FIFA pays honour to Sir Bobby Charlton at The Best awards

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Fans hold up a flag in remembrance of Sir Bobby Charlton prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 29, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

We sadly lost Sir Bobby Charlton at the end of 2024.

The life of the Manchester United icon was celebrated at the Best FIFA Football Awards on Monday night, alongside fellow footballing legends Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.

Charlton’s passing in October was mourned by the entire football world, in which he will forever be known as a gentleman and 1966 World Cup winner.

However, tonight his illustrious career was remembered at a ceremony in London.

Former United striker Louis Saha, who was a speaker at the event, gave some insight from his memories of Charlton. The former France international enjoyed a five-year spell at Old Trafford.

“It was an enormous honour to meet such a legend who represented so much to the club and to the town,” explained the Frenchman, as per ManUtd.com. “I met someone who was very down to earth and was representing so many values from the club. 

“He was someone who was supporting us after the defeats and bad performances, always with a smile. He represented the values I joined the club for. 

“I really felt this guy was an enormous talent, as a striker he was unbelievable, but he was as well the symbol of all the strength and the capacity of representing the badge.

“I have an enormous respect for Sir Bobby Charlton.”

On another note, United Women duo Mary Earps and Ella Toone were named in the 2023 Women’s World 11. Sadly, and unsurprisingly, none of the men’s side made the cut.

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