David Beckham on what Sir Bobby Charlton meant to him after icon's passing - 'I owe him everything'

ByPete Sharland

Published 31/10/2023 at 13:02 GMT

The football world was rocked recently by the passing of Manchester United and England icon Sir Bobby Charlton. Speaking at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, another United and England superstar, David Beckham, was asked to express his feelings about Charlton's passing. Beckham said that Charlton was a titanic presence on and off the pitch and that personally he had a huge impact on his career.

'He started everything for me' – Beckham 'owes' Charlton 'everything'

Manchester United and England legend David Beckham has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, saying he owes the former forward “everything”.

World Cup winner Charlton’s death rocked the footballing world, leading to an outpouring of emotion and tributes.

At the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Beckham touched on Charlton’s passing, saying that he meant a great deal to a great many people.

Transfers

Messi could become co-owner of Inter Miami with Beckham – Paper Round

06/04/2024 at 08:10

“I probably don’t have to tell this room how special Sir Bobby was to the world of football," said Beckham.

“He was respected on the field for what he did and what he went through, for what he won. But he was even more respected off the field for what he stood for.

“The respect that he had, not just in Manchester, not just in England but around the world was truly incredible. He’s going to sorely missed. When we used to look up into the stands we used to always see Sir Bobby sat there, cheering us on. So he’s going to be missed on that side.”

Bonmati awarded first Ballon d'Or Feminin

Beckham then touched on his own experience with Charlton, remembering how the former Manchester United forward pushed the club to take a chance on him after taking part in camps he used to run.

“On a personal side, Sir Bobby started everything for me. It’s where it all began, I went to Sir Bobby’s soccer school when I was 10 years old. I won it when I was 11 years old and if it wasn’t for Sir Bobby, turning around to Manchester United and saying you should watch this young man I probably would never have played for Manchester United.

“So I owe him everything, he was my dad’s hero, it’s one of the reasons why my middle name is Robert after Sir Bobby, so he’s very special in our household. He’s very special around the world and we’ll miss him dearly.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Football

'I wanted to participate' - Messi defends controversial Hong Kong friendly absence

06/02/2024 at 14:05

Transfers

Branthwaite included in Man Utd's defender shortlist - Paper Round

04/10/2023 at 08:51

League Cup

League One Exeter stun Luton as Ipswich defeat Wolves

26/09/2023 at 23:49