best_george
 |
| Name: George Best |
Nationality: Northern Ireland |
| Position: forward |
Signing Information: Signed Trainee: 08/1961. Signed Professional: 22/05/1963 |
| Birthdate: 22-05-1946 |
Years at Club: 1963-1974 |
| Age: (78) |
Debut: 14/09/1963 v West Bromwich Albion (H) 1-0 (League Division One) |
| Birthplace: Cregagh, Belfast, Ireland |
Previous clubs: |
| Height: 5' 9" (1.75m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Contract Cancelled 06/1974 |
| Weight: 10st 3lbs (64.86kg) |
Passed Away: 25/11/2005 |
 |
George Best is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted footballers in history and an icon of Manchester United. Known for his incredible dribbling, balance, and flair, Best was a player who could change the course of a game with his dazzling skills. He combined pace, technical brilliance, and a keen eye for goal, becoming one of the first global football superstars.
Best burst onto the scene at Manchester United as a teenager, making his debut at 17 in 1963. Over the course of the next decade, he became the club's most exciting player, forming a crucial part of the team that won the 1968 European Cup, Manchester United’s first triumph in Europe. Best’s performance in the European Cup final, where he scored in the 4-1 victory over Benfica, cemented his status as one of the world’s greatest players.
Best’s ability to glide past defenders, his quick feet, and his eye for spectacular goals made him a fan favorite. He was equally capable of creating chances for teammates and scoring goals himself. In 1968, Best was awarded the Ballon d'Or as the best player in Europe, a testament to his brilliance on the field.
Despite his immense talent, Best’s career was plagued by off-field issues, particularly struggles with alcohol, which led to a premature decline in his playing career. After leaving Manchester United in 1974, Best played for a series of clubs around the world, but he never reached the same heights as he did during his time at Old Trafford.
Strengths: Dribbling and Flair: Best’s ability to take on defenders and leave them behind with his dribbling was unmatched in his era. His quick feet and balance made him nearly impossible to stop.
Versatility: Best could play on either wing or as a forward, making him a versatile attacking threat.
Creativity and Goalscoring: Known for scoring incredible goals, Best had an innate ability to produce moments of magic, whether through solo runs or precise finishing.
Pace and Agility: Best’s speed and agility allowed him to exploit spaces and beat opponents with ease, making him a constant danger to defenses.
International Career:
Though Best never played in a major international tournament with Northern Ireland, his individual brilliance shone through in his international career. He earned 37 caps for Northern Ireland, but due to the limitations of the national team at the time, he never had the opportunity to showcase his talents on the World Cup or European Championship stage.
Legacy: Despite his off-field struggles, George Best’s legacy as one of football’s greatest talents is undisputed. His influence transcended the sport, as he became a cultural icon in the 1960s and 70s, earning the nickname "El Beatle" for his rockstar-like appeal. Best’s ability to entertain and thrill football fans remains legendary, and he is often regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players the game has ever seen.
Summary: George Best is remembered as one of football’s most electrifying talents, combining technical skill, pace, and flair in a way that few players have ever matched. As a pivotal figure in Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup triumph, Best’s on-field genius made him one of the greatest players in football history. Despite personal struggles that affected his career, his legacy as a football icon remains timeless, and his influence on the game is still celebrated to this day. |
 |
| |
| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| No |
Season |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1963-1964 |
4 |
17 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
26 |
| 2 |
1964-1965 |
10 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
59 |
| 3 |
1965-1966 |
9 |
31 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
17 |
43 |
| 4 |
1966-1967 |
10 |
42 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
45 |
| 5 |
1967-1968 |
28 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
32 |
53 |
| 6 |
1968-1969 |
19 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
55 |
| 7 |
1969-1970 |
15 |
37 |
2 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
53 |
| 8 |
1970-1971 |
18 |
40 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
21 |
48 |
| 9 |
1971-1972 |
18 |
40 |
3 |
6 |
5 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
53 |
| 10 |
1972-1973 |
4 |
19 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
23 |
| 11 |
1973-1974 |
2 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
12 |
| TOTALS |
137 |
361 |
9 |
25 |
21 |
46 |
1 |
2 |
9 |
21 |
2 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
179 |
470 |
|
|
