Best, George (1946-2005), was a famous professional soccer player from Northern Ireland , a part of the United Kingdom . In the 1960’s and 1970’s, he starred for England ’s Manchester United FC , one of soccer’s greatest teams. FC stands for football club. Soccer is called football in much of the world. Best, considered one of the greatest players in soccer history, also played for the Northern Ireland national team. In addition to his fame as a player, he was known for his flamboyant lifestyle off the field. Alcoholism led to a steady deterioration of Best’s soccer skills, and ultimately caused his death. As a player, he was a dazzling forward and midfielder and a prolific scorer. For a discussion of soccer positions and formations, see Soccer (Players and officials) .
Best was born in Belfast , Northern Ireland, on May 22, 1946. He excelled at soccer as a youth, and gained the attention of a Manchester United scout in 1961. Best played his first match for Manchester United in September 1963 and debuted for the Northern Irish national team in April 1964. Best and his star teammates Denis Law and Bobby Charlton became known as the “United Trinity.” The three helped United win Football League First Division championships in 1965 and 1967. At that time the Football League First Division was the highest level of professional soccer in England. In 1968, United defeated the powerful Portuguese club Benfica to win the European Cup, an international competition, and Best was named European Footballer of the Year. Best played four more excellent seasons for United, but off-field distractions and problems led to a quick decline in his career. Best played his final match for Manchester United in January 1974.
Best went on to play for lesser clubs in Australia , England, Ireland , Scotland , and the United States until his retirement in 1983. He later worked as a soccer broadcaster and public speaker. He also owned nightclubs and fashion boutiques. Best’s many years of hard drinking eventually led to liver failure, and he underwent a liver transplant operation in 2002. Best continued to drink, however, and his health worsened. He died in London , England, on Nov. 25, 2005.
