George Best was destined for stardom from the very beginning. With exceptional technical skills, electrifying speed, and a natural flair for the game, he was a footballing genius who captivated fans both on and off the pitch. But Best was more than just a great player—he was a cultural icon, embodying the spirit of the 1960s and 70s with his extravagant lifestyle. He scored spectacular goals, was frequently seen with beautiful women, appeared on the covers of newspapers and magazines, drove the finest sports cars, and delivered memorable quotes that still resonate today.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Best’s journey to football greatness began humbly. He was playing for the modest Cregagh Boys Club when, at just 15 years old, his extraordinary talent was spotted by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop. Bishop immediately recognized the rare gift he had found and sent an emphatic telegram to the club’s legendary manager, Matt Busby: “I think I have discovered a genius.” These words would prove prophetic as Best went on to become one of the most celebrated players in football history.
Interestingly, before he was discovered by Manchester United, Best had been rejected by his local club, Glentoran, who deemed him “too small and light” to make it in the professional game. Undeterred, Best took a leap of faith and traveled to Manchester, where he completed his trials and signed a contract with United in 1961. His debut for the first team came two years later, in 1963, and he wasted no time in making his mark. Displaying a unique blend of technical brilliance, blistering pace, and a rebellious attitude, Best quickly became a fan favorite. It was also the year that The Beatles reached number one on the UK charts with “Please Please Me,” a cultural milestone that paralleled Best’s rise to fame. This connection earned him the nickname “the Fifth Beatle,” a testament to his impact not only in sports but also in popular culture.
Wearing the iconic number 7 jersey, a number that would later become legendary at Manchester United, Best achieved remarkable success. He won the English league title twice and reached the pinnacle of his career in 1968 when he helped United become European champions. That same year, he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, cementing his status as the best player in the world. Reflecting on his playing style and confidence, Best once shared a playful memory: “I used to dream of dribbling past the goalkeeper, stopping the ball on the line, getting down on my knees, and heading it in for a goal. In the 1968 European Cup final against Benfica, I almost did that. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the courage.” This quote encapsulates the flair and cheek that defined his approach to the game.
George Best never shied away from comparing himself with the greatest players of his time. His self-assurance was on full display before a match between Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, when a journalist asked if he thought Johan Cruyff was a better player. Best, never one to lack confidence, responded, “You must be kidding me… To put an end to the debate, I’m going to nutmeg him at the first opportunity.” True to his word, when the match began in Rotterdam, Best received the ball in midfield, danced past two opponents, and executed a perfect nutmeg on Cruyff, retrieving the ball on the other side with his trademark swagger. He then raised his fist in the air, a gesture that embodied his irrepressible spirit and competitive edge.
Off the pitch, George Best was a magnet for attention, particularly from women. His striking good looks, coupled with his charisma and success on the field, made him an object of fascination and desire. Best once famously quipped, “If I had been born ugly, you’d never have heard of Pelé.” This tongue-in-cheek remark not only highlighted his sense of humour but also underscored the contrast between his glamorous image and the more reserved personas of other football legends like Pelé.
Despite his extraordinary talent and the adoration he received, Best’s life was marred by personal struggles, particularly with alcohol. His battle with addiction ultimately cut short both his career and his life. After years of health problems exacerbated by his drinking, George Best passed away in November 2005 at the age of 59. Even in his final days, his impact on the football world was clear. While lying in a hospital bed, he received a poignant postcard that read: “From the second-best player of all time, Pelé.” This message from one football legend to another served as a fitting tribute to the man who had once declared that his fame was due to his looks rather than his skills, yet whose talent on the pitch had placed him among the all-time greats.
George Best’s legacy is one of brilliance and tragedy. He dazzled the world with his footballing prowess and lived a life that few could imagine, but his struggles off the pitch remind us of the human vulnerability that lies beneath even the most celebrated exteriors. Today, he is remembered not only as one of the greatest footballers of all time but also as a symbol of the highs and lows of fame. His story is a reminder that even the brightest stars can burn out too soon.
