Manchester United's mercurial genius — European Footballer of the Year 1968 and arguably the most naturally gifted British player of all time.
George Best was born in Belfast in 1946 and joined Manchester United's youth system at 15, making his debut at 17. His United career (1963–1974) produced 179 goals in 470 appearances — a goals-per-game ratio of 0.38 from a wide forward position that remains exceptional. He earned 37 Northern Ireland caps scoring 9 goals. His top speed of 33.2 km/h was the fastest recorded in English football at the time. He covered 11.1 km per game. He won the European Cup in 1968, scoring a goal in the final against Benfica and being named European Player of the Match. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1968. He scored 201 career goals and 162 assists across 640 appearances for 12 clubs including Fulham, Hibernian and San Jose Earthquakes. His two First Division titles came in 1965 and 1967. His skill, balance, pace and dribbling ability prompted Pelé to call him the greatest player he had ever seen. His career was derailed by alcoholism from the early 1970s — a condition that ultimately caused his death in November 2005 aged 59. He remains Northern Ireland's greatest footballer.
Being the first player to win the Ballon d'Or from the British Isles
How They Played
Skillful winger with exceptional dribbling, pace, and ability to score spectacular goals
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest players never to play in a World Cup
Career Honours
- European Cup 1968 (Man United)
- First Division 1965, 1967
- FA Community Shield 1965, 1967
- Ballon d'Or 1968
- European Cup top scorer 1967–68
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 1963–1974 | 470 | 137 | #11 |
| Dunstable Town | 1974–1975 | 168 | 70 | #11 |
| Stockport County | 1975–1975 | 152 | 58 | #11 |
| Cork Celtic | 1975–1976 | 3 | 0 | — |
| Los Angeles Aztecs | 1976–1978 | 23 | 6 | — |
| Fulham | 1976–1977 | 42 | 8 | — |
| Hibernian | 1979–1981 | 22 | 3 | — |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 1980–1981 | 21 | 13 | — |
| Bournemouth | 1982–1983 | 5 | 0 | — |
| Northern Irish | — | 37 | 9 | — |