Duncan Edwards was born on October 1, 1936, in Dudley, Worcestershire, England. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for soccer, and he quickly caught the attention of local scouts.
Edwards made his debut for Manchester United at the age of just 16, becoming the youngest player to play in the Football League First Division. He was a versatile player, known for his strength, skill, and intelligence on the field. Edwards quickly became a key player for Manchester United and was soon called up to the England national team, making him the youngest post-World War II player to compete for his country.
On February 6, 1958, Edwards and his Manchester United teammates were traveling back from a European Cup match in Belgrade. The British Airways flight they were on, a BEA Airspeed Ambassador, crashed on its attempt to take off from the Munich-Riem runway. The crash was caused by poor weather conditions and a failed attempt to abort the takeoff due to a build-up of slush on the runway. Tragically, half of the passengers on board, including Edwards, lost their lives in the accident.
Duncan Edwards was a true legend of Manchester United and English football. Many believe that had he survived the Munich air disaster, he would have gone on to become one of the greatest players of all time. He was posthumously inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame and remains a symbol of talent, determination, and perseverance.
Although his life was tragically cut short, Duncan Edwards' impact on the world of football will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a true great of the game, a player who inspired a generation, and a hero to many.