Was George Best the greatest ever?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 22, 2026
"George Best was one of the most talented players of all time and probably the best footballer who never made it to a major world final." — 1974 World Cup winning West Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer on Best not playing at a World Cup.
Was George Best the greatest footballer of all time?
Despite having a rather short career at the top level, Manchester United legend George Best is regarded as one of the most naturally gifted footballers of all time. The winger won two league titles and the European Cup at Old Trafford before leaving United at the age of 27.
Who is a greatest footballer of all time?
#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina) - seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Copa America triumph cemented Lionel Messi's place as the greatest player of all time.
Was George Best better than Messi?
As a pure footballer, George Best was everything Messi is and more. Despite playing for one of the most successful club teams in football history, with 60 recognised honours, George Best has a rather modest haul in winners' medals in comparison with Messi.
Was George Best his real name?
He had one of the most iconic names in football yet it turns out George Best was first called Ronald Samuel Best. The Manchester United legend's birth certificate shows that Best was named Ronald Samuel when he was born on May 22, 1946.
38 related questions foundHow much did George Best leave in his will?
Unfortunately, according to George himself, he blew 90% of his money on "women, drink and fast cars." After he died, he left behind an estate worth 138,000 pounds to his son Calum Best. George Best was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in May 1946 and passed away in November 2005.
Who did Pele say about George Best?
Russell Stoddart. Pele has always said that George Best was the greatest footballer he ever saw and played the game more like a Brazilian than a European. It is one of football's biggest disappointments that their paths never crossed when either of the legends were at their peak.
Was George the best Catholic?
Liam Neeson was Catholic. George Best, perhaps the finest soccer player of his generation: Protestant.
Who is the football god?
He was none other than Diego Maradona, one of the world's greatest football players, also called 'The God of Football'. He saw heaven and hell on Earth and died Wednesday at the age of 60. Maradona was a player who, apart from scoring goals, also made mistakes.
Who is the father of football?
Walter Chauncey Camp (April 7, 1859 – March 14, 1925) was an American football player, coach, and sports writer known as the "Father of American Football". Among a long list of inventions, he created the sport's line of scrimmage and the system of downs.
Was Gazza better than George Best?
'Gazza was brilliant, but he wasn't as good as George Best', says Willie McFaul. Former Newcastle United manager Willie McFaul has spoken of his sadness at the plight of Paul Gascoigne. Gascoigne, a former Magpies and England superstar, has struggled with alcoholism and bouts of depression since his playing days ended.
What did George Best say about Ronaldo?
Best was quoted by ESPN : “It was undoubtedly the most exciting debut performance I've ever seen. “There have been players who have some similarities [to me], but this lad's got more than anyone else, especially as he is genuinely two-footed.
Did George Best play for England?
Born and brought up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Best began his club career in England with Manchester United, who had spotted his talent at the age of 15. He went on to see success with United, scoring 179 goals from 470 appearances over 11 years.
What was George Best famous for?
George Best, (born May 22, 1946, Belfast, Northern Ireland—died November 25, 2005, London, England), Irish-born football (soccer) player who was one of the premier forwards in the game's history and a fashionable playboy off the field.
Why did George Best leave United?
Distractions off the field dominated, and an increasing reliance on alcohol changed him forever. By 1974, he had fallen out with United boss Tommy Docherty and played his last game for the club after 178 goals in 466 matches. "He didn't like Tommy Docherty, he hit the self-destruct button and ran away from it all.
When did George Best leave Man Utd?
He famously 'retired' to Marbella in 1972, before coming back again and eventually leaving for good in January 1974 for a globe-trotting series of destinations taking in, among others, the rather unlikely surrounds of Dunstable Town, Fulham, Los Angeles Aztecs, Brisbane Lions and the Jewish Guild of South Africa.
Who is the best England football player?
David Beckham has to be considered as the best player of the current generation of English footballers. Beckham burst on to the international scene in 1996 and earned 115 caps during his illustrious career with the national team, the second highest number of caps in English history.
Did George Best play for Ireland?
George Best (22 May 1946 – 25 November 2005) was a Northern Irish footballer who played many years for Manchester United. He is considered by many to have been the most talented Manchester United player and no one disagrees that he was the Northern Ireland national team's best ever player.
Was George Best left or right footed?
He began as a winger, equally at home on right or left (although chiefly right-footed), but developed into a player who could operate right the way across the front line or in midfield if it came to that.
Who made soccer?
That would mean the origins of the sport of soccer was invented by the Han Dynasty during the imperial dynasty of China over 2,200 years ago. Historians have claimed that the sport was played even before then as far back as 5,000 years ago. But based on historical evidence, it is the Han Dynasty.