From the streets of Belfast to the grand stadiums of England, George Best marked his territory not only as an exceptional footballer but also as an emblematic figure in popular culture. The charisma he exuded both on and off the pitch made him a figure admired and sometimes envied, not just by football fans but also by those outside the sport.
George Best maverick nature complemented his unparalleled skills with the ball, creating moments that remained etched in the memories of football fans. If the 1960s and 1970s had their share of rockstars in music, George Best was undoubtedly the equivalent in football. From his stylish attire to his flamboyant lifestyle, Best was never one to shy away from the spotlight. His influence goes beyond football statistics; it lies in the way he made the world see footballers – not just as athletes but as larger-than-life personalities.
Alex Ferguson, in an interview with BBC Sport in 1999:
He was the best player I ever saw.
George Best Early Life and Career
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George Best was born in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland, on May 22, 1946. Few could predict that this child would grow up to transform the face of football and popular culture. The young Best showcased remarkable talent on the local grounds of his hometown, captivating spectators and fellow players alike.
It wasn’t long before his exceptional talent caught the attention of key figures in football. One of the most pivotal moments in Best’s life came when Manchester United scout, Bob Bishop, took notice of him. Bishop, recognizing the raw talent, famously sent a telegram to Manchester United’s then-manager Matt Busby, saying, “I think I’ve found you a genius.” This discovery set the trajectory for George Best‘s meteoric rise in the football world.
The synergy between George Best and Manchester United was electric. As he took to the field, fans and critics alike couldn’t help but marvel at his unique style of play. His control of the ball, vision on the field, and ability to weave past defenders with ease distinguished him from his peers. However, his impact was not limited to the four lines of the football pitch.
Pat Crerand, former teammate:
From the moment George joined Manchester United, you knew there was something special about this lad.
Manchester United: A Star Rises
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In 1963, the iconic stage of Old Trafford lit up with the introduction of George Best. Making his debut against West Bromwich Albion, George Best showcased glimpses of the brilliance that would come to define his career. Even as a young player (he was only 17 at the time of his game debut!), his undeniable talent was evident, breathing new life into Manchester United’s gameplay.
As he settled into the team, Best’s performances grew more captivating. George Best first goal came in his second appearance against Burnley, giving fans a taste of his scoring knack. By 1968, his consistent brilliance played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s triumphant European Cup campaign. That same year, his contributions were recognized on the continental stage as he was crowned the European Footballer of the Year.
George Best’s style was unique and unmistakable. On the pitch, he was a maestro with the ball, weaving past opponents with his exceptional dribbling. His innate sense of balance and vision allowed him to orchestrate plays, turning potential threats into goal-scoring opportunities. But beyond his playmaking abilities, George Best was a prolific scorer, possessing the rare gift of converting chances from seemingly impossible angles and distances.
Reflecting on Best’s early impact, Sir Bobby Charlton once remarked:
From the moment George scored his first goal for United, we knew he was someone special. His influence on games was immense.
George Best Iconic Moments
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George Best carved his name into football history with unparalleled skill and charisma both on and off the pitch. From weaving past defenders with ease to netting jaw-dropping goals, George Best provided fans with countless moments to cherish.
One of his unforgettable goals was against Benfica in the 1968 European Cup final. George Best began his run from the halfway line, dribbling past multiple Benfica players before calmly finishing to put Manchester United ahead. The sheer brilliance and audacity of this goal epitomize the Northern Irishman’s genius on the football field.
However, not all memorable moments were about goals or tricks. One such peculiar event, still recounted with a chuckle by fans and football historians alike, was when George Best lost an earring during a match. Sporting a gold earring, an emblem of his flamboyant style, it came off amidst the heat of the game. The incident briefly halted the match, with players from both sides searching for the missing piece of jewelry on the pitch. Though a small event, it encapsulated Best’s persona — a perfect blend of footballing genius with rockstar panache.
While George Best was setting pitches alight with his talent, other legends like Pelé and Eusébio were crafting their own legacies. Pelé’s finesse and Eusébio’s powerhouse performances for Benfica were a treat to football aficionados.
George Best iconi quote:
In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol – it was the worst 20 minutes of my life.
The Flipside: Challenges and Controversies
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With the spotlight perpetually on him, George Best‘s brilliance on the football pitch was often overshadowed by his struggles off it. Among the most prominent challenges was his battle with alcoholism. This addiction not only affected his footballing career but had a profound impact on his personal life.
As early as his peak years with Manchester United, there were signs of Best’s penchant for nightlife and excessive drinking. The after-hours that were spent in bars and clubs began to take a toll on his fitness and performance. Stories of George Best missing training sessions or appearing unprepared for matches started making the rounds. Teammates and coaches were often concerned, trying to guide and support him, but the allure of his off-field life was strong.
His problems with alcohol acted as a catalyst for his premature retirement from Manchester United at the age of 27. For many, this decision marked the tragic waste of a prodigious talent, as George Best was still in what should have been the prime of his career. Post his departure from Manchester United, Best took his football to various smaller clubs around the world. From the United States to Scotland, and even a brief stint in South Africa, he showcased his undeniable talent, albeit inconsistently.
Yet, even as he continued to play sporadically, his struggles with alcohol were never far behind. They played a significant role in limiting his appearances for these clubs and often impacted the quality of his performance.
Personal relationships too bore the brunt of Best’s alcohol issues. Friends, family, and partners frequently expressed concerns about his well-being. In interviews, they would often recount tales of his charm and wit but also of the challenges that came with his addiction.
In an interview from 1981 with Michael Parkinson, George Best himself admitted, “Football gave me everything, and I probably abused it. The drink was the worst of it. I’d give anything to turn back the clock and not have touched a drop.“
Despite these challenges, Best’s legacy remains complicated. While his troubles off the pitch were evident and well-documented, his genius on it is undeniable. The world witnessed a footballer who could have achieved even more, but also a man battling personal demons, making George Best an enduring, if enigmatic, figure in football’s history.
Did George Best played against Johan Cruyff and Pelé?
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George Best and Johan Cruyff did face each other on the pitch. Their notable encounter was during a World Cup qualifier match on May 13, 1976, between Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. The game took place in Rotterdam, where the two legends showcased their unparalleled skills.
The Dutch team, featuring Cruyff, clinched a 2-1 victory with goals from Johan Neeskens and Johnny Rep. Terry Cochrane netted for Northern Ireland. This clash between Best and Cruyff remains etched in football memory as it brought together two of the sport’s most iconic figures in a fiercely contested match.
did george best played against johan Cruyff and pelé
George Best did play against Johan Cruyff. One of the most notable encounters between these two football legends took place in the early stages of the European Cup in the 1970-71 season. Manchester United, with Best in their ranks, faced Ajax, which had Cruyff as their standout player. It was an opportunity for fans and pundits alike to witness two of the game’s greatest talents on the same pitch.
Ajax, under the management of Rinus Michels and with a young, dynamic team that included Cruyff, showcased the beginnings of what would be known as “Total Football.” On the other hand, Manchester United were past their European Cup-winning prime from 1968 but still boasted immense talent with players like Best.
One of the most memorable encounters between Best and Pelé occurred in a friendly match between Manchester United and Santos in 1968. The game took place at Los Angeles’ Coliseum and was part of a series of exhibition matches for United after their European Cup win.
Pelé’s admiration for Best was evident when he famously said:
George Best was the greatest player in the world.
George Best Legacy
Credit: GQ Magazine
George Best‘s influence on the world of football transcends his era. He wasn’t just an extraordinary player; he was an icon, representing the confluence of football and popular culture. Many modern footballers, striving to strike a balance between athletic brilliance and off-field charisma, can trace the blueprint of their careers to Best’s pioneering role as the game’s first superstar.
Players such as David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, known for their style and global appeal as much as their on-field prowess, stand on the shoulders of a legacy crafted by George Best. He demonstrated that a footballer could be a brand, an ambassador, and a global idol, thus shaping the path for the contemporary football superstar.
At Manchester United, Best’s legacy remains indelible. Despite the influx of numerous legends over the years, his name still resonates deeply with the Old Trafford faithful. His moments of magic, draped in the red jersey, remain etched in the memory of countless fans, forming an integral part of the club’s rich history. Tributes to George Best can be found throughout Old Trafford, a testament to his everlasting impact on the club and its supporters.
Beyond the confines of football, George Best‘s impact in his homeland is evident in the naming of the George Best Belfast City Airport. This tribute, unveiled in 2006, was a fitting nod to a national icon who brought pride and joy to Northern Ireland. It’s a daily reminder for travelers and locals alike about the boy from Belfast who danced with the ball at his feet and captivated millions around the globe.
George Best Later Life and Death
Credit: The Mirror
After hanging up his boots, George Best‘s life was marked by a series of challenges predominantly stemming from his well-documented struggles with alcoholism. The man who once dazzled on the football pitch with his agility, balance, and sheer talent found himself grappling with health issues, a direct consequence of his long-standing battle with the bottle.
It wasn’t just the physical health that took a toll; personal relationships, financial stability, and public perception were all marred by his addiction. Newspaper headlines, once filled with praises for his incredible football skills, were now dominated by his off-field antics and health crises.
Notably, George Best wasn’t alone in this trajectory. Diego Armando Maradona, another football legend, faced similar issues. Like Best, Maradona’s immense talent on the pitch was often overshadowed by his off-field issues, especially involving substance abuse. Both players, despite their unparalleled skills, became cautionary tales of the potential pitfalls of fame and the pressures that accompany a life lived in the limelight.
In 2005, the gravity of George Best‘s health situation became public knowledge. A life of excess had led to severe liver damage, necessitating a liver transplant in 2002. However, despite the intervention, he continued to drink, exacerbating his health issues.
On November 25, 2005, the world mourned the death of one of its finest football talents. George Best passed away at the age of 59. His demise was a stark reminder of the human behind the superstar, the vulnerabilities that often lie hidden behind the veil of fame and success. The outpouring of grief was not just for the footballer but also for the man, whose life was a whirlwind of dazzling highs and tragic lows.
In a poignant tribute to Best, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson encapsulated the sentiments of many when he stated, “We had our disagreements in the past, but I always admired George for his talent and his humanity.” Indeed, while Best’s footballing achievements remain an integral part of his legacy, his life post-football serves as a poignant narrative on the pressures and pitfalls of fame.
The 1960s and 1970s were decades of seismic shifts in culture, politics, and society. In the backdrop of the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and the Space Race, there was an explosion of creativity, rebellion, and new ideas. Music evolved with the rise of rock ‘n’ roll and the Beatles, fashion saw the miniskirt and bell-bottoms, and youth culture, with its ethos of “peace and love“, became a force to reckon with.
It was during this era of upheaval that George Best rose to fame, mirroring the times he lived in. As a footballer, he wasn’t just known for his prodigious talent on the field, but also for embodying the spirit of the ’60s and ’70s off it. With his long hair, charismatic presence, and lifestyle that was emblematic of the rockstar ethos, George Best was a new breed of athlete. He was as much a product of his time as he was a catalyst for change in the world of sport.
Football, traditionally a working-class sport in the UK, was undergoing a revolution. The old stadium terraces were filled with young fans who were as influenced by pop culture as they were by the game. George Best’s ability to bridge these two worlds made him incredibly appealing to this new generation. His footballing genius was complemented by a flamboyance that resonated with the youth, much like the rock stars of the era.
Furthermore, the media landscape was evolving. Television was bringing football into living rooms, making players more recognizable. Best, with his undeniable charm, became one of the first footballers to truly harness the power of this medium. George Best appearances, both on and off the pitch, were events, much like a new album release or concert of the time.
However, like many rock stars of his era, George Best’s meteoric rise came with its challenges. The same culture that celebrated excess and hedonism also saw its casualties. The pressures of fame, the temptations of the era, and the lack of structures to support young stars coping with sudden fame meant that George Best faced personal challenges that mirrored those of his contemporaries in music and entertainment.
