Sir Bobby Charlton remembered in Spirit of Sport

Charlton passed away in October at the age of 86 and in this tribute, David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson, Pat Crerand and his brother, Tom Charlton, describe the lasting impact Sir Bobby had, both on and off the football field.

As a player, he was world class, winning the World Cup with England in 1966 and the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, when he scored twice in the final. Sir Alex Ferguson summed up his talents best, when presenting him with a Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. “Of all the great players we’ve had, he’s the No.1”.

Away from the pitch, his charitable work through the Bobby Charlton Foundation and commitment to his role as Laureus Academy Member showcased his compassionate heart. 

Everywhere he went, he inspired those who met him due to his warmth, his compassion and his caring nature, as former international cricketer Steve Waugh shared. 

"It was a privilege to get to know Sir Bobby Charlton as a fellow Laureus Academy Member. He was such a nice man - humble, friendly and always had time for everyone." 

The legacy Sir Bobby Charlton has left from his performances on a football pitch and his work off it, will continue inspire generations to come. He will never be forgotten. 

In an exclusive interview with newly announced Laureus Ambassador Neeraj Chopra, the Indian sporting trailblazer speaks more about his route to the top of athletics. 

Chopra made history at Tokyo 2020 when he became India’s first ever track and field athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, with a 87.58m throw. 

Looking back at his early years, Chopra recalls how shy he was during his first visits to an athletics stadium and how javelin helped his confidence to grow. 

The 25-year-old, who won a World Championship gold and a second Asian Games title after his Olympic gold, also discusses the ardent support he receives from all over India and speaks about his considerable desire to give back to others. 

“I am so happy to be a part of Laureus,” he said. “I have been hearing about Laureus since forever and the good work it does for sports across the world. 

“I feel it is important to give back to the country [of India] and our citizens. I feel that kids aren’t aware of their potential and sports helps them identify it. I know that journey and through my Neeraj Chopra Foundation I will try to help as many kids as possible.” 

The episode also features a powerful feature on Magic Bus, a project that since 1999 has provided education, opportunity and a pathway out of poverty to children and young people across India. 

With break dancing set to feature in the Paris 2024 Olympics, this episode of Spirit of Sport brings you up to date with the work of some of the best B-Boys and B-Girls in the world at the Red Bull BC One World Finals. 

This episode also stops off at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which saw a thrilling week of competition across the famous Scottish links courses of St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. 

Once again, the unique format of the professional tournament – the longest-standing event on the DP Tour – created an atmosphere of great camaraderie as it operated alongside the Team Championship, which included celebrities such as footballer Gareth Bale and Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.

After heavy rain wiped out two days of play, the tournament concluded on the Monday with a fitting winner. England’s Matt Fitzpatrick – fresh from Ryder Cup success – not only won the pro tournament but picked up the Team Championship alongside his mother, Sue.

“Aside from the weather, this was the perfect week. It was amazing to play together,” said Fitzpatrick. 

Finally, Laureus Ambassador Fabio Capello has some fun and selects his European ‘Best XI of the Year’ and there's another inspirational Laureus Sporting Moment.