Maradona good, Pele better, George Best.
It’s a famous saying to judge three of the best footballers in the 20th century.
On 25 November, it will be 20 years since George Best passed away, and almost 60 years since he was at the peak of his powers.
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.
But that does not detract from the footballing genius.
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 Gordon Banks 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. The final years of his career were littered with short spells across the world and in lower leagues.
He was still a figure that drew crowds, but the magic had fizzled out.
As former Northern Ireland defender John O’Neill said: “He was one of the best players to ever play the game. He unfortunately didn’t play long enough.”