Denis Law: Manchester United and Scotland legend dies aged 84

Former Scotland, Manchester United, and Manchester City forward Denis Law has passed away at the age of 84. He was the only Scottish player to ever win the Ballon d'Or. Known as "The King" and "The Lawman," he spent 11 years at Old Trafford, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances, ranking third on Manchester United's all-time goalscorers list, behind only Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton.

Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career at Huddersfield Town and also played for Torino in Italy. He earned 55 caps for the Scottish national team, scoring 30 goals, making him the joint-top scorer in Scottish history. He was sold for a British record transfer fee on three separate occasions during his career. In 2021, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

In a statement, Law's family said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our father, Denis Law, has passed away. He has been in a difficult battle and has finally found peace. We would like to thank all those who have contributed to his well-being and care, both past and recent. We know how much he was supported and loved, and this love has always been treasured and has made a difference. Thank you all." Manchester United stated that everyone at the club was mourning the loss of the "King of the Stretford End."

Manchester United added: "He will forever be remembered as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his talent, spirit, and love for the game made him a hero to a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis' family and many friends. His memory will live on forever." The Scottish national team called Law a "true great," adding, "We will not see his like again." Law signed for Huddersfield at the age of 15 and, four years later, moved to Manchester City for £55,000 in 1960.

A year later, he joined Torino for £110,000, but he found it difficult to settle in Italy and moved to Manchester United in 1962 for £115,000, before ending his career at Manchester City in 1974. Law was part of the Manchester United team that became the first English side to win the European Cup in 1968, although he missed the final (a 4-1 win over Benfica) through injury and had to watch from his hospital bed. He also won one FA Cup and two English league titles with Manchester United and helped Scotland win the British Home Championship six times. His 11 goals in seven appearances for Scotland in 1963, as well as a goal for the Rest of the World against England at Wembley, helped him win the 1964 Ballon d'Or, awarded at the time to the best European footballer.

After retiring from football, Law became a television commentator, a patron of the UK charity "Football Aid," and established the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which runs projects and activities focused on community engagement and increasing sports participation. He was appointed a CBE in 2016 for his services to football and charity, and received honorary degrees from the Universities of Aberdeen, St Andrews, and Robert Gordon, had statues erected in his honor at Old Trafford and Aberdeen, and was awarded the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen.

Manchester City said the entire city was mourning Law's passing, adding: "Our thoughts are with Denis' family and friends at this difficult time." Former Scotland and Manchester United forward Joe Jordan said on BBC Radio 5 Live that Law was a "true icon." He stated: "Denis was a special player, and the loss of someone like him will affect many Manchester United fans. He was not only outstanding at scoring goals on the pitch but also had a special charm as a person. Denis Law was one of the greatest players to ever play for Scotland."

Huddersfield Town said they were "deeply saddened" by Law's passing. The club added: "He was not only a legend of our great club but also an immortal of the entire sport, and we will miss him dearly, and his memory will be cherished by us all." Torino called Law an "iconic figure" in their history. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville posted on Instagram: "RIP Denis. A great footballer and a great man. It was a pleasure to have spent time with you."

Aberdeen, the team Law supported, stated: "He was one of the greatest players Scotland has ever produced, and his legacy will continue to live on in the North East." Former Manchester United midfielder Bryan Robson wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: "Denis wasn't just a brilliant footballer, he was a brilliant man. He's always in my all-time Manchester United best XI. He was a player so many of my generation idolised and with good reason, his iconic image was his sleeves pulled down and his arm raised in salute after scoring."

Alzheimer's Society Chief Executive Kate Lee said: "We will always be grateful to Denis and his family for not only raising funds for Alzheimer's Society but also raising awareness of the disease."