George Best: The Playboy of Manchester United

 

George Best is a name that is synonymous with football, glamour, and excess. Born in Belfast in 1946, Best became one of the greatest footballers of his generation, known for his dazzling skills, his incredible speed, and his ability to score goals from seemingly impossible angles. However, he was also known for his hard-partying lifestyle, his love of fast cars and beautiful women, and his struggles with alcoholism. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of George Best, and explore what made him such a fascinating and controversial figure in the world of football.

Early Life

George Best was born in Belfast on May 22, 1946, the eldest of six children. His father, Dickie, was a shipyard worker, and his mother, Anne, was a housewife. From an early age, George showed a talent for football, and he would often play with his brothers and friends in the streets of his hometown. At the age of 15, he was spotted by a scout from Manchester United, who was in Belfast to watch a local youth tournament. Impressed by George's skills, the scout offered him a trial at the club's youth academy, and he soon became a regular member of the team.

Career at Manchester United

George Best made his debut for Manchester United in 1963, at the age of 17, and he quickly became a key player for the team. He was known for his incredible speed, his agility, and his ability to score goals from almost any position on the field. In his first full season with the team, he scored 10 goals in 37 appearances, helping Manchester United to win the league title. Over the next few years, he became one of the biggest stars of English football, and his performances on the field earned him the nickname "The Belfast Boy."

Best's greatest moment as a Manchester United player came in 1968, when he helped the team to win the European Cup. In the final, which was played at Wembley Stadium in London, Best was in scintillating form, scoring the opening goal and playing a key role in the team's 4-1 victory over Benfica. It was a moment of glory for Best and for Manchester United, and it cemented his place as one of the greatest players in the history of the club.

Off the Field

While George Best was a hero on the field, he was also becoming known for his off-field antics. He was a regular on the nightclub scene in Manchester, and he quickly became known for his love of fast cars, beautiful women, and expensive clothes. He was also known for his heavy drinking, and he would often turn up to training sessions with a hangover or miss them altogether.

Despite his off-field problems, Best continued to play well on the field, and he was one of the most popular players in the country. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1968, which is awarded to the best player in Europe, and he was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the world.

Decline and Retirement

However, as the 1970s began, George Best's problems began to catch up with him. He continued to drink heavily, and his performances on the field began to suffer. He missed training sessions and matches, and his relationship with the Manchester United manager, Matt Busby, began to deteriorate.

In 1974, Best left Manchester United and moved to the United States, where he played for a number of teams in the North American Soccer League. However, his problems with alcohol continued, and he was eventually forced to retire from football at the age of 37.

Legacy

Despite his off-field problems and his premature retirement, George Best remains one of the most iconic and beloved figures in the history of Manchester United. His skill and style on the field revolutionized the game of football, and his charisma and personality made him a hero to fans around the world.

In the years following his retirement, Best continued to struggle with alcoholism and his health began to deteriorate. He suffered from liver problems and underwent a liver transplant in 2002, but his health continued to decline, and he died in November of that year at the age of 59.

Since his death, George Best has been remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire fans around the world. He is remembered for his incredible skill, his daring and flamboyant style, and his ability to bring joy and excitement to the game of football. He was a true icon of the sport, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

George Best was a complex and fascinating figure, both on and off the field. He was a footballing genius, a trailblazer, and an inspiration to millions of fans around the world. However, he was also a flawed and troubled individual, whose struggles with alcoholism and personal demons ultimately cut short his incredible career.

Despite his flaws, George Best remains a beloved and iconic figure in the world of football, and his legacy continues to inspire fans around the world. He was a true original, a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and a man who will always be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time.