A brilliant forward, Best is arguably the most
notorious footballer of all time. He was blessed with every attribute one could ever wish for in an attacking player - he had
technique,
intelligence,
pace, an ice cool eye for goal, and more than anything else, loved the ball at his feet. On the field of play he will always be remembered for the way he taunted defenders with his impudent
tricks and sensational
dribbling.
Born in
Belfast, Best turned professional with
Manchester United in 1963 and within a couple of years had become part of a terrific side which included
Bobby Charlton and
Denis Law. He played a significant role in United's League championship successes of 1965 and 1967. In between, Best had gained world-wide recognition for his masterful exhibition of skills during a
European Cup quarter-final tie against mighty Benfica in the 'Stadium of Light'. He scored the opening two goals of a 5-1 rout United inflicted upon the Portuguese champions. In 1968, Best earned the award of
European Footballer of the Year and spearheaded United's winning assault on the
European Cup. Another notable event in his often turbulent career was a six-goal haul against
Northampton Town on his return to the side after suspension in 1970.
By 1971 Best's drinking was starting to take a toll on his abilities as a player, but it wasn't until 1974 that
Manchester United actually sacked/fired him. Over the following ten years he made numerous comebacks with clubs from either side of the Atlantic but was unable to recapture the form that had made him a star. His last professional club was
AFC Bournemouth in 1983.
Amongst the self-admitted lowpoints in his life was his drunken appearance on the "
Wogan" show in 1991 and a stint in prison for drunken driving back in 1984.
His alcohol problems ultimately led to his untimely death in London on
November 25th, 2005.