Bobby Charlton wife: Meet Norma Ball

May 2024 · 4 minute read

Bobby Charlton’s wife was Norma Ball. They got married in 1961 after first meeting in 1959 on a Manchester ice rink. Their two daughters, Andrea and Suzanne, were born. In the 1990s, Suzanne worked as a weather forecaster for the BBC. Their descendants included Robert, the son of Suzanne, who was called after his grandfather.

Who was Bobby Charlton?

Sir Bobby Charlton was an English professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, and left-winger and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Bobby Charlton biography

Charlton, born in Ashington, Northumberland, England, on October 11, 1937, came from a family deeply rooted in football. His father, Robert “Bob” Charlton (24 May 1909 – April 1982), worked as a coal miner, while his mother, Elizabeth Ellen “Cissie” Charlton (11 November 1912–25 March 1996), played a significant role in his early career development.

On his mother’s side, Charlton had a lineage of professional footballers, including his uncles Jack Milburn (Leeds United and Bradford City), George Milburn (Leeds United and Chesterfield), Jim Milburn (Leeds United and Bradford Park Avenue), and Stan Milburn (Chesterfield, Leicester City, and Rochdale).

Notably, his mother’s cousin was the legendary Newcastle United and England footballer, Jackie Milburn. Charlton also acknowledged the influence of his grandfather Tanner in shaping his football journey. Interestingly, his elder brother, Jack, initially pursued a career as a miner but later followed in Charlton’s footsteps, becoming a professional footballer with Leeds United.

Sir Bobby Charlton career

He played the majority of his club football at Manchester United, where he gained a reputation for his attacking instincts, midfield passing abilities, and powerful long-range shot. Additionally, his fitness and stamina were highly regarded. Throughout his career, he received only two cautions, one during the 1966 World Cup against Argentina and another in a league match against Chelsea.

His elder brother, Jack, who was also a member of the World Cup-winning team, had previously played as a defender for Leeds United and later became an international manager. With his success at both the club and international level, he was among a select group of nine players who had won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or.

Born in Ashington, Northumberland, Charlton made his debut for the Manchester United first team in 1956 at the age of 18. He quickly established himself as a regular player and contributed to the team’s victory in the Football League First Division in 1957. He also survived the tragic Munich air disaster in February 1958, thanks to the heroic efforts of his teammate Harry Gregg.

Charlton was the sole survivor from the club involved in the crash. After helping Manchester United secure the FA Cup in 1963 and the Football League titles in 1965 and 1967, he led the team as captain to win the European Cup in 1968. His two goals in the final helped Manchester United become the first English club to claim the prestigious trophy. Charlton eventually left Manchester United to take on the role of manager at Preston North End for the 1973–74 season.

The following season, he transitioned to the position of player-manager. He later served as a director at Wigan Athletic before joining Manchester United’s board of directors in 1984. On the international stage, Charlton was selected for the England squad in four World Cups (1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970), although he did not participate in the first tournament.

At the time of his retirement from the England team in 1970, he held the record for the most appearances for the national team, having represented his country 106 times at the highest level. This record was later surpassed by Bobby Moore in 1973. Charlton also held the record for the most goals scored for both Manchester United and England. He was a true legend and an integral part of Manchester United’s history.

Norma Ball: Bobby Charlton wife details shared

Norma Ball was the spouse of Bobby Charlton. They met in 1959 on an ice rink in Manchester and were married in 1961. Andrea and Suzanne, their two daughters, were born. Suzanne was employed by the BBC as a weather forecaster in the 1990s. Among their descendants was Robert, named after his grandpa, who was Suzanne’s son.

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