Bizarre reason Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp is named after Man Utd legend Denis Law despite different spelling
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Sponsored by. ARSENAL icon Dennis Bergkamp has his name in the roots of Manchester United. The legendary Dutchman's father, Wim, was an ardent Red Devils fan. And such was his love, that in 1969 the Amsterdam electrician named his first son after the late Denis Law.
![[Dennis Bergkamp of Arsenal celebrating a goal.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dennis-bergkamp-arsenal-celebrates-one-574976964.jpg?strip=all&w=705)
During the 1960s Law was in the prime of his career, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1964 and helping Man Utd to win two First Division titles and become the first English to win the European Cup in 1968. However, Bergkamp was forced to add another "n" into the name by the registrar.
![[Dennis Bergkamp, his father, and a young boy at a testimonial game.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/c86781e9-53af-493f-8a73-89e394da802c.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
This was bizarrely because of an obscure Dutch baptismal regulation. Regardless, Bergkamp followed in the footsteps of his father's icon by becoming a top striker in English football. It was announced on Friday that Law had passed away at the age of 84 following a long battle with Alzheimer's.
![[Denis Law in a Manchester United jersey.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NINTCHDBPICT000964502427.jpg?strip=all&w=940)
The King, as he is known to the United faithful, was the last surviving member of the Holy Trinity completed by George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. Law is only Scottish footballer to have ever won the Ballon d'Or and holds the record for the most hat-tricks by a Man Utd player with an incredible 18 - for reference Wayne Rooney scored eight.
![[Dennis Bergkamp of Arsenal in action.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dennis-bergkamp-arsenal-action-fa-325831862.jpg?strip=all&w=638)
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. Tributes poured in for Law from across the world following the news of his death. David Beckham wrote on his Instagram page: "Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis's family. "Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.".
