"A footballing genius, he was one of the first superstars in football but his life away from the game ensured he was on the front pages of the newspapers, as well as the back. In fact, such was his fame off the pitch he was dubbed the "fifth Beatle" by Portuguese press, and by his mid-20s his celebrity lifestyle had started to overtake his football in a slope that would never reverse."
"A legend at Manchester United, he was a key player as they won the European Cup for the first time in 1968, which led him to win the Ballon d'Or that year, as well as two league titles. Regarded as Northern Ireland's most iconic figure, where he is still idolised to this day, Best is also considered one of the greatest players never to feature at a World Cup."
"Whether it was his European Cup performance against Benfica, the double hat-trick for United in the FA Cup or the infamous 'goal' against England, where he kicked the ball out of the hands of Peter Shilton and scored before it was eventually ruled out - Best's genius on the pitch stood out in an era of greats. After 11 years at Old Trafford, Best's time at the top would fall away by the time he was 28."
George Best combined extraordinary footballing skill with early global stardom, becoming one of the sport's first superstars. He played a central role in Manchester United's 1968 European Cup win, earned the Ballon d'Or that year, and won two league titles. His off-pitch fame earned the nickname "fifth Beatle" and by his mid-20s his celebrity lifestyle began to eclipse his performances. He produced iconic moments without ever appearing at a World Cup, but his peak faded by age 28 and his later career consisted of brief spells worldwide while he remained Northern Ireland's most celebrated sporting figure.
Read at www.bbc.com
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