Who is Denis Law?
Denis Law was a legendary Scottish footballer renowned for his incredible goal-scoring abilities and charismatic presence on the field. He played a crucial role in Manchester United’s success during the 1960s and early 1970s, earning the nickname “The King.” His contributions to both club and country made him one of the greatest footballers of his era.
Early Life and Education
Denis Law was born on February 24, 1940, in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was the youngest of seven children in a working-class family. His father, George Law, was a fisherman, while his mother, Robina, managed the household. Growing up in poverty, Law often went barefoot as his family couldn’t afford shoes.
Despite suffering from a serious squint in his right eye, which was later corrected through surgery, Law displayed a natural talent for football from an early age. He attended Powis Academy in Aberdeen, where his football skills began to shine. Encouraged by his school coaches, he played for Scotland Schoolboys, an achievement that marked the beginning of his football career.
Family and Personal Life
Denis Law married his wife, Diana, in December 1962. The couple had five children, including a daughter named Diana Law, who later worked in Manchester United’s press office. Law was known for his humble and down-to-earth personality, despite achieving immense fame in football.
After retiring from professional football, he continued to stay involved in the sport as a radio and television commentator. His passion for the game never faded, and he remained a beloved figure in football circles. In August 2021, Law revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, a moment that deeply saddened the football community.
Detailed Biography Table
| Full Name | Denis Law CBE |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Date of Death | January 17, 2025 |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Parents | George Law (father), Robina Law (mother) |
| Spouse | Diana Law (married in 1962) |
| Children | Five, including a daughter named Diana |
| Position | Centre forward |
| Youth Career | Huddersfield Town (1955–1956) |
| Senior Career | Huddersfield Town, Manchester City, Torino, Manchester United |
| International Career | Scotland (1958–1974), 55 caps, 30 goals |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at £5 million |
Club Career
Huddersfield Town (1956–1960)
Denis Law’s professional career began when he signed for Huddersfield Town in 1956 at the age of 16. Under the management of Bill Shankly, Law developed into a formidable young forward. He made 81 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals.
Manchester City (1960–1961)
In 1960, Law moved to Manchester City for a British record transfer fee at the time. He played one season for City, scoring 21 goals in 44 appearances. His performances attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
Torino (1961–1962)
Law made a groundbreaking move to Torino in Italy in 1961, becoming one of the first British players to play in Serie A. He found it difficult to adapt to the Italian style of play and the highly defensive tactics used in the league. Despite scoring 10 goals in 27 games, he decided to return to England after one season.
Manchester United (1962–1973)
Denis Law signed for Manchester United in 1962 for another record fee. Under manager Sir Matt Busby, Law formed a deadly attacking trio alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton. His goal-scoring prowess helped United win several trophies, including:
- Football League First Division (1964–65, 1966–67)
- FA Cup (1962–63)
- Ballon d’Or (1964)
During his time at United, Law scored 171 goals in 309 appearances, making him one of the club’s greatest-ever goal scorers. Unfortunately, a knee injury hampered his final seasons at the club.
Return to Manchester City (1973–1974)
In 1973, Law returned to Manchester City for one final season. In his last game against Manchester United, he famously scored a backheel goal that contributed to United’s relegation, although he later expressed regret over the moment.
International Career
Denis Law earned 55 caps for the Scotland national team between 1958 and 1974, scoring 30 goals. He remains one of Scotland’s joint all-time top goal scorers. He represented Scotland in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, helping them remain unbeaten in the tournament but failing to progress beyond the group stage.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters), Denis Law had an athletic build that complemented his playing style. His sharp reflexes, speed, and aggressive attacking approach made him a nightmare for defenders. With his blond hair and intense playing demeanor, he was easily recognizable on the pitch.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Denis Law’s estimated net worth was around £5 million. His wealth came from his football career, media work, endorsements, and appearances. Though he lived a comfortable life, he remained deeply involved in charity work, particularly in raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.
Latest News
Following his passing on January 17, 2025, football fans worldwide have been paying tribute to Denis Law. Manchester United, Manchester City, and the Scottish FA have all honored his legacy with special ceremonies and tributes.
Social Media Accounts Table
Denis Law was a private individual and did not have official social media accounts.
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Not Available | |
| Not Available | |
| Not Available |
Legacy
Denis Law’s impact on football remains unparalleled. His aggressive playing style, sharp goal-scoring instinct, and charismatic personality made him an icon in Manchester United and Scottish football history. He will always be remembered as “The King” by fans and fellow footballers alike.
FAQs
-
Is Denis Law ill?
Denis Law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in August 2021. -
Did Denis Law score 6 goals in a match?
Yes, Denis Law scored six goals in a single match for Manchester City against Luton Town in 1961, but the match was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch, and his goals did not count officially. -
Who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964?
Denis Law won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, becoming the only Scottish player to receive the award. -
What is Denis Law famous for?
Denis Law is famous for being one of Manchester United’s greatest players, known for his goal-scoring ability and earning the nickname “The King.” He was also a key player for the Scotland national team.
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