8 facts about George Best you didn’t know

Let’s take a look at eight little-known facts about one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sports stars of all time, George Best.

One of Northern Ireland’s greatest-ever sports stars, George Best ascended to the upper echelons of the most popular sport in the world.

While his footballing prime was in the mid-60s to mid-70s for Manchester United, the attacker put up 137 goals and 361 games.

He also became one of the first celebrity footballers that the media would mob, keeping him long in the minds of the general public.

Being from Northern Ireland, Best’s incredible legacy and rise to the top of football add even more reason to come and visit the country.

You can follow in the footsteps of the legendary player, from the local team that rejected him to his discovery to go eastwards across the Irish Sea.

Here are eight facts about George Best, from his Northern Irish roots to his legendary status, to inspire you to chase his legacy across the country.

8. Growing up in Cregagh – the glory of east Belfast

Best was born on 22 May 1946, a good 40 years before one of the tallest buildings in Ireland was built – the Belfast City Hospital Tower of 1986, which stands at 76 metres. He grew up in east Belfast, in an area called Cregagh.

It’s here that he picked up his love of football and where you can still find the mural commemorating the star player. Visible from the park and football pitches opposite, the massive mural painted on a gable wall can’t be missed.

7. He was rejected by Glentoran – because of his height

While the modern game greatly benefits from shorter players with lower centres of gravity, quick feet, and slick dribbling skills, this wasn’t the case for Best in Northern Ireland.

Due to his small height, the Glentoran didn’t want to sign the future superstar.

6. He was deemed a genius by United – it’s difficult to argue

Given the club’s success at the time and in the decades to come, it’s difficult to argue with Manchester United’s scouting methods.

When he was discovered by scout Bob Bishop in 1961, according to the page at ManUtd.com, Best was dubbed “a genius.”

5. A move to Manchester was almost called off – a life-changing move

It is only natural for someone undergoing such a life-changing move – even if it is just across the Irish Sea – to experience some homesickness. This was the case for Best, according to the rise and fall article from MEN.

It was just two days into his two-week trial that he quit, but Sir Matt Busby called his home to help bring the Irishman over to the club. This was only a few years after the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, with United still reeling.

4. Best’s 59-year record – an unforgettable legacy

People are already buzzing about new Manchester United talent Alejandro Garnacho because he beat Best’s record in 2022, with current manager Erik ten Hag set to deploy him in the team’s cup campaign.

It’s United’s best shot at silverware this season, with Betway giving the club second-favourite odds of 7/2 to win the FA Cup as of 30 January.

Best also ranks on our list of the most famous quotes by Irish legends about drinking & Irish pubs.

3. Winning the greatest individual accolade in football – a true legend

Teams are remembered for hoisting the Premier League, Champions League, Euros, and FIFA World Cup, but the very best players get debated to be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Best did win the Premier League twice, Community Shield twice, and FA Cup once, but his greatest trophy was the 1968 Ballon d’Or.

He beat Bobby Charlton and Dragan Džajić to the title and was in the final three again in 1971. It’s this recognition and his fame that permits a mosaic to be sold by the National Football Museum of him for £999.

2. Famous adverts still remembered in Northern Ireland – his name lends itself well

On his rise to prominence as one of the most famous and marketable footballers in the game, it was Cookstown and their sausages that landed him to feature in their adverts.

Of course, his name lends quite well to product adverts, so it won’t come as a surprise that they had the tagline “the Best family sausages.”

In the County Tyrone town, a memorial dedicated to Best and his ads was placed outside the factory, and it’s well worth a visit if you make it in time for the Spring Continental Market.

1. You can get George Best banknotes – a limited issue

In 2006, Ulster Bank ran a special, limited issue of £5 notes depicting George Best. One of the images of the former United star was his famous aerial strike, as well as him in his Northern Ireland kit.

Distributed on the first anniversary of the great footballer’s death, you can still find Best banknotes being sold online for quadruple their worth.

One of the Northern Ireland’s most famous faces, George Best will forever be hailed as one of Belfast’s all-time greats, and you can follow in his footsteps around the capital on your travels.