A special memorial event for Scottish footballing legend, Denis Law, was attended by Sir Alex Ferguson and former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Ruud van Nistelrooy in Aberdeen yesterday.
Denis’s sons and daughter were among family and friends in attendance at the special event organised by the University of Aberdeen at St Machar Cathedral. They were joined by representatives from Aberdeen FC and the Denis Law Legacy Trust.
Other figures from the football world included former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson, defender Jonny Evans and Aberdeen great Willie Miller.
Born and raised in the Granite City, Denis became one of the world’s greatest footballers - winning two league titles, the FA Cup and playing a crucial role on Manchester United’s route to their first European Cup triumph in 1968.
Denis, who passed away in January, remains the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d’Or and joint all-time top scorer for Scotland’s men’s team.
Around 200 people attended the memorial service where tributes were paid from the lectern by Director for Energy Transition at the University of Aberdeen and former Scottish premier league referee, Professor John Underhill; Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Councillor David Cameron; and Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust.
His daughter, Diana, said: “Dad was immensely proud of his home city and he’d have been truly touched that so many people travelled here today to honour him in this way.”
In his speech, Professor Underhill described Denis as “a symbol of aspiration” and spoke not only of his footballing legacy but his role as a global ambassador for young people and the city of Aberdeen.
“Perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in what he gave back, especially to the young people of Aberdeen,” Professor Underhill said. “Denis believed deeply in the power of sport to change lives. Through the Denis Law Legacy Trust, he championed programmes that offered young people safe, inclusive spaces to play, to grow, and to be inspired.
“That a boy from Printfield in Aberdeen, could rise to such heights is nothing short of extraordinary. Denis didn’t just play with the greats; he was one of the greats.
“His legacy is not confined to trophies or titles. It lives on in the lives he touched, in the young people who found hope through his story, in the communities uplifted by his generosity, and in the enduring work of the Trust that bears his name.”
Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust also spoke at the memorial. Afterwards, he said: “It was an incredible honour to speak at this memorial for Denis, a friend whose life and legacy transcend football.
“Denis was more than a sporting icon, he embodied ambition, resilience, and community spirit. His journey from the streets of Aberdeen to the pinnacle of world football reminds us that greatness can come from any beginning. This memorial is not just a tribute to his achievements, but hopefully a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.”
Denis moved south from Aberdeen at the age of 15 to fulfil his footballing dreams. He went on to score 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United and found the back of the net 30 times for Scotland in 55 games.
He was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1964-65 – the same season he scored 28 league goals as Manchester United won their first league title since the Munich air disaster. He remains the only Scottish player to win the award.
Denis received an honorary degree from the University in 2005 and a special award in 2020 for the work of his legacy trust.
The Denis Law Legacy Trust was founded in 2012 to honour Denis’s legacy and provide free, accessible opportunities for young people in Aberdeen.
The Trust is a children's charity dedicated to empowering young people across Aberdeen through free sport, creative, and educational programmes. Inspired by Denis Law’s vision, the Trust promotes inclusion and creates positive opportunities that build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures for young people.
The charity has been recognised with a Queens award for voluntary service (the MBE for Voluntary groups), a National Pride of Sport award and the University of Aberdeen's community award.