Denis Law: Scottish Football Icon and Manchester United Great Dies

Denis Law, the legendary Scottish footballer and Manchester United icon, has died at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in British football history.

Manchester United legend Denis Law has passed away at the age of 84. The Scottish football icon, who is the only Scot to have won the Ballon d'Or, enjoyed a illustrious career with Manchester United, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances. This impressive record places him third in United's history, behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton.

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

In 2021, Law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. His family has now announced his passing, releasing a statement that reads: “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 family expressed their gratitude to those who supported Law throughout his life and during his battle with illness. The statement continues: “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 has paid tribute to Denis Law, describing him as one of the club's all-time greats. A statement from the club said: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players.” The statement continued, highlighting Law's impressive skills and enduring legacy: “The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”

An icon who will be dearly missed by so many ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NiU0vD8bv0

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2025

Manchester United also expressed their condolences to Law's family and friends, saying: “Our deepest condolences go out to Denis' family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.” Law's legacy will continue to be celebrated by the club, where he is immortalized in a statue alongside fellow icons Bobby Charlton and George Best outside Old Trafford.

Denis Law began his football career at Huddersfield before moving to Manchester City four years later for a then-British record transfer fee of £55,000. However, his time at Manchester City was short-lived, as he moved to Torino in Italy a year later. Unfortunately, Law struggled to settle in Italy and eventually returned to Manchester, signing with Manchester United in 1962. This marked the beginning of a highly successful period in Law's career, as he became an integral part of one of the greatest eras in Manchester United's history.