In the lists drawn up, or by talking about the best historical soccer players, invariably one name will be found – George Best. He is best known for his dazzling footwork, his skill, and his lifestyle. Nicknamed El Beatle for his fame in the 1960s, he held a special place in the hearts of fans around the globe. His love seems to go beyond his playing skills and becomes entwined with his charisma and flamboyance.
Interestingly, even if George Best’s name sounds more in connection to that of his legendary club career at Manchester United, he also left a couple of footprints on FIFA tournaments and the global football canvas.
FIFA Achievements and International Career
Best represented Northern Ireland in the international arena, a country not particularly renowned as a football country. Even more unfortunate for Best was that he never competed in a FIFA World Cup because Northern Ireland did not qualify for the tournament in his prime years.
His stature, however, was such that he was named on the FIFA 100 in 2004 the list of the greatest living footballers chosen by the great Pelé himself. Coming decades after his retirement, this honor highlights the impact George Best would have left in the beautiful game.
This was in 1994, when Best was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit, which is the most prestigious FIFA honor awarded to an individual for the legacy left on football.
Key International Stats:
- Military Unit: Northern Ireland.
- Active Years: 1964-1977.
- Number of Caps: 37.
- Goals: 9.
Club Career Brilliance
It was perhaps Manchester United in whose shirt Best was to become the epitome of a football legend. He was signed up at a tender age of 15 by the prominent United scout Bob Bishop, who said, “I think I’ve found you a genius.” From then on, George Best would glimmer among the brightest lights of homenet. In 1968, Manchester United managed to snag him European glory by winning the then-called European Cup (now UEFA Champions League).
This was Club statistics with Manchester United:
- Matches played: 470
- Goals: 179
His record as the leading goalkeeper had even been more impressive in that he was primarily a winger. Best was unstoppable on his day; his dribbling, vision, and finishing ability rendered him unbeatable.
Other great individual club achievements included:
- 2x English First Division Champion (1964-65, 1966-67)
- 1x FA Charity Shield Winner
- 1x European Cup Winner (1967-68)
George Best’s Lifestyle: A True Rock Star in Football Shoes
While George Best dazzled on the field, partied hard off the field as well-sometimes even too hard. Best was the first rock star living according to pet celebrity footballer standards in his days.
Fast cars, lovely girls, and grand parties were a common dream for Best, as he quoted it saying, “I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars; the rest I just squandered.”
His beauty and charm captured the media’s attention, but the recklessness of his lifestyle turned it against him eventually. It did so when Best found himself struggling with alcohol most of his adult life, causing the premature decline of his sporting gift.
Key Career Stats
- Total Club Appearances: 579
- Total Club Goals: 205
- Prestigious Awards: Ballon d’Or (1968), FWA Footballer of the Year (1968), FIFA 100, and more.
George Best in FIFA Games
Recently, George Best has made a special cameo as an Icon in one of EA Sports FIFA video games Ultimate Team editions and in doing so allowed new generations of fans to experience a bit of his magic through the virtual world. Some of his in-game attributes include:
- Dribbling: 93+
- Pace: 90+
- Shooting: 88+
- Passing: 84+
George Best: A Legacy That Transcends Generations
Best remains as one of the sought-after Icons and this reflects totally the real ability and skills that he possessed during his playing days: agility, balance, and flair. George Best was a footballer ahead of his time. His fearless dribbling, breathtaking goals, and magnetic personality turned him into a global superstar long before social media or the 24/7 news cycle. He had his share of inner demons but still his greatness as one among the legends of the wonderful game remains unquestionable.
