George Best was born on May 22, 1946, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and was discovered by Manchester United at the age of 15.
Best made his debut for Manchester United at the age of 17, and quickly became known for his dribbling ability, pace, and goal-scoring prowess.
He won the Ballon d'Or in 1968, the same year he helped Manchester United win the European Cup, becoming the first English club to do so.
Best scored six goals in one match against Northampton Town in 1970, a record that still stands for Manchester United.
He was known for his distinctive long hair and good looks, which earned him the nickname 'El Beatle' in reference to the famous band.
Best's off-field lifestyle was as famous as his on-field exploits, with his love of fashion, fast cars, and nightlife making him a true pop culture icon.
Despite his immense talent, Best's career was plagued by alcohol-related issues, which ultimately led to a premature decline in his playing days.
George Best played for a variety of clubs after leaving Manchester United, including stints in the United States, where he played for teams like the Los Angeles Aztecs and Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002, recognizing his lasting impact on the sport.
George Best is often remembered for his famous quote: 'I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars – the rest I just squandered.'
In 1999, Best was voted the 11th greatest footballer of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).
A statue of Best, along with teammates Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton, stands outside Old Trafford, honoring the 'United Trinity' of the 1960s.
Despite his struggles, Best remained a beloved figure in Northern Ireland, where he was honored with a mural and a Belfast City Airport terminal named after him.
George Best passed away on November 25, 2005, at the age of 59, after years of battling health issues related to alcoholism.
George Best's legacy as one of the most talented and charismatic footballers in history endures, with fans and players alike continuing to celebrate his genius on the pitch.
