Leeds United and England lead tributes to Jack Charlton after 1966 World Cup hero dies aged 85

Leeds United and the England national team were among the first to pay tribute to Jack Charlton after the 1966 World Cup died at the age of 85. 

The former defender, who went on to make a club record 773 appearances for Leeds United, passed away following a battle against dementia and lymphoma.

The England national team social media account revealed that the Football Association was ‘devastated’ by the news. 

A statement read: ‘We are devastated by the news that Jack Charlton, a member of our World Cup-winning team of 1966, has passed away. 

Sir Geoff Hurst led tributes to 1996 World Cup-winning team-mate Jack Charlton after it was announced the former Leeds and England defender had passed away at the age of 85

Leeds paid tribute to the man who is their all-time record appearance holder as a player

Leeds paid tribute to the man who is their all-time record appearance holder as a player

Leeds put together a tribute video for Charlton after it was announced he had passed away

Leeds put together a tribute video for Charlton after it was announced he had passed away

The tribute video showed Charlton in his playing days and was a re-run of his finest moments

The tribute video showed Charlton in his playing days and was a re-run of his finest moments

England said they were 'devastated' at news of Charlton's passing as they paid condolences

England said they were ‘devastated’ at news of Charlton’s passing as they paid condolences

‘Our deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family, friends and former clubs.’

The Premier League announced that to pay respect, players are to wear black armbands and there will be a moment of silence before kick-off in all league games this weekend. 

His granddaughter Kate Wilkinson put out a candid tribute along with a photo of her as a young child with Charlton. 

‘Yesterday was a very sad day. My grandad, Jack Charlton, died peacefully at home. He was kind, playful and genuine, and I’ll miss him so much.

‘Already seen many lovely messages in his honour. I’ll share them with his wife, my grandma Pat, to help her through this difficult time.’ 

Charlton was best known for his 21 years as a professional at Leeds United. 

He is their club-record appearance maker and the Championship side produced a montage of his best moments for the club in a poignant tribute video.

In a statement, Leeds wrote in part: ‘Charlton’s contribution to the game and Leeds United will never be forgotten.

‘He will remain in football folklore forever and his records at Leeds United are unlikely ever to be surpassed.’

In action for Leeds against younger brother Bobby, of Manchester United in January 1969

In action for Leeds against younger brother Bobby, of Manchester United in January 1969

Charlton's granddaughter Kate Wilkinson described him as 'kind, playful and genuine' in her tribute to her grandad as she revealed she plans to share tribute messages with her family

Charlton’s granddaughter Kate Wilkinson described him as ‘kind, playful and genuine’ in her tribute to her grandad as she revealed she plans to share tribute messages with her family

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford described Charlton as 'one of the greats'

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford described Charlton as ‘one of the greats’

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker paid tribute to Charlton and his 'infectious personality'

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker paid tribute to Charlton and his ‘infectious personality’

Wayne Rooney passed on his condolences to the Charlton family following news of his passing

Wayne Rooney passed on his condolences to the Charlton family following news of his passing

He helped the Yorkshire club win the second division title in 1963-64 and then the first division in 1968-69.

This successful Leeds side also won the FA Cup in 1972, the League Cup in 1968 and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups in 1968 and 1971.

Manchester United, where Charlton’s brother Bobby played, tweeted their condolences along with a picture of the two brothers. 

The club wrote: ‘We are extremely saddened by the passing of Jack Charlton, brother of Sir Bobby and member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team. Our deepest condolences go to all the Charlton family for their immensely sad loss.’ 

United striker Marcus Rashford also took to social media to pay tribute to ‘one of the greats’ in Charlton.  

‘One of the greats,’ Rashford wrote, along with a broken heart emoji. ‘Thoughts are with Sir Bobby and the family.’ 

United’s all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney added: ‘Sad news, legend. Condolences to @SirBobby and family.’ 

Charlton was part of the iconic England side which went on to win the 1966 World Cup

Charlton was part of the iconic England side which went on to win the 1966 World Cup

United added a statement of their own as they offered their 'deepest condolences' to his family

United added a statement of their own as they offered their ‘deepest condolences’ to his family

Charlton was from the north-east and the former defender spent time managing Newcastle

Charlton was from the north-east and the former defender spent time managing Newcastle

Arsenal described him as a 'giant of the game' and the world of football hailed his talents as they reflected on his illustrious career both as a player as well as his time as a manager

Arsenal described him as a ‘giant of the game’ and the world of football hailed his talents as they reflected on his illustrious career both as a player as well as his time as a manager

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker described the former Leeds defender as having. a ‘wonderfully infectious personality’ for those he was around in a glowing tribute. 

Lineker wrote: ‘Saddened to hear that Jack Charlton has passed away. World Cup winner with England, manager of probably the best ever Ireland side and a wonderfully infectious personality to boot. RIP Jack.’ 

Despite not being called into the England team until days before his 30th birthday, Charlton won 35 caps and, playing alongside younger brother Bobby, lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley in 1966.

He also helped England finish third at the 1968 European Championship and in between was voted the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1967. 

In his post playing days, Charlton spent a period of time in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team. 

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said in tribute: ‘The FAI is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jack Charlton, the manager who changed Irish football forever. Our thoughts are with Pat and the family at this sad time.’ 

Charlton addresses the Irish fans after a 1990 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Italy

Charlton addresses the Irish fans after a 1990 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Italy

The FA of Ireland insisted that Charlton 'changed Irish football forever' for his time as manager

The FA of Ireland insisted that Charlton ‘changed Irish football forever’ for his time as manager

Charlton pictured in later life attending the funeral of former England keeper Gordon Banks

Charlton pictured in later life attending the funeral of former England keeper Gordon Banks

Former Ireland striker John Aldridge paid tribute, describing Charlton as ‘the best manager I was lucky to play for’.

‘Absolutely gutted that BIG JACK has passed away! What a football man, Loved and adored, specially in Ireland. 

‘The best manager I was lucky to play for. The times we had on and off the pitch was priceless ! My thoughts are with Pat and the family! RIP my good friend Never Forgotten!!’

Paul McGrath, who also played under Charlton with Ireland, was left ‘absolutely gutted’ after news of his former manager’s passing emerged.  

‘Absolutely gutted,’ he said. ‘Father figure to me for 10 years, thanks for having faith in me. Sleep well Jack, Love ya Broken heart.

‘Thinking of Pat, John and Peter at this sad time Green heart Flag of Ireland Shamrock #thanksforthememories’ 

Former Ireland striker John Aldridge described the 85-year-old as 'the best manager I was lucky to play for'

Former Ireland striker John Aldridge described the 85-year-old as ‘the best manager I was lucky to play for’

Paul McGrath, former Ireland defender, was left 'absolutely gutted' by the news of Charlton

Paul McGrath, former Ireland defender, was left ‘absolutely gutted’ by the news of Charlton