The Only Football Club’s Front Three In History To Have All Won The Ballon d’Or Whilst Playing Together For Same Team

The United Trinity/ Holy Trinity 

Until date, the United trinity as they are fondly called, remain the only football club’s front three in history to have all won the Ballon d’Or while playing together for the same team. Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best. This trio helped United become the first ever English club team to win the European Cup in 1968.

Denis Law( The king) 

The king or Lawman as he was called, was born  on the 24th, February 1948. The Scottish and United legends spent over 11 years at the club, scoring a total of 237 goals in 404 appearances for the club. He represented Scotland at the 1974 FIFA World Cup. With 22 Caps and 30 goals, he remains the only Scottish wining Ballon d’Or player till date.

Denis law was named the European best player of the year in 1964, after scoring a Manchester United record of 46 competitive goals in a single Season securing Manchester United the league title same year. Denis law is another legendary footballer renowned for his incredible performance and contributions to the club. He is amongst the club’s all time leading goal scorer as he ranks 3rd.

Bobby Charlton 

Bobby Charlton born on the 11th, October 1937, is another legendary English footballer, renowned for his incredible contributions to both Manchester United and England. Bobby charlton spent almost all his career years at Manchester United, playing as an attacking midfielder and winger.

He is celebrated for his powerful shots and tactical skills, which was seen in his performance at the 1966 World Cup quater finals against Portugal where he scored two stunning goals in the game. He later went on to win the World Cup that same year with the England national team, also winning the European player of the tournament and securing the Ballon d’Or same year. He came second in the Ballon d’Or voting in 1967 and 1968 respectively.

Bobby Charlton made a remarkable 758 appearances for Manchester United, while scoring a total of 249 goals during his time at the club making him one of the club’s all time leading scorers . He won the English First Division trophy in 1957, 1965 and 1967. FA Cup 1963, European Cup in 1968, Charity Cup in 1965 and 1967.

Bobby Charlton is amongst nine players that won FIFA World Cup, European Cup, and Ballon d’Or.

George Best

George Best was born on the 22nd, May 1946. The Northern Irish winger spent most of his senior career at Manchester United. He only made 37 appearances for his country.

George Best was nicknamed “O Quinto Beatle” by Portuguese press after an outstanding performance for Manchester United in Lisbon in 1966. He was named European Footballer of the year in 1968.

George best scored a total of 179 goals in 470 appearances for United. He was a key figure in the clubs success, including helping them win the European Cup in 1968 , the club’s first ever European Cup. He also won First Division (now Premier League) in 1965 and 1967, FA Cup in 1963, European Super Cup in 1968, Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 1968.

Did the Holy trinity ever get to play together in the same match?

It was on the 18th, January 1968, that the trio first featured in the same starting lineup for Manchester United for the first time in a Division One Match against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.