"Maradona good, Pelé better, George Best." The old Belfast saying sums it up. George Best was a winger of breathtaking balance and bravery, and the first footballer to become a genuine pop-culture celebrity.
Below you'll find George Best's fact file, career history and honours, plus our George Best collection of hoodies and T-shirts.
George Best Fact File
| Full name | George Best |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 22 May 1946 |
| Place of birth | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 25 November 2005 (aged 59) |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Position | Winger |
| Nationality | Northern Irish |
| Status | Retired (died 2005) |
| Shirt number | 7 |
| Nickname | El Beatle, the Belfast Boy |
Career History
| Years | Team | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963–1974 | Manchester United | 361 | 137 |
| 1976–1978 | Los Angeles Aztecs | 55 | 27 |
| 1976–1977 | Fulham | 42 | 8 |
| 1978–1979 | Fort Lauderdale Strikers | 28 | 6 |
| 1979–1980 | Hibernian | 17 | 3 |
| 1980–1981 | San Jose Earthquakes | 56 | 21 |
| 1964–1977 | Northern Ireland | 37 | 9 |
League appearances and goals; international figures are caps and goals.
The Belfast Boy
Born in Belfast in 1946, Best was spotted by a Manchester United scout who famously sent a telegram to Matt Busby: "I think I've found you a genius." He made his debut aged 17 in 1963. Celebrate this chapter with our George Best Manchester United Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
"El Beatle"
In March 1966, Best tore Benfica apart in Lisbon, scoring twice in a 5-1 win. The Portuguese press nicknamed him "El Beatle", and his long hair, fashion boutiques and nightlife made him a sixties icon. Relive it with our George Best Northern Ireland Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
European Champion
Best won the league with United in 1965 and 1967, and in 1968 he scored in the European Cup final against Benfica at Wembley as United became the first English club to lift the trophy. He won the Ballon d'Or that year. Wear the legend with our George Best 7 Football Shirt Frame Men's Hoodie.
Six in One Game
In 1970, Best scored six goals in an FA Cup tie against Northampton Town, a performance still talked about today.
A Legend Who Burned Bright
Best left United in 1974 and played on in the US, Scotland and beyond, but his struggles off the pitch took their toll. He died in 2005, and over 100,000 people lined the streets of Belfast for his funeral. Belfast's airport now bears his name.
Honours
Manchester United
- European Cup: 1968
- First Division: 1965, 1967
Individual
- Ballon d'Or: 1968
- FWA Footballer of the Year: 1968
Off the Pitch
Best was one of the first footballers to become a fashion and pop-culture icon, opening boutiques and nightclubs in 1960s Manchester. Belfast's George Best City Airport is named after him.
FAQs
When was George Best born and when did he die?
George Best was born on 22 May 1946 in Belfast, Northern Ireland and died on 25 November 2005, aged 59.
How tall was George Best?
George Best stood 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in).
What teams did George Best play for?
Manchester United, Fulham, Hibernian and several US clubs including the Los Angeles Aztecs, plus Northern Ireland.
Why was George Best called El Beatle?
The Portuguese press gave him the nickname after he scored twice in United's 5-1 win at Benfica in 1966.
Did George Best win the European Cup?
Yes, he scored in the 1968 final as Manchester United beat Benfica 4-1 at Wembley.
How many goals did Best score against Northampton?
Six, in an FA Cup fifth-round tie in February 1970.
Shop the George Best Collection
Celebrate George Best with our made-to-order hoodies and T-shirts, printed in England in men's and kids' sizes.
See every design in the full George Best collection, or browse more football legends. Want your own name on the back? Try our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Eric Cantona and Pelé.
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