Denis Law dead: Ballon d’Or-winning Manchester United star who won European Cup during glittering career dies aged 84

MANCHESTER United legend Denis Law has tragically died aged 84, his family have announced.

The last surviving member of the Red Devils' holy trinity passed away after a battle with dementia.

His heartbroken family confirmed on Friday that Law had died.

A statement from them read: "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."

Law started his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and played for Torino in Italy.

But it was at Old Trafford from 1962-73 where he made his name scoring 237 goals in 404 games.

He won two titles with United and the FA Cup and helped them to the 1968 European Cup Final where they beat Benfica although missed out on the game due to injury.

Sir Bobby Charlton, Law and George Best were integral as the Red Devils become the first English side to win the European Cup.

Man U said in a statement: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.

"With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.

"The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.

"Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."

Best, Law and Charlton together scored 665 goals in 1,636 games for the club.

And each won the Ballon d'Or between 1964-68 — with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 the only United player to do it since.

TRIBUTES TO 'THE KING'

Huddersfield Town, where Denis began his career, paid tribute, saying: "All at Huddersfield Town are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Denis Law.

"A legend of not only our great Club, but an immortal of the sport as a whole, he will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by us all.

"Our collective thoughts are with Denis’ family and loved ones at this time.

"Once a Terrier, always a Terrier".

The footballing legend scored 30 goals in 55 games for Scotland, with the team paying tribute in a post on X that read: "A true great.

"We will not see his likes again."

The United trio of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.

Becks wrote on his Instagram page: "Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis's family.

"Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off."

United's top all-time goalscorer Wayne Rooney called the star a "legend" in his tribute.

Gary Neville, who spent his entire career at Man U, said: “Rest in peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man.

"It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company - The King of the Stretford End.”

Denis' ex-United teammate Brian Kidd added: "He was slight, with the heart of a lion.

"An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.

"He said to me: 'If you're ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault'. He was usually there.

"Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End."

Former Man Utd captain Bryan Robson penned his own tribute, saying: "We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman.

"It’s incredibly sad, he was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man."

His great friend George Best, who died in 2005, had once described the forward as: “Up there with the all-time greats. Electric.

"As a bloke and as a pal he’s different class.”

Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, simply wrote “Legend” on his Instagram story.

United legend, and now Leicester City manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy said on Instagram: “R.I.P Denis.”

Aberdeen, the team Denis supported, said: "One of Scotland's greatest ever players, his legacy will live on in the north east."

Manchester City, where Law spent two separate stints in his glittering playing career, posted: “The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you.

“Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time.”

Other clubs and fans have also paid tributes on social media to the star following his death.

Leeds United posted on X, saying: "The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Denis’ family and friends at this time.

"Rest in peace, Denis".

Liverpool paid tribute, saying: "Sending condolences from all of us at LFC.

"Denis was a rival player but so highly thought of.

"As Bill Shankly once said, 'Denis Law could dance on eggshells.'

"Our thoughts are with Denis' family and friends at this very sad time."

Broadcaster Piers Morgan also paid his tribute to the footballer, saying: "RIP Denis Law, 84.

"Last surviving member of Manchester United’s genius holy footballing trinity of Best, Law, Charlton.

"Brilliant player, wonderful character."

Countless people also expressed sadness at the news of the star's death, with many praising him as one of the greatest players to ever grace the pitch at Old Trafford.

One user posted on X: "Very upsetting to hear about Denis Law & condolences to his family & friends.

"He was a superb & stylish footballer & lovely, happy man.

"The King was, in Denis’s case, a deserved nickname."

Another said: "RIP to the original King of Old Trafford - Denis Law.

"A lethal goal scorer who helped put Manchester United back on the map following the Munich Air Disaster.

"Set records that lasted decades and some that remain today.

"We all love King Denis x".

ALZHEIMER'S STRUGGLES

In 2021, the goalscorer revealed he was suffering from Alzheimer's in an emotional statement.

He said he experienced anger, frustration, confusion and distress due to the condition.

There has been much research and debate into how much heading the ball has led to Alzheimer's for a number of ex players.

Law said: "I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition.

"I have been diagnosed with 'mixed dementia', which is more than one type of dementia, in my case this being Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia.

"It is an incredibly challenging and problematic disease and I have witnessed many friends go through this.

"You hope that it won't happen to you, even make jokes about it whilst ignoring the early signs because you don't want it to be true.

"You get angry, frustrated, confused and then worried, worried for your family, as they will be the ones dealing with it.

"However the time has come to tackle this head on, excuse the pun.

"I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don't want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control.

"I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because I know there will be days when I don't understand and I hate the thought of that right now."