Best, George (1946-2005)

Northern Irish footballer. One of football's greatest talents, he was a vital member of the Manchester United side that won the league championship in 1965 and 1967, and the European Cup in 1968, when he was voted both English and European Footballer of the Year. A goal provider as much as a goal scorer, he scored 178 goals in his 466 appearances for the club from 1963 to 1973.

Career highlights

International appearances (1964-78)

European Cup

English League Championship

Awards

Footballer of the Year

European Footballer of the Year

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he joined Manchester United as a youth and made his full debut at the age of 17. Seven months later he won the first of 37 international caps for Northern Ireland. Although he subsequently made a series of short-lived comebacks, trouble with managers, other players, and the media meant that his career as a player was in decline by the time he left Manchester United in 1973. He also played for Stockport County, Fulham, Bournemouth, Hibernian, and in the USA.