George Best

A deeper look at the life of George Best (22 May 1946 – 25 November 2005), the Northern Irish football legend. We explore his rise to stardom, his playing style, off-field struggles, and his enduring legacy—complete with some of his most famous quotes.

Introduction

George Best is widely regarded as one of the most naturally talented footballers in history—an icon of flair, dribbling skill, and charisma. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 22 May 1946, his life became a blend of extraordinary brilliance on the pitch and personal struggles off it. He died on 25 November 2005 in London at age 59.

His story is compelling not just for the trophies and dazzling performances, but also for how talent, fame, and human frailty collided in a life lived in the spotlight. In this article, we explore the arc of his life, on-field genius, personal battles, influence, and words he left behind.

Early Life and Family

George Best was born in Cregagh, a working-class area of East Belfast, Northern Ireland. Richard “Dickie” Best and Anne Withers.

His father was a member of the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization, and George sometimes accompanied him to lodge meetings in youth.

Education was not a priority: while he passed to Grosvenor High School at age 11, he soon became disengaged, more drawn to football than schoolwork. Lisnasharragh Secondary School where he rejoined local schoolmates and pursued his passion for football.

From a young age, Best played for the local Cregagh Boys Club. His talent was visible early, and scouts began to notice his ability.

Youth & Breakthrough

At around age 15, Best was discovered by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop. His telegram to United’s manager Matt Busby reportedly read, “I think I’ve found you a genius.”

He made his first-team debut for Manchester United at age 17, on 14 September 1963 (a 1–0 win over West Bromwich Albion).

Quickly, his performances made him a regular. His dribbling, balance, acceleration, and creativity set him apart in an era of more rugged, direct football.

In 1966, he had a defining moment: in a European Cup quarter-final against Benfica, George Best produced a spectacular display that earned him fame in the European press. The Portuguese media nicknamed him “O Quinto Beatle” (the “Fifth Beatle”) because of his mop-top hair and cultural appeal.

Club Career & Achievements

Manchester United Years (1963–1974)

Best’s prime years were at Manchester United, where he became one of the central figures in Busby’s post-Munich rebuilding. two First Division (now Premier League) titles and the European Cup in 1968.

In 1968, he was awarded European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d’Or).

During his United tenure, he scored 137 goals in 361 league appearances (overall contributions even higher when other competitions counted) for the club.

His style combined flair, agility, change of pace, ball control, feints, and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one. He was equally effective creating for teammates or scoring himself.

By his mid-20s, though, his association with nightlife, celebrity, and off-field distractions began to erode consistency. He left Manchester United in 1974.

Later Career & Club Hopping

After leaving United, Best’s career became fragmented. He played for many clubs across multiple countries:

• Dunstable Town (briefly)

• Stockport County

• Cork Celtic

• Los Angeles Aztecs (USA)

• Fulham (England)

• Fort Lauderdale Strikers

• Hibernian (Scotland)

• San Jose Earthquakes

• AFC Bournemouth

• Brisbane Lions

• Tobermore United

He often moved, sometimes for short stints, and his performances varied.

While his later years showed flashes of brilliance, his consistency and physical prime were behind him. The persistent interference of alcohol, injuries, and lifestyle choices made sustained high-level performance difficult.

International Career

George Best was capped 37 times by Northern Ireland, scoring 9 goals.

Because Northern Ireland was a relatively small footballing nation, Best never played in a FIFA World Cup tournament—though he is often cited among the greatest players who never appeared at a World Cup.

One memorable goal is often told in stories: against England at Windsor Park, England goalie Gordon Banks released the ball into the air, Best anticipated it, beat Banks, and headed the ball into the empty net—but the goal was controversially disallowed.

Best would later express hope for a “United Ireland” football team combining both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland players.

Style, Persona & Off-Field Struggles

Playing Style & Legacy

George Best is often cited as one of football’s first superstar personalities, combining showmanship, skill, and a magnetic public image.

Many commentators and players praised him: Johan Cruyff reportedly said, “What he had was unique, you can't coach it.”

Best’s ability to dribble past defenders, his balance, his audacious runs and unpredictability made him a joy to watch.

Yet, the gap between potential and longevity is often discussed: some believe he could’ve achieved much more were it not for personal distractions.

Off-Field Life & Battles

Best’s off-field life was marked by fame, glamour, nightlife, and ultimately, serious challenges:

• He was often in the tabloids, known for his celebrity lifestyle, romantic entanglements, and partying.

• He owned nightclubs, restaurants, fashion boutiques, leveraging his fame beyond football.

• Alcoholism plagued much of his adult life. His consumption and dependence on alcohol contributed to many personal and health issues.

• In 1984, he was jailed (for four months) for drunk driving, assaulting a police officer, and failing to answer bail.

• In 2002, he underwent a liver transplant as his liver was severely damaged.

• In October 2005, he was hospitalized for a kidney infection (complications stemming from immunosuppressive drugs after the transplant).

• On 20 November 2005, in a move he requested, the News of the World published a photograph of him in hospital with jaundice and the caption: “Don’t die like me.”

• Early in the morning of 25 November 2005, after treatment was withdrawn, Best passed away due to complications including multiple organ failure and lung infection.

His death led to widespread mourning in the football world; tributes poured in from fans, players, and clubs.

Legacy & Influence

George Best's legacy is multifaceted:

1. Icon of flair football
   He is frequently held up as an archetype of the “magician on the wing” — the dribbler who plays with creativity, audacity and improvisation.

2. First modern football celebrity
   He merged sport and celebrity culture in a way few had before. Best’s image transcended football; he was a style icon, tabloid fixture, and cultural figure.

3. Cautionary tale
   His life also stands as a warning about fame, temptation, and self-destruction. Many retrospective accounts highlight how his personal demons curtailed greatness.

4. Inspiration for generations
   Players, fans, and football writers often refer to Best when speaking of what football “should be” — beautiful, imaginative, thrilling.

5. Cultural resonance
   In Northern Ireland and beyond, Best is remembered as one of the greatest exports in sports history. His name remains legendary.

Annual commemorations, biopic attempts, documentaries, museums, and many tributes attest to how deeply his story resonates decades after his passing.

Memorable Quotes by George Best

George Best was known for witty, self-aware, and sometimes self-deprecating lines. Here are a few of his more famous quotes:

“I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars — the rest I just squandered.”

“In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol. It was the worst 20 minutes of my life.”

“I always wanted more — more of everything.”

“Drink is the only opponent I have been unable to beat.”

“You can’t trust very many people.”

“There isn’t a single player I would pay to watch.” (on himself, with characteristic irony)

These quotes capture a blend of humor, wit, regret, and self-reflection—echoing both his brilliance and vulnerability.

Lessons & Reflections

From George Best’s life, many lessons can be drawn:

• Talent is only part of the story
  Even the most gifted individual needs discipline, structure, and consistency to sustain success.

• Fame comes with costs
  The pressure, temptations, and spotlight are double-edged. For Best, the lifestyle he enjoyed also played a role in his decline.

• Self-awareness matters
  His later statements suggest he recognized too late that he was losing control.

• Celebrate brilliance, but remember humanity
  In remembering Best, we don’t only remember a footballing genius—but a human being with strengths, flaws, tragedies, and joy.

• Legacy lives on in stories
  More than records or stats, Best lives on through stories, memories, and the inspiration he gives to budding talents.

Conclusion

George Best’s life is a powerful narrative of light and shadow. On the field, he was electrifying and transcendent; off it, he battled complexities that remind us that greatness and vulnerability often walk together.

He remains among football’s most enduring legends—not just for what he did with a ball at his feet, but for how he lived, erred, triumphed, and ultimately became more myth than man. His quotes, his performances, and his story resist simple categorization.