Denis Law, the only Scottish footballer to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, has died at the age of 84. Known as “The King” and “The Lawman,” Law was a legendary figure in football, particularly for his achievements with Manchester United and Scotland. His remarkable career, spanning multiple clubs and nations, was marked by iconic moments, prolific goal-scoring, and record-breaking transfers.
Born in Aberdeen, Law began his football journey with Huddersfield Town at the age of 15. His talent quickly attracted attention, and he was sold to Manchester City in 1960 for a British record fee of £55,000. After a brief stint in Italy with Torino, he returned to England, signing for Manchester United in 1962 for another record fee of £115,000.
During his 11 years at Old Trafford, Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances, making him the third-highest scorer in the club’s history, behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton. He was an integral part of the United squad that won the European Cup in 1968, becoming the first English team to achieve the feat. Additionally, Law earned one FA Cup and two English league titles with the club.
Achievements for Scotland
Denis Law’s impact extended to international football, where he was capped 55 times for Scotland and scored 30 goals, a record he shares as the nation’s joint top scorer. His contributions helped Scotland win the British Home Championship six times. In 1963, Law scored 11 goals in just seven Scotland appearances, a testament to his prolific goal-scoring ability.
His crowning individual achievement came in 1964 when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, recognizing him as Europe’s best footballer—a first for any Scottish player.
Following his retirement in 1974, Law continued to leave an indelible mark on football. He worked as a television pundit, supported numerous charitable causes, and founded the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which promotes community engagement and sports participation. He was also a patron of Football Aid, a UK-based charity.
In recognition of his contributions, Law was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016. He received honorary degrees from Aberdeen, St Andrews, and Robert Gordon universities and was honored with statues at Old Trafford and in Aberdeen.
A Battle with Illness
In 2021, Law revealed his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Despite his health struggles, he remained a beloved figure in football.
Law’s family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, stating: “He fought a tough battle but is now at peace.” Manchester United paid their respects, calling him “the King of the Stretford End” and celebrating his legacy as one of the club’s greatest players.
Denis Law’s contributions to football and his impact on generations of fans will be remembered as part of the sport’s rich history. His flair, spirit, and love for the game have immortalized him as a true legend of the sport.
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