NAME: George Best
WHAT FAMOUS FOR: George Best was famous for his exceptional skill and talent as a footballer, particularly during his time with Manchester United and the Northern Ireland national team. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation.
BIRTH: George Best was born on May 22, 1946, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
FAMILY BACKGROUND: He was born into a working-class family in Belfast. His father, Dickie Best, worked as a dockworker, and his mother, Anne Best, worked in a local mill.
CHILDHOOD: Best grew up in the Cregagh estate in east Belfast, where he developed a passion for football from a young age. He honed his skills playing on the streets and fields of his neighborhood.
He grew up supporting Glentoran and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
EDUCATION: Best went to Grosvenor High School, but he soon played truant as the school specialised in rugby union. He then moved to Lisnasharragh Secondary School. However, football took priority, and he left school at 15 to pursue a professional career.
CAREER RECORD: Best's professional football career began when he joined Manchester United as a youth player in 1961. He made his first-team debut in 1963 and went on to become a key player for the club, helping them win two First Division titles and the European Cup in 1968. He also had stints with other clubs, including Fulham, and played for the Northern Ireland national team.
APPEARANCE: George Best was known for his handsome appearance and charismatic demeanor. He had dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and a charming smile that made him a favorite among fans and the media.
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| Best in 1976 By Bert Verhoeff |
FASHION: George Best was a trendsetter on and off the pitch. He embraced the mod style of the 1960s, favoring sharp suits, turtlenecks, and statement haircuts (later opting for a bleached blond look). His flamboyant attire earned him the nickname "The Fifth Beatle," highlighting his celebrity status beyond football.
CHARACTER: Best was known for his flamboyant lifestyle, characterized by excess and indulgence. He was often described as rebellious, unpredictable, and fiercely independent. Charming and witty, yet also prone to arrogance and impulsiveness and struggled with self-discipline.
SENSE OF HUMOUR: Best had a playful and mischievous sense of humor, often charming fans and teammates with his wit and quick wit.
RELATIONSHIPS: Best had numerous high-profile relationships throughout his life, including marriages to Angie Best and Alex Pursey. His relationships were often tumultuous, plagued by his struggles with alcoholism and infidelity.
MONEY AND FAME: Best wasn't just about fancy footwork. He was a looker, too, with that dark mop of hair that wouldn't have been out of place on a Beatle. And a playboy lifestyle? You betcha. The Portuguese press dubbed him "o Quinto Beatle" after a particularly electrifying performance,
Best enjoyed plenty of wealth during his football career, earning lucrative contracts and endorsement deals. However, he also struggled with financial mismanagement and bankruptcy later in life.
Best’s European Cup winner’s medal sold for £156,000 at auction in 2010.
FOOD AND DRINK: Best was known for his love of fine dining and indulgent meals. He also had a well-documented struggle with alcoholism, which ultimately contributed to his health problems and premature death.
MUSIC AND ARTS: Best appreciated music, particularly the popular music scene of the 1960s that he became associated with. and enjoyed attending concerts and music festivals. He also had an appreciation for the arts, particularly photography and fashion.
LITERATURE: While not a voracious reader, Best enjoyed autobiographies and books about football and sports history.
According to his friend, Manchester United footballer Norman Whitehouse, Best wrote poetry, It was all done in calligraphy in amazing handwriting.
NATURE: Best enjoyed spending time outdoors, particularly playing golf, which became a passion for him later in life.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS: George Best was spotted by a hawk-eyed scout in Belfast who fired off a telegram to the Manchester United manager which read: "I think I've found you a genius".
Best started dazzling crowds at 17, weaving magic on the pitch for Manchester United for over a decade. He piled up goals like a squirrel stockpiling nuts for winter – 179 of them in all! League titles, Charity Shields, the European Cup – he collected them all like trophies on his mantelpiece.
Internationally, he played for Northern Ireland, though major tournaments remained just out of reach, a cruel twist of fate for a player of his caliber. He called it "recreational football," this international stuff, a vacation from the intense pressure of club life. Still, he's widely considered one of the greatest players never to grace a World Cup stage.
SCIENCE AND MATHS: Best did not have a particular interest in science and math beyond their practical applications in sports and daily life.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Best did not express strong views on philosophy or theology, although he was raised in a Protestant household in Northern Ireland.
SCANDAL: Best was no stranger to scandal, with his personal life often making headlines in the tabloids. The problem, as problems so often do, was excess. The fast cars, the "birds" as Best charmingly phrased it, the ever-present clinking of glasses – it all took its toll. Alcohol, sadly, became a constant companion, casting a long shadow over his brilliance on the field. He'd joke about it during his sober stretches, a hint of self-awareness mixed with his trademark wit: "I spent a fortune on booze, women, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
In February 2004, Best was banned from driving for 20 months after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge. He claimed he had been trying to drive himself to a health farm to tackle his problems.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Despite his natural talent and athleticism, Best's health suffered due to his excessive lifestyle and struggles with alcoholism. He faced numerous health problems in his later years, including liver disease, which ultimately led to his premature death.
HOMES Best's career took him to different cities, reflected in his choice of homes. His early years were spent in a modest house in Belfast. During his peak with Manchester United, he lived in various apartments and houses in Manchester, often close to teammates. Later stints with other clubs saw him living in London and various locations around the world. However, none of these residences seemed to offer him a permanent haven.
TRAVEL Football and his celebrity status led to extensive travel. He played for clubs across Europe and North America, experiencing different cultures and lifestyles. His off-field pursuits also involved jet-setting to glamorous destinations, further solidifying his image as a global icon.
DEATH Sadly, George Best's life ended tragically at the age of 59 on November 25, 2005. Best had battled alcoholism for much of his life, and he passed away from complications related to a lung infection and multiple organ failure. This aspect of his life overshadowed his achievements and became a cautionary tale for future generations of athletes.
Best's funeral on December 3, 2005, was a monumental event in Northern Ireland, with an estimated 100,000 people lining the streets of Belfast to pay their respects as his cortege passed. The service was held at Stormont Parliament Buildings, a significant location that reflected his national importance.
Best was buried at Roselawn Cemetery in Belfast. His grave has a simple but poignant inscription:
"George Best, 1946–2005. Blessed."
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Despite a relatively short career at the top, George Best remains a captivating figure. His talent, charisma, and turbulent life have been the subject of numerous documentaries, biographies, and even feature films. He continues to be a source of fascination for football fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
ACHIEVEMENTS: Best's greatest achievement was his stellar football career, during which he won numerous titles and accolades, including the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968 and the Ballon d'Or award for European Footballer of the Year in the same year. He is remembered as one of the most talented and influential footballers of all time.
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