THE GREATEST SCOT EVER TO PLAY THE GAME

IMMORTAL - Law with fellow Man United heroes 

Bobby Charlton and George Best. Below, statue of trio

Former team-mates pay tribute to ‘unbelievable’ strike ace.. the only footballer from our nation to be crowned world’s best thoughts are with your family. thanks for the great memories. My hero Kenny Dalglish on all-time great

18 gen 2025 - Daily Record

BY JOHN-PAUL CLARK

TRIBUTES have been paid to Denis Law, the only Scot to have ever won the ballon D’Or, after his death at 84. 

The former Manchester United and Scotland striker’s family announced the sad news last night after he lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

A family statement said: “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. 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 love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”

After being diagnosed with the condition, Law recognised he had a long battle ahead and asked for “understanding and patience.”

He knew that his brain was deteriorating and spoke of the distress this was causing him but vowed to continue watching football for as long as he was able.

Law said: “I have good days and bad days and aim to take each day as it comes adjusting my lifestyle accordingly.”

Leading figures from sport and public life spoke of his legacy.

Sir Kenny Dalglish, with whom Law shares the Scottish all-time record for goals with 30, posted on X: “Thoughts are with Denis Law’s family. Thanks for the great memories. My hero.”

While First Minister John Swinney tweeted: “Terribly sorry to hear of the death of Denis Law – an inspiring footballer of immense skill and talent.

“His record of scoring goals for Scotland made a special place for him in all of our hearts. My condolences to his family.”

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called him “the greatest Scot to ever play the game.”

Law was born in Aberdeen in 1940 to George and Robina and met wife Diana when the pair were still teenagers, before they went on to have five children.

Law supported Aberdeen as a kid. A spokesman for the club said last night: “Everyone at Aberdeen is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Aberdeenborn football legend Denis Law.

“One of Scotland’s greatestever players, his legacy will live on in the north-east. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

After showing early promise on the pitch, he was selected to play for Scotland schoolboys.

He was then asked to go down for a trial at Huddersfield Town aged 14 and signed for them in 1955, before making his debut for the club in the English Second Division the following year at the tender age of 16.

The Aberdonian left in 1960 after scoring 19 goals in 91 games to sign for First Division outfit Manchester City.

In Manchester, he began to establish himself as an icon of the game and bagged 25 goals in just 50 appearances, before he moved to Torino in Italy.

After one year in Italy, where he scored 10 goals in 28 appearances, Law returned to the UK and signed for United in 1962.

The Scot spent 11 years playing

for the Red Devils, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances and helped the club win the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup. His former team-mate at United, Brian Kidd, said in an interview: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion. An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal. “He said, ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault. He was usually there. Sir Matt (Busby) loved him. We all did. He was King of the Stretford End.” Following the news of Law’s death last night, Manchester United issued a statement acknowledging the “tough battle” Law had had with his health.

A spokeswoman said: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you Denis Law has sadly passed away.

“He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.

“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.” Law was adored by the Tartan Army and after making his debut for Scotland at aged 18 in 1958 he went on to score 30 goals in 55 appearances. He won the coveted Ballon d’Or in 1964. Law was awarded a CBE in 2016 for his services to football and charity. The proud Scot was also given the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen and won honorary degrees from Aberdeen, St Andrews and Robert Gordon universities. The Scotland National Team posted on social media last night saying that “we will not see his likes again”. SNP MP Flynn, whose constituency is Aberdeen South added: “A man who loved Aberdeen and who, as patron of the charity built in his honour, gave so much back to communities across the city.

“A privilege to have been in his company. Rest in peace, Denis.”

Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, wrote: “Sad news about Denis Law. A true Scottish footballing legend.”

The Denis Law Legacy Trust, an Aberdeen-based children’s charity which provides free-to-access sport and creative activities, also paid tribute. A statement read: “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 greatestever 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.”