BOBBY CHARLTON, ENGLAND
Manchester United, Preston North End
1958-70

Signed at 17 by Manchester United, one of "Busby's Babes", Bobby Charlton's prodigious career rocketed him to becoming synonymous with some of the great moments in British football history. His soccer blood-lines are deep. His brother Jackie was a World Cup winner and uncle Jackie Milburn a star for Newcastle United during the 1950s. He is credited with breathing new life into the game in England. Known for his cannon-like shot and spectacular goals, he lead England to the 1966 World Cup with an important goal against Mexico, and Manchester United to the European Champions Cup in 1968 when he scored two goals against Benfica. His scoring prowess was a major part in reviving the Manchester franchise after the devastating Munich plane crash in 1958. In many ways he can be credited for the re-birth of soccer's popularity in the modern era of the UK.