A forward on the Manchester United team from 1954 until he retired in 1973, Charlton survived an airplane crash (near Munich, West Germany, on February 6, 1958) in which eight Manchester United regulars were killed. His inspired play then led his team, composed chiefly of reserves, to the Football Association Cup final match that year. He played on the English national team that won the World Cup in 1966 and was voted European Footballer of the Year for his efforts. Charlton captained Manchester United when they were the first English club to win the European Cup (now known as the Champions League) in 1968. In addition to these notable victories, he also led Manchester to three First Division league championships (1957, 1965, 1967).