The entertainment world has reacted to the news of the death of Manchester United and Scotland football legend Denis Law.
The news was confirmed by his family in a statement on Friday (January 17), who said he passed away at the age of 84. “He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. 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.”
Law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021.
Manchester United is saddened to bring you the following statement from the family of Denis Law.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2025
The centre forward remains the only Scottish player ever to win the Ballon d’Or, given to the world’s bes footballer every year, which he was awarded in 1964. Nicknamed ‘The King’ and ‘The Lawman’, he formed one third of the so-called ‘Holy Trinity’ for Manchester United in the 1960s, alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton.
He twice broke the British transfer record – first signing for Torino for £110,000 in 1961, and then for United for £115,000 a year later. In 11 years at the Old Trafford club, he scored 237 goals, behind only Charlton and Wayne Rooney, and he helped them win the European Cup in 1968.
Many of United’s high-profile fans have shared their own tributes to Law, including DJ Dave Haslam, who shared an obituary of the late striker posted on X by the Manchester History account.
Denis Law RIPhttps://t.co/JaGHVPZ5f4
— ManchesterHist (@McrHistory) January 17, 2025
Broadcaster Terry Christian wrote: “The term ‘legend ‘ is used far too loosely nowadays. Denis Law is a legend in every way – the greatest footballer Scotland ever produced , the greatest instinctive striker Europe ever witnessed. I was so privileged to have met him and chatted to him several times. R.I.P King Denis.”
The term 'legend ' is used far too loosely nowadays. Denis Law is a legend in every way – the greatest footballer Scotland ever produced , the greatest instinctive Striker Europe ever witnessed. I was so privileged to have met him and chatted to him several times. R.I.P King… pic.twitter.com/NtO8yGSDsu
— terry christian (@terrychristian) January 17, 2025
We lose people who were a big part of our childhood every day . Not all can get us tearful. Surely it's not just all us United fans of a certain age . R.I.P King Denis – what a United team in heaven. pic.twitter.com/FzJACBGB5y
— terry christian (@terrychristian) January 17, 2025
“We lose people who were a big part of our childhood every day,” he continued. “Not all can get us tearful. Surely it’s not just all us United fans of a certain age . R.I.P King Denis – what a United team in heaven.”
Sacha Lord, founder of the Parklife Festival and the Warehouse Project in Manchester and current Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, also took to X to share his tribute. “The word “legend” gets used too often, but he really was one,” he wrote. “RIP Denis Law.”
The word “legend” gets used too often, but he really was one.
RIP Denis Law.
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) January 17, 2025
Radio presenter and former music journalist Danny Baker, who is a devoted football fan, also shared his memories of Law. “RIP Denis Law, who I always considered to be the epitome of a footballer when I was growing up,” he said. “I further liked the fact he looked like Danny Kaye and always in on some private joke. Great, great man. And not afraid to mix it up on occasion.”
RIP Denis Law, who I always considered to be the epitome of a footballer when I was growing up.
I further liked the fact he looked like Danny Kaye and always in on some private joke.
Great, great man.
And not afraid to mix it up on occasion. pic.twitter.com/kT4igKjFVo
— Danny Baker (@prodnose) January 17, 2025
Presenter Eamonn Holmes, another United fan, shared: “Denis Law The Last of The Holy Trinity has left us. One of my first jobs at BBC Northwest was to drive him home every Friday night. Don’t think I ever topped that one! RIP Lawman”
Denis Law The Last of The Holy Trinity has left us. 😔 One of my first jobs at BBC Northwest was to drive him home every Friday night😁 Don’t think I ever topped that one ! RIP Lawman 🙏 #ManUtd #DenisLaw #Hero pic.twitter.com/wEjfpKHYRw
— Eamonn Holmes OBE (@EamonnHolmes) January 17, 2025
Two statues of Law have been erected outside Old Trafford, one next to the Stretford End and the other depicting him, Charlton and Best in the stadium’s forecourt.
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