 1970. He played in three World Cups and scored 49 goals.
What was Bobby Charlton's playing style?

Bobby Charlton was known for his ferocious long-range shot, passing ability, and stamina. He was ambidextrous, making it hard to tell his preferred foot.
Did Bobby Charlton play in any World Cups besides 1966?

Yes, Bobby Charlton also played in the 1962 and 1970 World Cups. He appeared in three consecutive tournaments for England.
Was Bobby Charlton ever sent off?

Bobby Charlton was only cautioned twice in his entire career: once against Argentina in the 1966 World Cup and once in a league match against Chelsea. He was never sent off.

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If something's wrong in a profile, Daniel will find it. With 7 years of research experience, he's developed an almost unreasonable eye for inaccurate career timelines, misattributed credits, and dates that don't quite add up. He doesn't publish anything he can't verify. The profiles on Famousy are as accurate as they are largely because of work you'll never see his name on.

Published on June 24, 2026

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