One of the all-time greats of world football, one of Charlton’s biggest challenges came away from the pitch when, aged 21, he survived the Munich air disaster which claimed the lives of several of his Manchester United team-mates.
Charlton, 78 today, made a full recovery and went on to become United’s greatest ever player. Known for his attacking instincts, passing ability and venemous long-range shots, Charlton scored 249 goals in 758 games for the Red Devils.
He won three league titles, one FA Cup and the 1968 European Cup. By that time he was already a World Cup winner having inspired England to glory on home soil in 1966 – the same year he also won the Ballon d’Or. He finished the tournament with the Golden Ball as its best player.
His 49 England goals was a record until Wayne Rooney edged past him earlier this year.
1944: Rodney Marsh, former footballer, manager, turned sportscaster and pundit (71).
1963: Ronny Rosenthal, ex-Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker (52).
1987: Mike Conley Jr, NBA basketball player, currently with the Memphis Grizzlies (28).
1989: Michelle Wie, American golfer and winner of the 2014 US Women’s Open (26).
