Sir Bobby Charlton’s last photograph has been revealed as it was announced that the footballing legend has tragically passed away following a battle with dementia at the age of 86.
The 1966 World Cup winner bravely posed for snaps as he got his coronavirus vaccine in 2021, despite already fighting the disease.
Dressed in a white shirt and red sweater in a nod to his beloved Manchester United, Sir Bobby was smiling widely in the photo as he held an NHS leaflet about the jabs.
It came a year after his wife Norma announced the footballer had been diagnosed with the disease, which also took the life of his brother Jack, in 2020.
His profile
The England and Manchester United player is survived by Lady Norma, their two children Suzanne and Andrea and his grandchildren.
He made an impressive 758 appearances for the club during his career and was capped 106 times for his nation.
In 2016, a stand at Old Trafford was re-named in his honour.
Following his death, Sir Geoff Hurst – who famously scored a hat-trick in England’s 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley – is now the only member of the team still alive.
Former England right-back George Cohen also died, aged 83, in December.
Family statement
A statement from the family of Sir Bobby said: ‘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 said they were mourning ‘one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.’
‘Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.’
He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.
