Ballon d'Or winner Denis Law mourned
Friday, January 17, 2025
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Former Scotland, Manchester United and Manchester City striker Denis Law – the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d'Or – has died at the age of 84.
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Born in Aberdeen, Law, who was dubbed 'The King' and 'The Lawman' for his striking prowess, started his career with Huddersfield Town at the age of 15 before joining Manchester City four years later, in 1960, for £55,000. A year later, he joined Torino for £110,000 but found it difficult to settle in Italy and moved to Manchester United for £115,000 in 1962, before ending his career with City in 1974.
Law is most fondly remembered for being part of the United team that became the first English side to lift the European Cup, beating Benfica 4-1 at Wembley Stadium in 1968. He also won two English league titles and a FA Cup at Old Trafford, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances making him United's third all-time leading goalscorer behind Wayne Rooney and former team-mate Bobby Charlton.
He was capped 55 times for Scotland and scored 30 goals, making him the nation's joint-top scorer alongside Kenny Dalglish.
A statement from the family said: "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. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."
Manchester United said everyone at the club is mourning the loss of "the King of the Stretford End". The club added: "He will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis' family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."
UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, added his own tribute, saying: "Denis Law was one of the true legends of Scottish football, winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 1964 and being part of the Manchester United squad that triumphed in the European Cup in 1968. On behalf of European football, we extend our heartfelt condolences and honour his remarkable legacy."