Bobby Charlton at a Glance
- Net Worth (2023): $25 Million
- Birthdate: Oct 11, 1937
- Date of Death: Oct 21, 2023
- Birthplace: Ashington, Northumberland, England
- Profession: Professional Footballer, Director
- Nationality: English
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What is Bobby Charlton’s Net Worth?
Sir Bobby Charlton had a net worth of $25 million at the time of his passing in October 2023. An English professional footballer, Charlton is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His fortune was built primarily during his legendary 17-year playing career with Manchester United and the England national team.Following his retirement from playing, Charlton’s wealth was further secured through a long and influential career in football administration. He served as a director on the board of Manchester United for 39 years, remaining a pivotal figure and global ambassador for the club long after his playing days ended. His net worth also reflects decades of brand association as one of football’s most respected elder statesmen.
Early Life
Robert “Bobby” Charlton was born in Ashington, Northumberland, to a notable footballing family. His mother’s cousin was Jackie Milburn, a legendary forward for Newcastle United, and his older brother, Jack Charlton, would also go on to become a professional footballer. Charlton was spotted by Manchester United chief scout Joe Armstrong in 1953 while playing for East Northumberland schools and signed with the club as a 15-year-old.
Career
Bobby Charlton joined Manchester United as a schoolboy in 1953 and turned professional the following year. He quickly progressed through the youth ranks and became a key member of the club’s celebrated “Busby Babes,” the talented young team managed by Matt Busby. Charlton made his first-team debut in 1956 and immediately established himself as a generational talent, known for his powerful shooting, attacking instincts, and incredible stamina.
Charlton’s life and career were irrevocably shaped by the Munich Air Disaster on February 6, 1958. While traveling back from a European Cup match in Belgrade, the team’s plane crashed during a refueling stop in Munich, resulting in the deaths of 23 people, including eight of his teammates. Charlton, then just 20 years old, survived the crash. He became a central figure in the club’s rebuilding, leading a new generation of players as Manchester United recovered from the tragedy.
Bobby Charlton was the linchpin of the England national team that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup on home soil. His performance throughout the tournament was exceptional, and he scored crucial goals, including two in the semi-final against Portugal. His contributions were recognized globally when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or as Europe’s best player that same year.
Ten years after the Munich tragedy, Bobby Charlton captained Manchester United to their first-ever European Cup. In the final at Wembley Stadium, he scored two goals in a 4-1 victory over Benfica. This triumph was the culmination of Matt Busby’s and Charlton’s decade-long effort to rebuild the team and conquer Europe, cementing their legacies in the club’s history.
Bobby Charlton retired from Manchester United in 1973 as the club’s all-time leader in both appearances (758) and goals (249). Both records stood for decades. He also retired from the England national team in 1970 with a then-record 49 goals in 106 appearances. After brief spells as a player-manager for Preston North End and a director at Wigan Athletic, Charlton returned to Manchester United. He joined the club’s board of directors in 1984, a position he held until his death, providing stability and a crucial link to the club’s past.
The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation
Outside of his club duties, Charlton dedicated significant time to philanthropy. He founded The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, a charitable organization focused on helping victims of landmines and other conflicts around the world. The foundation works in conflict-affected areas to provide support, education, and resources for recovery.
Personal Life
Bobby Charlton met his wife, Norma Ball, in 1959, and the couple married in 1961. They had two daughters, Suzanne and Andrea, and remained together for the rest of his life. In November 2020, it was publicly announced that Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia, the same disease that had affected his brother, Jack, who passed away earlier that year. Sir Bobby Charlton died on October 21, 2023, at the age of 86.
