Aberdeen football legend Denis Law dies aged 84 after Alzheimer's battle
Football legend Denis Law CBE has sadly passed away at the age of 84 followed a battle with Alzheimer's.
The Aberdeen-born Scottish football Hall of Famer and legendary Manchester United forward gave 11 years of service to the team, from 1962 to 1973. He also played 55 times for Scotland and remains the country's joint all-time top scorer.
A short family statement read: "It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
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"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."
Born in Aberdeen in 1940, he started and finished his professional career in England and never played a domestic game in Scotland, his only move away being a stint with Torino in 1961-62.
But he captured the hearts of the Tartan Army with his incredible performances, his storied international career lasting 16 years and establishing him as perhaps the greatest player ever to pull on the shirt. He's the only Scot ever to win the Ballon d'Or, winning the prestigious honour while playing for United in 1964.
He started his career at Huddersfield and also had two spells with Manchester City, with whom he retired in 1974. After football, he ventured into punditry and was given a CBE in 2016 for his services to football and charity. His Alzheimer's diagnosis was confirmed in 2021.
Manchester United led the tributes to the 'King of the Stretford End', as they posted on X: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.
"Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."
Aberdeen also issued a tribute as they added: "Everyone at Aberdeen FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Aberdeen born football legend Denis Law.
"One of Scotland’s greatest ever players, his legacy will live on in the North-east. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The Denis Law Legacy Trust described Law as "Scotland’s greatest ever footballer and a proud Aberdonian."
The Trust said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Denis and our foremost thoughts are with his family and close friends during this very sad time.
"Denis was Scotland’s greatest ever footballer and a proud Aberdonian. As Patron of the charity that was built in his honour, he was an inspirational figure for so many people in the city."
Within hours of his death, Scottish Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden – who represents the north-east region at Holyrood and was previously co-leader of Aberdeen City Council – tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament recognising Law’s contribution to the game.
“It is absolutely right that Denis Law’s achievements are marked in the Scottish Parliament for his immense contribution to football and grassroots sport in the community,” Mr Lumsden said.
“He is one of Scotland’s most iconic footballers and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of new players.
“The north-east has lost a true legend of Scottish football, but he will never be forgotten and was a credit to his home city of Aberdeen.”
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney said: “He was a giant of Scottish football, and one of Scotland’s greatest sons.
“The legacy from his incredible sporting career had a profound impact on future generations, and I know it will continue to inspire the next generation.
“Despite all of his successes on the pitch, he was also a humble individual.
“In his later years, Denis bore his illness with great dignity and bravery, leading from the front when raising awareness of the real challenges and difficulties that come with Alzheimer’s.
“Denis was one of Scotland’s great superstars who brought joy to people both on and off the pitch. We were very lucky to have him.”