Sir Robert "Bobby" Charlton CBE (born 11 October 1937 in Ashington, Northumberland) is a former English professional football player who won the World Cup and was named the European Footballer of the Year in 1966. He played almost all of his club football at Manchester United, where he became renowned for his attacking instincts from midfield and his ferocious long-range shot.He began to play for United's first team in 1956, and over the next two seasons gained a regular place in the team, during which time he survived the Munich air disaster of 1958. After helping United to win the Football League in 1965, he won a World Cup medal with England in 1966 and another Football League title with United the following year. In 1968, he captained the Manchester United team that won the European Cup, scoring two goals in the final to help his team be the first English side to win the competition. He has scored more goals for England and United than any other player. He had made more appearances for Manchester United than any other player (758), a record superseded by Ryan Giggs at the Champions League Final in Moscow on 21 May 2008. Charlton is considered by many to be one of the greatest English players of all time.At the time of his retirement from the England team in 1970, he was the nation's most capped player, having turned out 106 times at the highest level. This record has since been eclipsed by Bobby Moore, Peter Shilton and then David Beckham.He left Manchester United in 1973, becoming player-manager of Preston North End, but decided management was not for him and left after one season. After assuming the post of the director at Wigan Athletic F.C. for some time, he became a member of Manchester United's board of directors in 1984 and remains one as of May 2009. He set goalscoring records for both the England team and Manchester United, with both records remaining intact some 35 years after the end of his playing career. He was knighted in 1994.
Won World Soccer Cup with England in 1966.
He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1969 Queens Birthday Honours List, the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1974 Queens New Year Honours List and made a Knight Bachelor in the 1994 Queens Birthday Honours List for his services to Assocation Football.
Played for England in the FIFA World Cups of 1962, 1966 and 1970.
Brother of Jack Charlton.
As English footballs most famous player in history, he fronted with Geoff Hurst and Michael Owen the unsuccessful bid for England to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
A former Manchester United player, he has worked hard as an ambassador for the club and has promoted its reputation internationally.
He wore the number 9 shirt for England.
Played in 106 internationals.
He scored 49 goals for England, which is still the record.
Seriously injured during the 1958 Munich Aircrash in which a number of players, staff and journalists sadly lost their lives.
His best friend as a youth was Duncan Edwards , a fellow footballer who died from injuries sustained in the Munich air crash. He still believes Edwards was the most gifted footballer England ever produced.
Daughter Suzanne was a BBC Weather presenter (as a Met Office employee) in the 1980s and 1990s before leaving to pursue other interests.
Works as a director at Manchester United Football Club.
Alan Ball considered him to be one of Englands five truly world class players in the 1966 World Cup winning squad. The others were Gordon Banks , Bobby Moore , Ray Wilson and Jimmy Greaves.
In the sweep of its appeal, its ability to touch every corner of humanity, football is the only game that needed to be invented. .
