Remembering George Best: A Football Legend
Maradona was good, Pele better, but George Best was exceptional.
This well-known phrase encapsulates the greatness of three of the finest footballers of the 20th century.
On November 25, we will mark the 20th anniversary of George Best's passing, nearly 60 years since he reached the zenith of his career.
A true footballing genius, Best was among the first superstars of the sport, but his off-field lifestyle often made headlines, overshadowing his athletic achievements.
His fame was such that the Portuguese press dubbed him the "fifth Beatle." By his mid-20s, his celebrity lifestyle began to eclipse his football career, a trend that would persist.
Nonetheless, this does not diminish his status as a footballing legend.
Best was a pivotal figure at Manchester United, helping the team secure its first European Cup in 1968, a triumph that also earned him the Ballon d'Or that year, along with two league titles.
Regarded as Northern Ireland's most iconic figure, he remains a beloved symbol in his home country and is often considered one of the greatest players never to have appeared in a World Cup.
Whether it was his stellar performance in the European Cup against Benfica, his remarkable double hat-trick in the FA Cup, or the infamous 'goal' against England—where he snatched the ball from Peter Shilton's hands before scoring, only for it to be disallowed—Best's brilliance on the pitch stood out in an era filled with exceptional talent.
However, after 11 years at Old Trafford, Best's career began to decline by the age of 28. His later years were marked by brief stints at various clubs around the world and in lower leagues.
While he continued to attract crowds, the magic of his earlier days had faded.
Former Northern Ireland defender John O'Neill remarked, "He was one of the best players to ever play the game. Unfortunately, he didn’t play long enough."
In Northern Ireland, Best's legacy remains alive and well. He is undoubtedly the most famous sporting figure to emerge from the country.
The airport in his hometown bears his name, and in 2019, a statue was unveiled outside Windsor Park.
A minute's applause was held prior to Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg to commemorate 20 years since his death.
As is customary during matches, both home and away, Best's song echoed around Windsor Park before and during the game.
Current Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill described the tribute as fitting, stating, "We know what George means to football and particularly to the people of Northern Ireland. It was heartwarming to see both the stadium and the players recognize the impact George had as a footballer here."
O'Neill acknowledged Best as "one of football's first superstars" whose legacy will endure for generations.
He added, "Players arrive at the stadium and see George Best's statue outside. They understand the significance he had on the game, and we all recognize what George Best means to everyone in Northern Ireland."
'My dad never stopped talking about him'
Those who experienced Best's playing days firsthand, as well as those who attended his funeral, have a profound appreciation for his on-field brilliance.
However, for younger generations who have grown up during the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Best's name may not resonate as strongly as it once did.
Yet, the stories and archival footage of his career serve to preserve and amplify his legend.
Jamie Donley, a 20-year-old striker for Northern Ireland, shared, "My dad is a huge football fan and always showed me videos of Best when I was younger. Now I realize how special he was. Everyone looks up to him."
For midfielder Patrick Kelly, who was just a year old when Best passed away, it was also his father's stories that left a lasting impression. "All I know is that he was phenomenal. I grew up watching documentaries and shows with my dad, who never stopped talking about George Best and his greatness," Kelly recalled. "I may not have seen him play live, but I've seen clips of his contributions to Manchester United and Northern Ireland, so I understand how much of an icon he is here."
Regardless of age, George Best's footballing legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.