Key Takeaways:

• Denis Law, Manchester United and Scotland icon, has passed away at the age of 84.
• Law scored 237 goals for Manchester United and remains one of the club’s greatest players.
• He was the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d’Or, a prestigious award he claimed in 1964.
• Tributes have poured in from the football community, highlighting his lasting impact and legacy.
• Law's battle with dementia since 2021 has raised awareness of the condition within sports.

Denis Law, the legendary former Manchester United and Scotland striker, has died at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family and the club on Friday. Known affectionately as “The King,” Law was revered as one of the greatest players in the history of football. He remains the only Scottish player to have ever won the Ballon d’Or, which he achieved in 1964 after a remarkable goal-scoring season that saw him net a record 46 goals for United.

Born in Aberdeen in February 1940, Law began his professional career at Huddersfield Town and went on to have significant stints at both Manchester City and Torino before settling into his legendary phase at United. Between 1962 and 1973, he scored a staggering 237 goals in 404 appearances for the club. Law was instrumental in securing numerous trophies for Manchester United, including the FA Cup in 1963 and league titles in 1965 and 1967, as well as helping the team to lift the European Cup in 1968.

His impact on the game extended beyond his goal tally; he was part of the famed “Holy Trinity” alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best, a trio that defined an era for the club. Law’s legacy is immortalized at Old Trafford, where two statues commemorate his contributions to the team's rich history.

The news of Law's passing comes as the football world mourns the loss of a true great. Manchester United expressed their condolences, stating, “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End.” Tributes have also come from across the league, with friends, former players, and fans reflecting on his skills and charisma on and off the pitch.

A poignant statement from his family shared, “We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care,” highlighting their gratitude for the support he received during his final years, particularly after his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021.

Law’s legacy continues to resonate, not only in the records he set but also in the hearts of fans who remember him as a pioneer of modern football. His contributions to both club and country are celebrated, and he leaves behind a heritage that will not fade with time. His memory will surely live on forever, honored across the football community.

To read the original reports about Denis Law's life and legacy, visit BBC Sports and CNN.