The Legends Of Football: George Best

George Best

George Best was a Northern Irish footballer, who was primarily deployed as a winger for Manchester United and Northern Ireland International team.

Born and brought-up in Belfast, Best was spotted by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop. Bishop personally called manager Matt Busby and told him that he had found a 'GEM'. Best was subsequently given a trial at United and he impressed the staff. Homesick in the early days he was allowed to train with the squad only twice a week.

Best made First Team at the age of 17 and was given his debut against West Bromwich Albion. He further scored six goals in the season. (Quite impressive for the debut season)

In the coming years, Best kept on promising the crowd match after match but was away from stardom because of the likes of Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. Best finally came to light when he showcased his talents in the European Cup against the mighty Benfica. The performance from the young lad was so good that the local media gave him the name "Qi Quinto Beatle"(5th Beatle).

Best was also a Fashion icon and was a big crowd attraction. Whenever he played, the stadiums were full. He is also regarded as 'The Playboy' of football. As Best kept on promising for the United, he was also getting more involved in the fashion industry. He was the face of Hundreds of magazines and papers worldwide.

In the following season 1967-68, Best helped United to the European Cup finals after beating Real Madrid in the semis. In the final, the opponents Benfica knew of George's talents and deployed a man-marker to keep him away from creating chances and scoring. But in the Extra-time, Best rounded off his marker, collected a direct pass from the keeper and scored past the Benfica goalie. It was a milestone year in his career in which he was also awarded the Ballon D'or.

Scoring Against Benfica in the Finals

Best With The Ballon D'or

At the age of just 22 years, Best had won all the major european honours. But after this, his steady decline began. The football icon was fading away. He engaged in alcoholism and partied away from the town. Best was subsequently dropped from the United team. He walked out of the United team in 1972 and announced his retirement. He was only 27.

After retirement he spent most of his time in the USA. Over the next decade, Best played for various clubs in South Africa, America and England. At the International Level, Best never represented his country in the World Cup.

Best is regarded as the best player of all-time. Pele, considered by many as world's greatest admired Best. Pele once stated "George Best was the greatest player in the world." He added "Best was an unbelievable player who never reached his true potential."

Best was once quoted as saying, "Pele called me the greatest of all time, that is the ultimate salute to my life.".

Best With Pele

Best died in 2005, aged 59, due to complications from the drugs he was taken after his controversial liver-transplant.

On what would have been his 60th birthday, the Belfast City airport was renamed 'George Best Belfast City Airport'. He is remembered by his fans as "the beautiful boy with a beutiful game".