1939 October 11th
Birth of Robert Bobby Charlton
Birth of Robert "Bobby" Charlton
Football player and manager history
Bobby Charlton
Explore 47 football history records associated with Bobby Charlton, arranged by year, month, day and event. Entries may concern different clubs or national teams during the person’s career.
Historical events
1953
Manchester United Youth Scholarship
Bobby Charlton joins Manchester United as a schoolboy and enters the youth system that develops the Busby Babes.
1954
Professional Manchester United Contract
Charlton signs professional terms with Manchester United after progressing through the club's successful youth programme.
1955
Youth Cup Defence
Charlton contributes to Manchester United's youth side as it retains the FA Youth Cup during his development as a first-team prospect.
1956
Two Goals on United League Debut
Charlton scores twice against Charlton Athletic in his Manchester United debut, immediately demonstrating his finishing ability in a 4-2 win.
1957
First English League Championship
Charlton earns his first First Division championship medal as Manchester United retain the English title under Matt Busby.
1958
England Debut Against Scotland
Charlton makes his senior England debut against Scotland and scores during a 4-0 victory at Hampden Park.
1958
United FA Cup Final Appearance
Charlton features for Manchester United in the FA Cup final against Bolton Wanderers as the club attempts to recover from the Munich tragedy.
1958 July 30th
Munich Air Disaster
Survivor of the Munich air disaster
1959
United Rebuilding Campaign
Charlton remains a central attacking figure as Matt Busby rebuilds the Manchester United squad after the previous year's air disaster.
1960
United Attacking Responsibility
Charlton carries significant scoring and creative responsibility for Manchester United while the side establishes a new generation of first-team players.
1961
England Midfield Mainstay
Charlton strengthens his position in England's attacking midfield as the national side prepares for the next World Cup tournament.
1962 June 2nd
Second Goal Against Argentina
Extends England's advantage to two goals before half-time against Argentina, contributing to the 3-1 success that revives their Chile campaign.
1963
Charlton Supports Law Wembley Cup Triumph
Charlton supplied midfield invention in United's 1963 FA Cup-winning team as Denis Law opened the scoring against Leicester.
1963
First FA Cup Triumph
Charlton helps Manchester United defeat Leicester City in the FA Cup final, claiming a trophy that marks an important stage in the club's recovery.
1964
Ball Striking Leadership at United
Charlton provides long-range shooting and incisive passing in Manchester United's attack during a closely contested First Division season.
1965
Charlton and Law Drive United Title
Charlton combined long-range shooting and passing with Law's finishing as Manchester United became First Division champions.
1965
Second English League Championship
Charlton becomes an English league champion again as Manchester United win the First Division title on goal average over Leeds United.
1966
Charlton Supports England Attack Without Greaves
Charlton became a key goalscoring midfielder for England's World Cup winners as Greaves watched the later knockout matches.
1966
Charlton Wins Ballon d’Or After World Cup
Bobby Charlton is awarded the 1966 Ballon d’Or after playing a central role in England’s World Cup triumph and continuing to provide Manchester United with goals and creativity.
1966
European Footballer of the Year
Winner of European Footballer of the Year
1966
International Caps
Scores from long range against Mexico during the 1966 World Cup group stage, helping England establish momentum in its home tournament.
1966
Player of the Year
Charlton is chosen by football writers after a distinguished season in which his shooting range and attacking influence further elevate his reputation.
1966 July 16th
Long Range Goal Against Mexico
Breaks the deadlock against Mexico with a notable long-range effort, giving England the lead in a group match that they win 2-0.
1966 July 30th
World Cup
Member of England World Cup winning team.
1966 July 30th
World Cup Winner
Bobby Charlton links midfield and attack as England secures the 1966 world championship. His two goals against Portugal in the semi-final help deliver the Wembley meeting with West Germany.
1967
Third First Division Championship
Charlton helps Manchester United secure the 1966-67 league title, earning another top-flight medal before the club's European breakthrough.
1968
England European Championship Campaign
Charlton represents England during the European Championship finals as the national side finishes third in Italy.
1968
European Cup
Captains the Manchester United team that wins the European Cup, scoring two goals in the final to help his team be the first English side to win the competition
1968
Retirement
Leaves Manchester United to become player-manager of Preston North End but decides management is not for him and leaves after one season
1968 May 29th
Charlton Scores Twice in European Final
Charlton captained United and scored twice against Benfica in the European Cup final, a match that injured teammate Denis Law had to miss.
1969
European Cup Defence with United
Charlton continues as an established senior player while Manchester United defend their European title in the following season's continental competition.
1970
Final England Appearance
Charlton completes his England international career in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against West Germany after 106 senior appearances.
1970 June 2nd
Charlton Starts England Title Defence
Bobby Charlton starts England’s opening World Cup fixture against Romania, bringing experience from the successful 1966 campaign to the midfield.
1970 June 14th
Charlton Withdrawn During Quarter-Final
Bobby Charlton is substituted for Colin Bell after West Germany pull a goal back, as Alf Ramsey attempts to preserve England’s lead.
1971
United Veteran Leadership
Charlton offers experience and attacking intelligence to Manchester United as the club navigates a period of managerial and squad changes.
1972
United Club Scoring Landmark
Charlton continues to extend his Manchester United appearance and goalscoring records during the final stage of his long playing career.
1973
Final Manchester United Season
Charlton concludes his long Manchester United first-team career, leaving a record of 249 goals in 758 competitive appearances.
1973
Manager
Appointed Manager of Preston North End
1974
Preston Playing Return
Charlton combines managerial duties with appearances for Preston North End after bringing his distinguished Manchester United career to an end.
1975
Departure from Preston North End
Charlton leaves Preston North End following his first substantial spell in club management and subsequently pursues other football roles.
1976
Waterford League Appearance
Charlton makes a brief playing appearance for Waterford in Ireland, continuing his association with the game after leaving English league football.
1983
Manager
Appointed Manager of Wigan Athletic
1984
Manchester United Board Appointment
Charlton joins Manchester United's board of directors, beginning a long period of service to the club beyond his playing career.
1994
Knighthood
Bobby Charlton is knighted
2008 June 1st
100 Caps
Beckham wis honored by receiving an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap from Sir Bobby Charlton, and is given a standing ovation from the crowd
2016
Sir Bobby Charlton Stand Dedication
Manchester United rename the South Stand at Old Trafford in Charlton's honour, recognising his achievements for club and country.