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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Scotland & Man Utd legend Denis Law dies aged 84 after 'tough battle'

Scotland and Manchester United legend Denis Law has passed away aged 84.

The Scottish Football Hall of Fame inductee died after a "tough battle" with Alzheimer's.

A statement from the Law family read: “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. 

Denis Law at Hampden in 2015Denis Law at Hampden in 2015 (Image: SNS Group Alan Harvey) “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, who played 55 times for Scotland, remains the country's most prolific goalscorer with 30 goals for the national team.


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The forward - affectionately known as The King and The Lawman - was recognised for his individual brilliance in 1964 when he won the Ballon d'Or for the best footballer in the previous season, he is the only Scottish player to lift the trophy.

Born in Aberdeen on February 24, 1940, Law began his football career at Huddersfield Town before moving to Manchester City.

He would spend one year in Italy with Torino before becoming a legend at Old Trafford in a free-scoring spell at Manchester United.

The striker scored 237 times for the Premier League giants in an 11-year spell with the club. It was there Law became a member of the 'Holy Trinity' alongside fellow club greats Bobby Charlton and George Best.

Law ended his playing career at Manchester City.

A statue of Scotland and Manchester United legend Denis Law is unveiled outside Provost Skene’s HouseA statue of Scotland and Manchester United legend Denis Law is unveiled outside Provost Skene’s House (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) A tribute from the Scotland National Team read: "A true great. We will not see his likes again.

"Denis Law. 1940-2025."

A statement from Manchester United read: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.

"Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."

A Liverpool tribute read: "Sending condolences from all of us at LFC.

"Denis was a rival player but so highly thought of. As Bill Shankly once said, 'Denis Law could dance on eggshells.'

"Our thoughts are with Denis' family and friends at this very sad time."

Law revealed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia in August 2021. 

Opening up after being diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease, Law said at the time: "This will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most.

Denis Law in a Manchester United kit in 1966Denis Law in a Manchester United kit in 1966 (Image: PA) "I know the road ahead will be hard, demanding, painful and ever changing and so ask for understanding and patience.

"I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don't want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control.

"I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because I know there will be days when I don't understand and I hate the thought of that right now."

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