Sir Bobby Charlton, an English soccer icon who survived a plane crash that decimated a Manchester United team before becoming the heartbeat of his country's 1966 World Cup triumph, has died aged 86. 

The death of Charlton, who is regarded by many as the greatest English player, was announced in a statement from his family that was released by United, which said he died on Saturday surrounded by his family.

An extravagantly gifted attacking midfielder with a ferocious shot, Charlton was the leading scorer for both United (249 goals) and England (49 goals) for more than 40 years until being overtaken by Wayne Rooney.

He was easily recognisable with his comb-over hairstyle, and known globally for being a gentleman of the beautiful game.

"Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world," United said.

"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."

Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed United from 1986-2013, said before Charlton's death that he "is the greatest Manchester United player of all time — and that's saying something".

"Bobby Charlton is absolutely without peer in the history of the English game," Ferguson said.

Charlton was also renowned for his humility and discipline. He was never sent off in 758 appearances for United from 1956-73 or 106 internationals for England from 1958-70.

Charlton played with George Best and Denis Law in the so-called "Trinity" that led United to the 1968 European Cup title after surviving the 1958 Munich crash that wiped out the celebrated "Busby Babes" team. He won three English league titles at United, and one FA Cup.

"For a footballer, he offered an unparalleled combination of grace, power and precision," said former United defender Bill Foulkes, another survivor of the Munich air crash.

"It added up to a greatness and something more — something I can only call beauty."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino described Charlton as a "football legend whose impact on the game spanned generations".

United great David Beckham said Charlton was "truly a national hero". British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called him "one of the game's greatest players".

Charlton's England scoring record stood for 45 years until Rooney scored his 50th goal for the national team in September 2015.

Three of his England goals came in the World Cup in 1966, during which Charlton played every minute for the team and stood out especially in the semifinals when he scored twice against Portugal to lead England to a first major final.

England beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the title match at Wembley Stadium.

Although Ryan Giggs beat Charlton's appearance record for United in 2008, his scoring record for the club lasted another nine years. It was only in 2017 — 44 years after Charlton last wore the famous red jersey of England's most successful club — that Rooney scored his 250th goal for United.

United played a Premier League match against Sheffield United a few hours after Charlton's death was announced. The club's players laid a wreath on the field ahead of the game and took part in a period of applause while a picture of a young Charlton was displayed on the screens inside the stadium.

After retiring in 1973, Charlton went into coaching and founded a youth scheme that included Beckham among its participants.

After brief spells in charge of Preston, Wigan and Irish side Waterford, Charlton returned to United in 1984 as a director and persuaded the board in 1986 to appoint Ferguson, who delivered 38 trophies during nearly 27 years in charge.

Knighted in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II, Charlton remains a mainstay at Old Trafford, featuring alongside Best and Law on a statue outside United's stadium.

Charlton avoided the controversies and distractions that damaged the career of Best, with his style and demeanour bringing a popularity that transcended the tribalism of club and international football.

"I felt he could be a bit aloof," the late Best said in a 2001 magazine interview.

"We were never at each other's throats, we simply didn't go and have a pint together."

In November 2020, it was announced that Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia, the same disease that afflicted his brother Jack — who died in 2020 at age 85 — and another World Cup winner, Nobby Stiles.

Charlton's death left Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat trick in the 1966 final, as the only surviving member of that England team.

"We will never forget him and nor will all of football," Hurst said of Charlton on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"A great colleague and friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone."

He is survived by his wife, Norma, whom he married in 1961, and his two daughters.

AP