The Lawman’s life in truly iconic pictures

18 Jan 2025 - The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)

BY JENNA SCOTT

HE WAS A PLAYER YOU LOVED 

TO WATCH AND HATED TO MARK! 

   - Former England player and 

     manager Sir Bobby Robson

The impact Denis Law has had on the beautiful game will last for generations. A Tartan Army and Man United legend, the only Scot to win the Ballon D’or, a striker at his peak who was feared and revered in equal measure around the world, Hampden Hall of Famer, community champion, charity crusader... the list goes on and on.

 

Denis’s statue unveiled in 2021 outside Provost Skene’s House.

His passing will leave a huge hole in the lives of his loved ones as well as the wider footballing community.

But we can cherish the memories he has left for us – whether that be spearheading Scotland’s attack as we declared ourselves unofficial world champions with that wonderful Wembley victory against England in 1967 or his tireless efforts to promote grassroots football.

The career of a footballer can be a fleeting one.

Names once roared from the stands can be forgotten as new superstars emerge.

But Law has left a legacy that will withstand time. 

Here we share some images reflecting his inspiring life.

The Rest Of The World team at Wembley in 1963, playing England to mark the 100th year of association football. Back, from left: Ferenc Puskas, Djalma Santos, Svatopluk Pluskal, Lev Yashin, Jan Popluhar, Karl Heinz Schnellinger, Milutin Soskic, Josef Masopust, Eyzaguire, Jim Baxter. Front: Raymond Kopa, Denis Law, Alfredo di Stefano, Eusebio, Francisco Gento. Denis scored the World’s goal in a 2-1 defeat.