FOOTBALL PEOPLE - FACES OF THE EUROPEAN CUP AND CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1955 - 2000

Football People
Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton remains one of the busiest men in football. He is a director of Manchester United and is a key figure in their continuing success. He also travels the world campaigning for England’s bid to host the 2006 World Cup. This picture was taken in London soon after Manchester United finally emulated his achievements by winning the 1999 European Cup.

Sir Bobby Charlton

In 1957, a 19-year-old Bobby Charlton sat on the bench watching Manchester United draw 2-2 with Real Madrid in the European Cup semi-final. Goals from Di Stefano and Kopa meant Real Madrid progressed comfortably 5-3 on aggregate, setting them on their way towards their second successive European triumph. Despite defeat, United coach Matt Busby has reason to be proud of his young team’s performance against probably the best club side ever in European football.

Tragically, the promise of that United team – the Busby Babes – disappeared at Munich Airport on February 6, 1958. The team was returning home after beating Red Star Belgrade to reach the last four of the European Cup when the plane crashed after a refuelling stop in Munich. Charlton, by then established in the first team, survived the crash but eight of his teammates perished.

Ten years later, Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup as they defeated Benfica of Portugal 4-1 at Wembley Stadium. Charlton, despite scoring two goals in the final, did not feel able to join in the celebrations in London that night. For Busby, however, Charlton’s achievement had a special meaning: "The moment Bobby took the Cup, it cleansed me. It eased the pain and guilt of going into Europe. It was my justification." Charlton, who also won the 1966 World Cup with England, was knighted by the Queen in 1994.
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