Iconic footballer Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away at the age of 86 following a courageous battle with dementia.

Sir Bobby Charlton, the iconic figure of England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup team, has passed away at the age of 86. The football legend, celebrated for his storied career with Manchester United, succumbed to dementia on October 21, just one week after marking his birthday.

Tragically, Sir Bobby’s battle with dementia echoes a somber family history. His brother, Jack, faced the same ailment and passed away in July 2020 at the age of 85. Another brother, Gordon, lost his life in January at the age of 79, grappling with both cancer and dementia.

In an official statement, the family expressed their sorrow: “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. 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.”

Manchester United, the club where Sir Bobby Charlton carved his name into football history, also paid heartfelt tribute to the late legend. In their statement, they mourned his loss, recognizing his global impact: “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”

Sir Bobby’s legacy extended far beyond his World Cup victory. He claimed the Ballon d’Or in the same year as England’s World Cup triumph. During his tenure with Manchester United, he netted an impressive 249 goals in 758 games, contributing significantly to their first-ever European Cup win in 1968. Remarkably, even though he played as a midfielder, he managed to score an additional 49 goals in 106 games for the England national team.