Sir Bobby Charlton, English Soccer Star, Dead at 86: ‘One of the Greatest and Most Beloved Players’

The athlete died “peacefully” on Saturday morning, according to his family

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English soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton dead at 86

Sir Bobby Charlton, the English soccer legend who famously played with Manchester United and England, has died. He was 86.

The athlete’s family confirmed the news of his death in a statement to BBC, noting that he “passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.” Per the outlet, he had been diagnosed with dementia in 2020.

His family wished to “pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him” in their statement.

They added that Charlton died surrounded by loved ones. “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time,” the statement concluded.

A representative for Charlton did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Related: Prince William Highlights Importance of Mental Health in Talk With England Soccer Stars

Charlton played for 17 years with the Manchester United soccer club, and he represented England in more than 100 wins, including their 1966 World Cup victory, for which he was awarded the Ballon d’Or.

Manchester United called the midfielder “one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club” in a statement on Saturday.

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

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Sir Bobby Charlton and Prince Harry at the grand opening of the Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London

The club highlighted his 758 games as part of his 17-year term with the team, after which he continued on with the organization as a director.

He scored 249 goals as a Manchester United player, 49 goals as an England player, and won the 1966 World Cup, the European Cup, three Premier League titles and the FA Cup.

United added, “The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”

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Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson at the Manchester United Opus Photocall

In a post on Instagram, the England national team expressed their thoughts at the loss of one of their best.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the #ThreeLions,” the caption read.

“A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby ❤️,” the statement concluded.

Related: What Happened to David Beckham During the England vs. Argentina World Cup Match in 1998?

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Sir Bobby Charlton during his tenure at Manchester United in 1965

In a statement shared on his Instagram Story, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Charlton as “a football legend whose impact on the game spanned generations.”

“On behalf of FIFA, and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton,” Infantino’s statement continued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. RIP.”

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David Beckham and Sir Bobby Charlton seated together at Wimbledon in 2014

In a 2017 BBC documentary, Sir Bobby Charlton at 80, David Beckham praised Charlton as a hero to him, as a United veteran himself.

“Sir Bobby has always been about, obviously, being successful in his career, but he’s even more so about helping other people and helping others,” Beckham said in a clip shared by the outlet. “And that’s what’s special about him as a person. He’s respected on the field and he’s respected even more so off the field.”

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Charlton is survived by his wife, Norma Ball, as well as his children and grandchildren. 

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