How Denis Law held a Scotland record for nearly 70 years

Today marks the 68th anniversary of Denis Law’s iconic Scotland debut against Wales.

Manchester United legend Denis Law will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Scottish footballers of all time, if not the greatest. The King has a strong argument as the only Scottish player ever to win the Ballon d’Or, doing so during his best years of his career at Old Trafford.

Law went on to become a key member of United’s first European Cup-winning side, under Sir Matt Busby, the same manager who gave him his international debut in 1958. Busby, a visionary who built United, knew in 1958 that Law was destined for the top level. It’s no wonder he would sign him for United four years later, in 1962.

This is the story of how Law was Scotland’s youngest post-war debutant for almost 70 years.

Denis Law scores in Scotland debut as youngest post-war debutant

On 18 October 1958, Law became Scotland’s youngest post-war (WWII) debutant. Aged 18 years and 17 months, the then-Huddersfield striker scored the second of three goals in a 3-0 win over Wales in front of a 59,162 crowd at Ninian Park in Cardiff.

Busby gave Law his Scotland debut at such a young age. Tommy Docherty also featured in Scotland’s line-up against Wales. He would go on to become United manager in 1972.

Law remained Scotland’s youngest post-war debutant for 67 years. James Wilson took that record in 2025.

Sir Matt Busby’s brief spell in charge of Scotland

Like Sir Alex Ferguson, Busby spent a brief spell in charge of the Scotland national team, but it was heavily impacted by the Munich Air Disaster.

In January 1958, Busby was appointed part-time caretaker manager of Scotland. He kept his role as United manager. The Munich Air Disaster hit a month later, killing eight United players and leaving Busby hospitalised in Munich for weeks, twice receiving his last rites.

Busby was unable to take Scotland to the 1958 World Cup in Sweden due to recovering from the injuries he sustained in Munich. Dawson Walker stepped in as Scotland crashed out in the group stage.

The game against Wales was Busby’s first official international match. He only took charge of one more match – drawing 2-2 against Northern Ireland the following month.

In December 1958, Busby stepped down as Scotland manager to focus on rebuilding United. Andy Beattie became Scotland national team manager.

Denis Law’s Scotland record

Law remains Scotland’s youngest scorer post-WWII for his goal against Wales. The closest in recent memory was Danny Wilson in 2010, scoring at the age of 18 years and 10 months.

However, The King is also Scotland’s joint-top scorer (30 goals) with Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. That won’t be changing anytime soon.

Law also made 55 appearances for Scotland. He played in one World Cup, in 1974, which was held in West Germany. He retired from football following the tournament.