David Beckham pays emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton at Ballon d'Or

31 October 2023 , 10:27

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David Beckham paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony (Image: Ballon d'Or)

David Beckham said the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton "will be missed" while paying tribute to the Manchester United icon at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Charlton passed away aged 86 earlier this month, leaving European football in mourning. The attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the greatest English footballers of all time after winning the World Cup, the European Cup and three league titles.

Beckham, who knew Charlton well after coming through the ranks at Old Trafford, was invited to Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris to say a few words about the legendary footballer. Charlton is one of only four Englishmen to win the Ballon d'Or.

A celebration of Charlton's life and career will take place at Manchester Cathedral on November 13. A private ceremony will be held inside the cathedral, but thousands of fans are expected to line the streets of Manchester to pay their respects.

"I probably don't have to tell this room how special Sir Bobby was to the world of football," said Beckham at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. "He was respected on the field for what he won but was respected even more off the field for what he stood for. He will be missed. When we looked up into the stands he would always be there cheering us on."

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Beckham went on to explain: "He started it off for me. If it was not for Sir Bobby turning around to Manchester United and saying 'watch this young man', I probably would not have played for Manchester United. I owe him everything."

Charlton scored 249 goals in 758 games for United, and he found the net 49 times in 106 appearances for England. He was his club's and country's record scorer before Wayne Rooney surpassed both tallies. Harry Kane is now England's record scorer.

Beckham has thanked Charlton for helping him become a professional footballer (Ballon d'Or)

Is Sir Bobby Charlton the greatest English football of all time? Let us know in the comments below!

Charlton is one of only nine players to win the World Cup, European Cup and Ballon d'Or. The others are Gerd Muller, Paolo Rossi, Franz Beckenbauer, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Lionel Messi. The latter won his eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday.

Messi wasn't the only star to pick up a prize in Paris. Aitana Bonmati won the women's Ballon d'Or, while Erling Haaland received the Gerd Muller Trophy for best striker. England's Jude Bellingham was also honoured, winning the Kopa Trophy for best young player.

Charlton is the only Englishman to achieve that three-peat, which is why many critics believe he's England's greatest footballer. The other three Englishmen to win the Ballon d'Or are Stanley Matthews (1956), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) and Michael Owen (2001).

Charlton's brother Tommy told The Mirror earlier this month: "If ever there was a place reserved in heaven, it is for Bob. He is going to be up there. He was world famous, world renowned, he was so loved."

Tom Blow