Denis Law, Manchester United & Scotland Legend, Dies at 84
Denis Law, the iconic Scottish footballer renowned for his prolific goal-scoring and charismatic presence, passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 84. Affectionately dubbed “The King” and “The Lawman,” Law’s illustrious career left an indelible mark on both Manchester United and the Scotland national team.
Born on February 24, 1940, in Aberdeen, Scotland, Denis Law overcame a modest upbringing to embark on a remarkable football journey. He began his professional career with Huddersfield Town in 1956, where his talent quickly became evident. In 1960, he moved to Manchester City for a British record transfer fee of £55,000, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. A subsequent transfer to Torino in 1961 further highlighted his versatility and adaptability in European football.
In 1962, Law joined Manchester United for another British record fee of £115,000, marking the beginning of an 11-year tenure that would solidify his legendary status. During this period, he scored 237 goals in 404 appearances, making him the club’s third-highest goal scorer, behind only Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton. His contributions were pivotal in securing two First Division titles in 1965 and 1967, an FA Cup victory in 1963, and the European Cup in 1968, although he missed the final due to injury. In 1964, Law’s exceptional performances were recognized with the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, making him the only Scottish player to receive this honor.
On the international stage, Law earned 55 caps for Scotland between 1958 and 1974, scoring 30 goals—a record he shares with Kenny Dalglish. He represented Scotland in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, further cementing his status as a national icon.
In August 2021, Law publicly revealed his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, a battle he faced with characteristic courage. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the football community. Manchester United honored him during their match against Brighton on January 19, 2025, with players wearing black armbands and a pre-match ceremony featuring Sir Alex Ferguson and former teammates.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in news? | Denis Law, legendary Manchester United and Scotland footballer, passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 84. |
| Award Won | Ballon d’Or in 1964 – the only Scottish player to win this prestigious football award. |
| Manchester United Records | Scored 237 goals in 404 appearances, third-highest goal scorer in the club’s history. |
| Titles with Manchester United | Two First Division titles (1965, 1967), FA Cup (1963), European Cup (1968 – missed the final due to injury). |
| Scotland Record | Scored 30 goals in 55 caps; joint top-scorer for Scotland alongside Kenny Dalglish. |
| International Representation | Represented Scotland in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. |
| Health Diagnosis | Revealed Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia diagnosis in August 2021. |
| Birthplace and Early Career | Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on February 24, 1940. Started his career at Huddersfield Town (1956). |
| Transfers | Played for Huddersfield Town, Manchester City, Torino, and Manchester United. |
| Tribute | Manchester United players wore black armbands during the January 19, 2025, match against Brighton to honor him. |
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