Manchester United legend Denis Law, Scotland's only Ballon d'Or winner, has passed away at age 84, leaving behind a legacy that transformed British football forever.
The iconic striker, affectionately known as 'The King' and 'The Lawman', died following a battle with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, which he was diagnosed with in 2021. His family announced his passing in a heartfelt statement, saying he "fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace."
Law's remarkable career began at Huddersfield Town when he was just 15 years old. His exceptional talent led him to break the British transfer record three times, moving to Manchester City for £55,000 in 1960, then to Torino for £110,000, and finally to Manchester United for £115,000 in 1962, where he would cement his legendary status.
During his illustrious 11-year spell at Old Trafford, Law scored an impressive 237 goals in 404 appearances, placing him third in United's all-time scoring charts behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton. He was instrumental in United becoming the first English team to win the European Cup in 1968, though he missed the final due to injury and had to watch the historic 4-1 victory over Benfica from a hospital bed.
The Aberdeen-born striker's impact extended beyond club football. He earned 55 caps for Scotland, scoring 30 goals to become the country's joint top scorer of all time. His exceptional performance in 1963, scoring 11 goals in seven Scotland appearances and finding the net for a Rest of the World side against England at Wembley, contributed to him winning the 1964 Ballon d'Or - making him the only Scottish player to receive this prestigious award.
After hanging up his boots with Manchester City in 1974, Law remained connected to the sport as a television pundit and devoted himself to charitable causes. He established the Denis Law Legacy Trust, focusing on community engagement and expanding sports participation. His contributions to football and charity were recognized with a CBE in 2016, and his legacy is immortalized through statues at both Old Trafford and Aberdeen.
Manchester United paid tribute to their former star, describing him as "the King of the Stretford End" and "the ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation." His memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of footballers and fans alike.
