Denis Law facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Denis Law
CBE

Law in 2011
Personal information
Full name	Denis Law
Date of birth	(1940-02-24)24 February 1940
Place of birth	Aberdeen, Scotland
Date of death	17 January 2025(2025-01-17) (aged 84)
Place of death	Aberdeen, Scotland
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s)	Centre forward
Youth career
1955–1956	Huddersfield Town
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1956–1960	Huddersfield Town	81	(16)
1960–1961	Manchester City	44	(21)
1961–1962	Torino	27	(10)
1962–1973	Manchester United	309	(171)
1973–1974	Manchester City	24	(9)
Total		458	(227)
International career
1959–1961	Scotland U23	3	(1)
1958–1974	Scotland	55	(30)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Denis Law (born 24 February 1940 – died 17 January 2025) was a famous Scottish footballer. He played as a forward, scoring many goals. His amazing career started at Huddersfield Town in 1956. After four years, he moved to Manchester City for a British record fee of £55,000.

Law then played for Torino in Italy, setting another record fee for a British player at £110,000. He found it hard to settle in Italy. In 1962, he joined Manchester United for a new British record of £115,000. He spent 11 years at Manchester United, scoring 237 goals. This makes him the third highest goal scorer in the club's history.

Fans called him "The King" and "The Lawman." Opposing fans nicknamed him "Denis the Menace." He was also part of the "United Trinity" with Bobby Charlton and George Best. Denis Law is the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d'Or award, which he received in 1964. He helped Manchester United win the First Division in 1965 and 1967, and the FA Cup in 1963. He also won two Charity Shields. He missed the 1968 European Cup final due to injury.

Law returned to Manchester City for a season in 1973. He also played for Scotland in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He played 55 times for Scotland and holds the joint record for most international goals with 30. Law holds a Manchester United record for scoring 46 goals in one season. He retired from professional football in 1974.

Denis Law's Early Life

Denis Law was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 24 February 1940. His father, George Law, was a fisherman. His mother was Robina. Denis was the youngest of seven children. His family was poor and lived in a small flat. He often went barefoot until he was 12. His first football boots were a second-hand birthday gift.

Law loved football and supported Aberdeen. He would watch them play whenever he had money. If not, he watched local non-league teams. His passion for football was so strong that he turned down a place at Aberdeen Grammar School. This was because he would have had to play rugby there. Instead, he went to Powis Academy. Even though he had a serious squint, he was a very promising player. He was chosen to play for Scotland Schoolboys.

Denis Law's Club Career

Playing for Huddersfield Town

In the 1954–55 season, a scout named Archie Beattie saw Denis Law play. Beattie worked for Huddersfield Town. He invited 14-year-old Law for a trial. The manager was not impressed at first, saying Law looked "weak, puny and bespectacled." However, they signed him on 3 April 1955. While at Huddersfield, Law had an operation to fix his squint. This made him feel much more confident.

Huddersfield was in the Second Division. This made it easier for Law to get a chance to play. He made his first team debut on 24 December 1956. He was only sixteen years old. Huddersfield won the game 2–1 against Notts County. Soon after, Manchester United's manager Matt Busby offered Huddersfield £10,000 for Law. This was a lot of money for a teenager back then, but Huddersfield refused. Bill Shankly, who managed Huddersfield, wanted to take Law with him to Liverpool. But Liverpool could not afford him at that time.

Playing for Manchester City (First Time)

In March 1960, Law joined Manchester City. The transfer fee was a British record, estimated at £55,000. Law himself did not get any of this money. Matt Busby had tried to sign Law for Manchester United again. But City, their rivals, signed him first.

City had almost been relegated from Division 1 the season before. Law actually felt Huddersfield had a better team. He played his first game for City on 19 March. He scored a goal in a 4–3 loss to Leeds United. In April 1961, he scored two goals in a 4–1 win against Aston Villa. This win helped City stay in Division One.

Law thought about leaving City, but he was playing well. In 1961, he scored six goals in an FA Cup match against Luton Town. However, the game was stopped with twenty minutes left, so his goals did not count. Luton won the replay, and City were out of the Cup.

Law enjoyed his time at City, but he wanted to play for a more successful team. He was sold to the Italian club Torino in the summer of 1961. The fee was a new British record of £110,000.

Playing for Torino in Italy

Law moved to Torino for £110,000. This was a record fee for a British player. His teammate Joe Baker also joined Torino. Another Italian club, Internazionale, tried to stop him from joining Torino. They claimed he had signed a deal with them, but they dropped the claim.

Law was surprised by how well players were treated in Italy. Pre-season training was held in a fancy hotel in the Alps. However, Torino paid players based on how well the team did. They got a lot of money for wins, but little for losses. Law did not like the style of football in Italy. It was very defensive, called catenaccio. This meant forwards like him did not get many chances to score.

On 7 February 1962, Law was in a car crash. His teammate Joe Baker was driving and flipped the car. Baker was badly hurt, but Law's injuries were not serious.

By April, Law wanted to leave, but his request was ignored. The final problem for Law came in a match against Napoli. He was sent off. After the game, he was told that Torino's coach had told the referee to send him off. The coach was angry because Law had taken a throw-in when he was told not to. Law left the club. He was told he would be transferred to Manchester United. But a few days later, he heard he was being sold to Juventus. His contract said he had to go there. Law flew home to Aberdeen. He knew Torino would not get any transfer money if he refused to play for Juventus. He finally signed for Manchester United on 10 July 1962. This was a new British record fee of £115,000.

Law found the football in Italy to be boring and too defensive. He was often tackled hard. His 10 goals in Serie A were a record for a Scottish player for 61 years.

Playing for Manchester United

Years of Success

The second of two murals on Clifton Court, Aberdeen showing Law in a Manchester United jersey

Law moved back to Manchester. He lived with the same landlady he had when he played for City. His first game for United was on 18 August 1962, against West Bromwich Albion. He started brilliantly, scoring after only seven minutes. The game ended in a 2–2 draw. United's performance had been up and down since the Munich air disaster in 1958. They spent the season trying to avoid relegation. In a league game against Leicester City, Law scored three goals, a hat-trick. But United still lost.

However, United played well in the FA Cup. Law scored another hat-trick in a 5–0 win against his old club, Huddersfield Town. They reached the final against Leicester City. Leicester was expected to win, but Law scored the first goal. United won 3–1. This was the only FA Cup final of his career. He also married his wife, Diana, that season in December 1962.

Law scored many goals at the start of the 1963–64 season. He was chosen to play for a Rest of the World team against England at Wembley. He scored their only goal in a 2–1 loss. He later said this was the greatest honour of his career. His season was stopped by a 28-day ban for being sent off against Aston Villa. The very cold winter meant United had to play many games quickly. Their results suffered. Law believed this was why United did not win a trophy that season. Despite no trophies, Law scored a lot of goals. He finished the season with 46 goals in all games. This is still a club record today.

In 1964–65, Law won the Ballon d'Or award. Manchester United won their first league title since the Munich disaster. Law's 28 league goals made him the top scorer in the First Division.

The next season, Law hurt his right knee while playing for Scotland. This happened against Poland on 21 October 1965. He had already had an operation on the same knee when he was at Huddersfield. This injury caused him problems for the rest of his career.

In 1966, Law asked United's manager Matt Busby for more money in his next contract. He said he would leave if he did not get it. Busby immediately put Law on the transfer list. He announced that "no player will hold this club to ransom." When Law met him, Busby made him sign a written apology. He showed it to the press. Law later said Busby used this to warn other players. But Busby secretly gave him the pay rise. Law scored 23 goals in 36 league games in 1966–67. This helped United win the league title again.

In 1968, United won the European Cup for the first time. But Law's knee injury was very bad. He missed the semi-final and the final. John Aston played in his place for the final. Law often had injections to ease the pain. But playing with the injured knee caused long-term damage. A specialist said in January 1968 that a past operation on his knee had failed. He suggested a second operation. But Law did not see this report for years. He had to keep training fully.

Law as depicted on a statue at Old Trafford which honours him, George Best and Bobby Charlton as the "United Trinity"

In 1968–69, United reached the semi-final of the European Cup. They played AC Milan. United lost the first game 2–0. They won the second game at Old Trafford 1–0 with a goal from Bobby Charlton. Law had scored seven goals in an earlier round. He finished as the top scorer in the tournament with 9 goals.

Dealing with Injuries

Wilf McGuinness became the first team coach at the start of the 1969–70 season. United finished eighth in the league. Law missed almost the whole season due to injury. In April 1970, he was put on the transfer list for £60,000. No club made an offer, so he stayed at United.

After a poor 1970–71 season, United hired Frank O'Farrell as manager. They started the 1971–72 season well. By the end of 1971, they were five points clear at the top of the league. Law had scored twelve goals. However, their results got worse. They finished the season in eighth place. Law scored in the first game of the next season, 1972–73. But his knee injury was bothering him again. He did not score for the rest of the season. The bad results continued. O'Farrell was fired in December 1972 after a 5–0 loss to Crystal Palace.

Law suggested that United replace O'Farrell with Tommy Docherty. He knew Docherty from playing with the Scottish national team. The club followed his advice. Things started well, and the team's results improved. They moved up to mid-table. Law was given a free transfer by Tommy Docherty in the summer of 1973. He had been at the club for 11 years. He scored 237 goals in 404 games. He also won two league titles and an FA Cup. Only Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney have scored more goals for United.

Returning to Manchester City

The first of two murals on Clifton Court, Aberdeen showing Law in a Scotland national jersey

Manchester City manager Johnny Hart offered Law a contract. Law scored two goals in his second debut for City. This was against Birmingham City in the first game of the 1973–74 season. He played 27 full games and two as a substitute that season. This included City's 2–1 loss in the League Cup final against Wolves.

In City's last game of the 1973–74 season, they played Manchester United at Old Trafford. Law scored a goal in the 81st minute with a back-heel. This gave City a 1–0 lead. Law thought his goal might send United down to a lower league. So, he did not celebrate the goal. Other results that day meant United were relegated anyway, but Law did not know this at the time. United fans invaded the pitch. Law walked off the field with his head down when he was substituted. The pitch invasions forced the referee to stop the game. The Football League decided the result should stand.

Law had a contract with Manchester City for the 1974–75 season. But the new manager, Tony Book, told him he would only play for the reserve team. Law did not want to end his career this way. So, he retired from professional football in the summer of 1974. Law played two games for Manchester City in the 1974–75 season. These were in a pre-season tournament. He scored his last career goal on 6 August 1974. His last professional game was on 10 August 1974. He officially retired on 26 August 1974.

Denis Law's International Career

Law was not chosen for Scotland in the 1958 FIFA World Cup. But he made his debut for Scotland on 18 October 1958. This was in a match against Wales. Matt Busby was managing Scotland temporarily. Law scored Scotland's second goal in a 3–0 win. He played in Scotland's match against England on 15 April 1961. Scotland lost 9–3. Law called it his "blackest day."

Law was chosen for the Rest of the World team in 1963. They played England in a special match. Law scored the only goal for the Rest of the World. England won 2–1.

Law hurt his right knee playing for Scotland against Poland on 21 October 1965. Law scored in Scotland's famous 3–2 win over England on 15 April 1967. This was less than a year after England had won the World Cup. Scotland became the unofficial world champions. Manchester United won the league that season. But Law felt the win over England was even more satisfying.

Scotland reached the World Cup finals in the summer of 1974. This was their first time since 1958. Law had not played much first team football that season. But he was in the squad. He played in their first match against Zaire. He did not score, but Scotland won 2–0. Law was "very disappointed" not to be picked for the next game against Brazil. He was also not chosen for the match against Yugoslavia. Scotland did not lose any games, but they did not qualify for the next stage. The match against Zaire was Law's last of 55 appearances for Scotland.

Law shares the Scottish international record for most goals, with 30 goals.

Denis Law's Personal Life

Denis Law first met his wife, Diana, at a dancehall in Aberdeenshire. They were both teenagers. They married in December 1962 and had five children. Their daughter worked for Manchester United's press office for several years.

After retiring from playing, Law often worked on radio and television. He would commentate on games. He was one of the first sports news presenters for Granada Reports. He also presented Kick Off Match. He appeared on the TV show This Is Your Life in February 1975.

Statue to Law at Aberdeen Sports Village

He was made an Inaugural Inductee of the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002. This was to recognise his impact on English football. On 23 February 2002, a statue of Law was unveiled at Old Trafford. It features him, George Best, and Bobby Charlton. He had a successful operation for prostate cancer in November 2003. He received honorary degrees from the Universities of Aberdeen and St. Andrews in 2005. He also received one from Robert Gordon University in 2017.

In the 1990s, the Dutch footballer Dennis Bergkamp became famous. It was revealed that his parents were fans of Law. They named their son after him. However, Dutch authorities would not allow the name unless it was spelled with two 'n's. They felt "Denis" was too similar to the female name "Denise."

On 25 November 2005, Law was with his former United teammate George Best when Best died.

In May 2008, Law presented medals to the winners of the UEFA Cup. This was at the City of Manchester Stadium. He presented them to Zenit Saint Petersburg and Rangers.

In February 2010, Law became a patron of the charity Football Aid. He took over from Sir Bobby Robson.

Bronze statue of Denis Law created by Alan Herriot and unveiled in November 2021

In 2012, he started the Denis Law Legacy Trust. This charity runs programs to get people involved in the community. It aims to reduce youth crime and promote health. It also encourages everyone to take part in sports and creative activities. They worked on projects like Scotland's first Cruyff Court in Aberdeen.

Also in 2012, a statue of Law was unveiled at the Aberdeen Sports Village. He had opened the facility two years earlier. The statue shows him in his pose after scoring for Scotland against England in 1967.

Law was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016. This was for his services to football and charity. In 2017, he received the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen.

On 18 November 2021, Law and Sir Alex Ferguson unveiled a second statue of Law in Aberdeen. It was made of bronze by sculptor Alan Herriot. It is located next to Provost Skene's House.

Illness and Passing

In August 2021, it was announced that Denis Law had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Denis Law passed away on 17 January 2025, at the age of 84.

Two tribute murals were painted on the sides of Clifton Court in Woodside, Aberdeen. This is the area where he grew up. They were unveiled in March 2025.

On 23 March 2025, a tribute to Law was held at Hampden Park. This was before a Nations League match between Scotland and Greece. Alex Ferguson led the tribute.

Denis Law's Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

International Appearances and Goals

Denis Law's Awards and Honours

Manchester United

• Football League First Division: 1964–65, 1966–67
• FA Cup: 1962–63
• FA Charity Shield: 1965, 1967
• European cup: 1967-68

Scotland

• British Home Championship: 1959–60 (shared), 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64 (shared), 1966–67, 1971–72 (shared)

Individual Awards

• Ballon d'Or: 1964
• World Soccer World XI: 1964
• European Cup top scorer: 1968–69
• Football League 100 Legends: 1998
• PFA Merit Award: 1975
• Scottish FA International Roll of Honour (players with 50+ caps): inducted in 1988
• FWA Tribute Award: 1994
• Inaugural Inductee of the English Football Hall of Fame: 2002
• Scotland's Golden Player: Most Outstanding Player of the past 50 years by the Scottish Football Association (November 2003, to celebrate UEFA's Jubilee)
• Scottish Football Hall of Fame: inducted in 2004
• PFA Team of the Century (1907–1976): 2007
• Freedom of Aberdeen: 2017

Images for kids

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  Law in 2011

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  The second of two murals on Clifton Court, Aberdeen showing Law in a Manchester United jersey

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  Law as depicted on a statue at Old Trafford which honours him, George Best and Bobby Charlton as the "United Trinity"

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  The first of two murals on Clifton Court, Aberdeen showing Law in a Scotland national jersey

• 

  Statue to Law at Aberdeen Sports Village

• 

  Bronze statue of Denis Law created by Alan Herriot and unveiled in November 2021

See also

In Spanish: Denis Law para niños