Bobby Charlton's net worth: How much was the Manchester United legend worth?

Bobby Charlton's net worth: How much was the Manchester United legend worth?

Ciku Njuguna
updated at November 9, 2023 at 3:03 PM
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Sir Robert Charlton was one of the greatest players of all time in football history. Between 1953 and 1980, the attacking midfielder dominated the Premier League, A-League, League of Ireland, and the National Premier League. Dig into this article for a deep dive into Bobby Charlton's net worth and financial success.

Bobby Charlton's net worth
Sir Bobby Charlton walks onto the podium during the 2013 Laureus World Sports Awards show at Theatro Municipal Do Rio de Janeiro on March 11, 2013, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Ian Walton/Laureus.
Source: Getty Images

Football players make up a significant proportion of the wealthiest individuals in the world, and this is no different for one of England's knighted footballers, Sir Bobby Charlton. In addition to covering his biography, this article will delve into the specifics of the soccer player's financial success.

Bobby Charlton's profile and bio summary

Full name

Sir Robert Charlton

Nickname

Bob, Bobby

Date of birth

11 October 1937

Date of death

21 October 2023

Age

86 years old

Zodiac sign

Libra

Place of birth

Ashington, Northumberland, England

Current residence

Llanddona, Anglesey

Lymm, Cheshire

Nationality

English

Ethnicity

White

Religion

Christian

Weight

72 kilograms (158.7 lbs)

Height

174 centimetres (5'8")

Eye colour

Brown

Hair colour

Gray

Father

Robert 'Bob' Charlton

Mother

Elizabeth Ellen 'Cissie' Milburn

Siblings

Jack and Tom Charlton

Relationship status

Married

Spouse

Norma Ball

Children

Suzanne and Andrea Charlton

Education

Bedlington Academy

East Northumberland Schools

Profession

Retired professional football player, football manager, philanthropist

Net worth

$25 million

Social media

Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook

Bobby Charlton's net worth

The knighted footballer's career earnings in the 1960s paled in comparison to what most prominent football players earn today. Before delving into his accumulated wealth, worth and financial profile, glimpse the Northumbrian forward's bio and career.

How old was Bobby Charlton?

Bobby Charlton (aged 86 years) was born on the 11th of October 1937. He passed away on 22 October 2023. He was raised in Northumberland, England, to Bob, a Linton Colliery miner and Cissie Charlton, the daughter of Tanner Milburn, a goalkeeper in Northumberland.

Bobby, the second son in the family of four, was raised in a sporty background, with his father boxing and his uncles playing football for Leeds United, Chesterfield and Leicester FC.

Did Bobby Charlton ever win the World Cup?
Sir Bobby Charlton and his wife, Norma Ball, attended the 2013 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Theatro Municipal Do Rio de Janeiro on March 11, 2013, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Jamie McDonald/Laureus.
Source: Getty Images

Bobby Charlton's brothers

Bob's older brother, Jack, played a pivotal role in leading the Irish national football team to their first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-finals in 1990. On the other hand, his youngest brother, Tom's professional football career never took off following a devastating knee-cap injury at 23. Speaking to the Telegraph, the former winger, who played well into his 70s, narrated details of their childhood, saying,

"We would be in the park all day and in the street at night. Nine times out of ten, it was with a tennis ball. Bob always had a tennis ball in his pocket. He would walk to school kicking it off the wall or the curb, trapping it and playing keepy-uppy. That is one of the reasons he became so skilful."
How many league titles did Bobby Charlton win?
Sir Bobby Charlton holds the Olympic Flame outside Old Trafford football stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on June 24, 2012 in Manchester, England. Photo by LOCOG.
Source: Getty Images

Career

Between 1956 and 1980, Bobby Charlton played for various teams, including Manchester United Under-18, Preston F.C., Waterford United, Bangor City, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle KB United, and Blacktown City FC. The Englishman received 117 call-ups to England's junior and senior national teams throughout his career.

Bobby Charlton's goals

The midfielder, who made his Manchester United debut during a 1956 match against Charlton Athletic FC, made over 750 appearances for the team. As per Forbes, Bobby Charlton's goal-scoring record with the Red Devils remained unbeaten until January 2017, when Wayne Rooney equalised it.

How many times did Bobby Charlton play for Manchester United?
Sir Bobby Charlton takes a penalty shot during the United Relief charity match between Manchester United Legends and a Celebrity Rivals XI at Old Trafford on May 1 2010, in Manchester, England. Photo by John Peters/Manchester United.
Source: Getty Images

In 1966, he scored three of his four FIFA World Cup goals. Here is a summary of Sir Bobby Charlton's goals for England and The Reds.

Manchester United

249

England national football team (senior)

49

England's C team

5

England's Under-21 team

1

England's Under-17 team

5

Who did Bobby Charlton manage?

On the 1st of July 1984, the retired forward was appointed as a member of the Manchester United board. Before the appointment, he managed the Preston North End team between 1973 and 1975. Later on, he held the position of director for the Wigan Athletic Football Club

What trophies did Bobby Charlton win?

In addition to sports accolades, the forward received three awards from the crown, including the Officer of the Order (OBE) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1969 and 1974. Here is a summary of some of the 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year's achievements.

What is Bobby Charlton famous for?
The statue of legendary Manchester United players George Best (left), Dennis Law (centre) and Sir Bobby Charlton (right) pictured at Old Trafford on November 24, 2016 in Manchester, England. Photo by Barrington Coombs.
Source: Getty Images

Year

Award

2022

University of Oxford’s Oxonian Award

2012

Laureus Lifetime Achievement

2009

UEFA President's Award

2004

FIFA 100

2002

English Football Hall of Fame

1994

Knighthood

1968, 1966

English Super Cup

1968

European Champion Clubs' Cup

1967, 1965, 1957

English Champion

1966

European Footballer of the Year

1966

England's Footballer of the Year

1966

World Cup winner - England

1966

Ballon d'Or

1965

Inter-Cities Fairs Cup top goalscorer

1963

English FA Cup

Bobby Charlton's net worth

Publications such as Business Age through the Daily Mail have reported that over 20 years ago, the forward amassed about £6.5 million ($7.89 million today) through his investments and businesses. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Bobby Charlton's net worth in 2023 is estimated at $25 million.

What were Bobby Charlton's career earnings?

During the time Bob played for Manchester United, the player's annual earnings were about £204,028 ($247,673 today). The sum, which included bonuses and wages, was handed out to the club's top players at the time, including Charlton, Denis Law, and George Best.

However, until 1961, the Red Devils' forward received a maximum of £20 weekly ($24 today). Details of his earnings from other clubs remain unknown.

Did Bobby Charlton play in 1966 World Cup?
The crowd applauds Sir Bobby Charlton (standing) on day six of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2018 in London, England. Photo by Clive Brunskill.
Source: Getty Images

Businesses and investments

Although he earned much less compared to the top soccer players today, the son of a coal miner used his earnings to establish businesses and investments, including the Bobby Charlton Soccer & Sports Academy. Additionally, founded in 1978, the Bobby Charlton International company provided recreation, amusement and sports services. Reports suggest that his investments extended into travel and jewellery businesses.

Appearances and speaking engagements

Until recently, the Officer of the Order of the British Empire was a public speaker for Manchester United, covering topics such as leadership, sports performance, English, and European football. He also appeared in fan events, television programs and live sports events. Details of his earnings from public and private speaking engagements have yet to be made public.

Literary works

He wrote several books throughout his career, including 1966: My World Cup Story, My Soccer Life, Forward for England, My Manchester United Years: The Autobiography, My England Years: The Autobiography and My Life in Football. However, details of his earnings from the sale of the books remain unknown.

How many England caps did Bobby Charlton win?
David Beckham receives his 100th cap from Sir Bobby Charlton before a match between England and the U.S.A. at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2008 in London, England. Photo by Michael Reagan-Pool.
Source: Getty Images

Philanthropy

Founded initially as Find A Better Way charity by the football legend and Manchester United in 2011, the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation is dedicated to offering aid to conflict-afflicted communities. In addition, the organisation works to fund the safe removal of landmines, offering prostheses and training trauma surgeons in updated amputation techniques.

Following decades of influence in the field, Sir Bobby Charlton's net worth is a testament to the impact he has had on the game. Unfortunately, his ailing health made it difficult for this work to continue. Bobby, a national hero, passed away on 21 October 2023, aged 86.

READ ALSO: Amazing! The top 10 Everton legends of all time are now revealed

Sports Brief published an article ranking the most exceptionally talented football players in the history of Everton FC. As one of the most prominent Premier League teams, Everton boasts some of the most skilled footballers in the world. Click on the link above for a detailed glimpse into the history of Everton, one of the oldest soccer clubs in the Premier League.

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Ciku Njuguna
Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with 3 year’s experience in content creation based in Kenya. She currently covers sports personnel as well as team biographies.