Former Manchester United legend passes away at 84

Denis Law, an 84-year-old veteran of Manchester United and a recipient of the Ballon d'Or, passed away, the Premier League team confirmed on Friday, January 18. After starting his career at Huddersfield Town, Law established himself at United. The Scottish icon played for Manchester United for 11 years, winning the league championships in 1965 and 1967 as well as the European Cup in 1968.

Law, the only player from Scotland to win the Ballon d'Or, passed away on Friday, and his family was notified of his passing through United. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally, he is now at peace,” the statement read.

After Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney, the United icon is the team's third-highest goalscorer with 237 goals in 404 games. Named the 'holy trinity' by Manchester United supporters, Law, Charlton, and George Best created one of the most feared footballing partnerships in history. Law received the honours in 1964, making him the only Scottish player to win both the European Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or.

Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.

Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2025

Dennis Law won many titles during his stint at Manchester United

Before joining Torino in Italy, Law spent two stints at Manchester City after beginning his career at Huddersfield Town. His most notable period was made for Old Trafford in 1962-73. During this time he scored 237 goals in 404 games. Even though he was injured he helped Manchester United to win two PL titles, FA Cup and European Cup in 1968 against Barcelona. This led Manchester United to become the first English team to win the European Cup under Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Denis Law as they played key roles. 

Following his retirement from professional football, Law became a television analyst and focused on charitable work. He established the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which encourages community involvement and expands access to sports, and he became a major contributor to Football Aid, a charity with headquarters in the UK.