George Best

Date of Birth: May 22, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: November 25, 2005

Biography

George Best was a Northern Irish professional footballer who is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Best was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is most famous for his time playing as a winger for Manchester United. He joined the club at the age of 15 and made his first-team debut at 17. His dazzling dribbling skills, speed, and flair on the field quickly made him a fan favorite. Best played a crucial role in helping Manchester United win the European Cup in 1968, the first English team to achieve this feat. He was awarded the Ballon d’Or the same year, recognizing him as the best player in Europe. However, his career was also marked by off-field issues, particularly his struggles with alcoholism, which led to a premature decline in his playing days. Despite his personal challenges, George Best left an indelible mark on football and remains a cultural icon in the sport. After his playing career ended, he continued to be a popular figure through media appearances and public speaking until his death in 2005.

5 Interesting Facts about George Best

1. George Best scored a total of 179 goals for Manchester United in 470 appearances.

2. He was known for his distinctive style, which included long hair and flamboyant fashion, influencing the pop culture of the 1960s and 70s.

3. Best once famously quipped, “I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.”

4. He struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which ultimately led to health problems and his untimely death.

5. Best was posthumously inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002, three years before his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Best

1. “I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.”

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

3. “Pele called me the greatest footballer in the world. That is the ultimate salute to my life.”

4. “If you’d given me the choice of going out and beating four men and smashing the ball into the back of the net from 30 yards or going to bed with Miss World, it would have been a hard choice. Thankfully, I’ve done both.”

5. “They say I slept with seven Miss Worlds. I didn’t. It was only four. I didn’t turn up for the other three.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, George Best’s net worth was estimated to be around £100,000, which would be roughly equivalent to £1.5 million today, considering inflation and the changing financial landscape of football.