George Best (22 May 1946 – 25 November 2005) was a Northern Irish football player best known for his years with Manchester United. He was a winger whose game combined pace, acceleration, balance, two-footedness, goalscoring and the ability to beat defenders.^[1] In 1968, his annus mirabilis, he won the European Cup with Manchester United, and was named the European Footballer of the Year. When fit, he was an automatic choice for the Northern Ireland team, but he was unable to lead them to the FIFA World Cup tournament. is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 329th day of the year (330th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Northern Ireland (Irish: , Ulster Scots: Norlin Airlann) is a constituent country of the United Kingdom lying in the northeast of the island of Ireland, covering 5,459 square miles (14,139 km², about a sixth of the islands total area). ... A player (wearing the red kit) has penetrated the defence (in the white kit) and is taking a shot at goal. ... Manchester United Football Club are a world-famous English football club, based at the Old Trafford stadium in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and are one of the most popular sports clubs in the world, with over 50 million supporters worldwide. ... Annus Mirabilis is a Latin expression which means miraculous year. ... European Cup redirects here. ... The Ballon dOr trophy, as awarded to Hristo Stoichkov in 1994. ... For the Irish FAs all-Ireland international team, see Ireland national football team (IFA). ... For the club competition, see FIFA Club World Cup. ...

In 1999 he was voted 11th, behind Marco van Basten, at the IFFHS European Player of the Century election and 16th, behind Lothar Matthäus, in the World Player of the Century election.^[2] Pelé named him as one of the 125 best living footballers in his 2004 FIFA 100 list and Best was named 19th, behind Gerd Müller, at the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll. In his native Northern Ireland the admiration for him is summed up by the local saying: "Maradona good; Pelé better; George Best."^[3] Marcel Marco van Basten (October 31, 1964 in Oog in Al, Utrecht) is a Dutch football manager, currently in charge of the Dutch national team. ... The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) is an organisation that chronicles the history of football. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Pele redirects here. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Pelé The FIFA 100 is a list of the world-renowned Brazilian striker Pelés choice of the greatest living footballers. Unveiled on March 4, 2004 at a gala ceremony in London, the FIFA 100 marked part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the F... Gerd Müller (IPA—German: ) (born November 3, 1945 in Nördlingen) is a former West German football player. ... The UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll is the popular name for an online poll conducted in 2004 by UEFA as part of their Golden Jubilee celebrations, celebrating the best European footballers from the fifty previous years. ... Diego Armando Maradona (born October 30, 1960) is an Argentine former footballer. ...

He was one of the first celebrity footballers, but his extravagant lifestyle led to problems with alcoholism which curtailed his playing career^[4] and eventually led to his death at the age of 59. His cause of death was a kidney infection, a side-effect of the immuno-suppressive drugs he was required to take after a liver transplant. Best's lovable, cheeky image won him many fans, during his career and after, despite his public drunkenness on TV, his convictions for drunk driving and assaulting a policeman, allegations of domestic violence, and his inability to give up drinking even after the transplant. GQ named him as one of the fifty most stylish men of the past fifty years. 100,000 people turned out on a rainy day for his funeral in East Belfast. Alcoholism is the consumption of, or preoccupation with, alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the drinkers normal personal, family, social, or work life, and may lead to physical or mental harm. ... The Drunkenness of Noah by Giovanni Bellini Drunkenness is the state of being intoxicated by consumption of alcohol to a degree that mental and physical facilities are noticeably impaired. ... For other uses, see Under the influence. ... “Domestic disturbance” redirects here. ... Actor Nicholas Cage on the cover of the March, 1997 issue of GQ (U.S. edition) Gentlemens Quarterly, most often known simply as GQ, is a monthly mens magazine that focuses on mens fashion and style. ...

Manchester United

The Cregagh Estate honoured George Best by unveiling a mural on what would have been his 60th birthday.

At the age of 15, Best was discovered in Belfast by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, whose telegram to United manager Matt Busby read: "I think I've found you a genius."^[5] His local club Glentoran had previously rejected him for being "too small and light".^[6] Best was subsequently given a trial and signed up by chief scout Joe Armstrong. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2112x2816, 511 KB) Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2112x2816, 511 KB) Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... This article is about the city in Northern Ireland. ... Bob Bishop was chief scout for Manchester United in Northern Ireland in the 1960s. ... Statue of Sir Matt Busby Sir Alexander Matthew Busby, CBE (26 May 1909 – 20 January 1994) was a Scottish football player and manager, most noted for his management of Manchester United F.C. during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. ... Glentoran F.C. is a Northern Irish football club, playing in Belfast. ... Joe Armstrong succeeded Louis Rocca as chief scout of Manchester United F.C. after the Second World War. ...

Best made his Manchester United debut, aged 17, on 14 September 1963 against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford in a 1-0 victory. Two weeks later Best scored his first goal against Burnley. By the close of the season Best had 6 goals, and Manchester United finished second, behind champions Liverpool. is the 257th day of the year (258th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1963 (disambiguation). ... West Bromwich Albion Football Club is an English football club formed by workers from Salters Spring Works in West Bromwich, West Midlands in 1878. ... Old Trafford (given the nickname The Theatre of Dreams by Sir. ... Burnley Football Club, nicknamed The Clarets, is a professional football club based in Burnley, in east Lancashire, England. ... Liverpool Football Club are an English professional football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside, who play in the Premier League; they are historically the most successful club in the history of English football, having won more trophies than any other English club. ...

In his second season, 1964-65, Best and Manchester United claimed the league title.

Best hit the headlines the age of twenty when he scored two goals in a European Cup quarter-final match against Benfica in 1966, and was dubbed "El Beatle" in the press. Benfica is a civil parish of the Portuguese capital, Lisboa (Lisbon). ...

Best's talent and showmanship made him a crowd and media favourite. He was dubbed "the fifth Beatle" for his long hair, good looks and extravagant celebrity lifestyle, and even appeared on Top of the Pops in 1965.^[7] Other nicknames included the "Belfast Boy" and he was often referred to as Georgie or Geordie in his native Belfast.^[8] The Fifth Beatle is an informal title that various commentators in the press and entertainment industry have applied to persons who were at one point a member of The Beatles, or who had a strong association with the Fab Four other than John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo... Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, was a long-running British music chart television programme, made and broadcast by the BBC. It was originally shown each week, mostly on BBC One, from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. ...

The 1966-67 season was again successful as Manchester United claimed the league title by four points. The following season Best became a European Cup winner after scoring in the final against Benfica. United won 4-1 and Best was later crowned European Footballer of the Year and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year; after that began a steady decline. European Cup redirects here. ... The Ballon dOr trophy, as awarded to Hristo Stoichkov in 1994. ... The Football Writers Association (FWA) is an association of English football journalists and correspondents writing for newspapers and agencies. ...

He opened two nightclubs in Manchester, in the late 1960s, Oscar's and the other called Slack Alice's (which later became 42nd Street Nightclub). He also owned fashion boutiques, in partnership with Mike Summerbee of Manchester City. However, he developed problems with gambling, womanising and alcoholism. Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Mike Summerbee or buzzer played in the all conquering Manchester City side of the late 6os and early 70s. ... Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Manchester. ... Alcoholism is the consumption of, or preoccupation with, alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the drinkers normal personal, family, social, or work life, and may lead to physical or mental harm. ...

In 1974, aged 27, Best quit United. His last competitive game for the club was on 1 January 1974 against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. ... Queens Park Rangers are an English football team, from Shepherds Bush, London. ... Loftus Road is a side-street in Shepherds Bush London W12. ...

In total Best made 466 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions from 1963 to 1974, and scored 178 goals (including six in one game against fourth division Northampton Town). He was the clubs top scorer for six consecutive seasons, and was the First Division's top scorer in the 1967-68 season. Northampton Town Football Club is a football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England. ...

Over the next decade he went into an increasingly rapid decline, drifting between several clubs, including spells in America, Scotland, and Australia.

Fulham

Best had a brief resurgence in form with Fulham F.C. in 1976-77, showing that, although he had lost some of his pace, he retained his skills. His time with the Cottagers is particularly remembered for an FA Cup game against second division outfit Hereford United in which he tackled his teammate, and old drinking mate, Rodney Marsh. Best stated later in life that he enjoyed his time most while at Fulham, despite not winning any honours. Fulham Football Club are an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. ... This article is about the English FA Cup. ... Hereford United Football Club is a football club based in Hereford, England. ... Rodney William Marsh (born 11 October 1944 in Hatfield, Hertfordshire) is a retired English footballer. ...

United States

Best played for three clubs in the United States: Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and San Jose Earthquakes; he also played for the Detroit Express on an European tour. Best revelled in the anonymity America afforded him after England and was a success on the field, too, scoring 15 goals in 24 games in his first season with the Aztecs and was named as the NASL's best midfielder in his second.^[9] He opened "Bestie's Beach Club" (now called "The Underground" after the London subway system) in Hermosa Beach, California in the 1970s, and continued to operate it until the 1990s. The Los Angeles Aztecs (1974-1981) were a North American Soccer League team from Los Angeles, California part-owned by Elton John. ... The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were an American soccer team, a descendant of the Washington Darts, Miami Gatos, and Miami Toros, that played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. ... For the defunct MLS franchise, see San Jose Earthquakes. ... The Detroit Express were a soccer team based out of Detroit that played in the NASL. They played from 1978 to 1980. ...

In his third season in the States Best scored only once in 12 appearances. His moves to Fort Lauderdale and San Jose were also unhappy, as his off-field demons began to take control of his life again. He was invited as a guest player and played three matches for two Hong Kong First Division teams in 1982, as well as Dunstable Town F.C. in 1973.^[10]. In 1983 Best retired from the game at the age of 37. His last games as a professional were with third division A.F.C. Bournemouth. In 1988 a testimonial match was held for Best at Windsor Park. Among the crowd were Sir Matt Busby and Bob Bishop, the scout who discovered Best, while those playing included Ossie Ardiles, Pat Jennings and Liam Brady. Best scored twice, one goal from outside the box, the other from the penalty spot. Dunstable Town F.C. are a football club based in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, currently playing in the Southern League. ... For the non League club, see Bournemouth F.C.. AFC Bournemouth are an English football team currently playing in Football League One. ... Sir Matthew Busby (Orbiston, Glasgow May 26, 1909 - January 20, 1994) was a football player and manager, most noted for his spell managing Manchester United F.C. during the 1950s and 1960s As a player, Busby enjoyed spells at Manchester City F.C and Liverpool F.C. and played at... Bob Bishop was chief scout for Manchester United in Northern Ireland in the 1960s. ... The Pat Jennings mural on the Northern Ireland wall of heroes outside Windsor Park Patrick Anthony Jennings OBE (born June 12, 1945 in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland) is a former football player. ... Liam Brady (born February 13, 1956 in Dublin, Ireland) is a former footballer, who is now a coach and television pundit. ...

Northern Ireland

He was capped 37 times for Northern Ireland , scoring nine goals. Of his nine international goals four were scored against Cyprus and one each against Albania, England, Scotland, Switzerland and Turkey. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Cap (sport). ... For the Irish FAs all-Ireland international team, see Ireland national football team (IFA). ... First international  Scotland 0 - 0 England (Partick, Scotland; 30 November 1872) Biggest win  Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882) Biggest defeat  Hungary 7 - 1 England (Budapest, Hungary; 23 May 1954) World Cup Appearances 12 (First in 1950) Best result Winners, 1966 European Championship Appearances 7 (First in... First international Scotland 0–0 England  (Partick, Scotland; 30 November 1872) Biggest win Scotland 11–0 Ireland  (Glasgow, Scotland; 23 February 1901) Biggest defeat  Uruguay 7–0 Scotland (Basel, Switzerland; 19 June 1954) World Cup Appearances 8 (First in 1954) Best result Round 1, all European Championship Appearances 2 (First...

On 15 May 1971, Best scored possibly his most famous "goal" of his career at Windsor Park in Belfast against England. As Gordon Banks, the English goalkeeper, attempted to kick the ball downfield, Best kicked the ball out of his hands over his head. The famous duo scrambled towards the net but Best outpaced Banks and headed the ball into the empty goal. His effort was disallowed for ungentlemanly conduct by a referee whose back had been turned away from the incident.^{[citation needed]} Windsor Park - a view from the Kop Stand, showing the two-tiered North Stand and the low Railway stand behind the opposite goal Windsor Park is the home ground of the Northern Irish football club, Linfield FC, in Belfast. ... This article is about the city in Northern Ireland. ... First international  Scotland 0 - 0 England (Partick, Scotland; 30 November 1872) Biggest win  Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882) Biggest defeat  Hungary 7 - 1 England (Budapest, Hungary; 23 May 1954) World Cup Appearances 12 (First in 1950) Best result Winners, 1966 European Championship Appearances 7 (First in... Gordon Banks OBE (born December 30, 1937) is a former English footballer, elected in a poll by the IFFHS as the second best goalkeeper of the 20th Century. ...

Best was considered briefly by manager Billy Bingham for the 1982 World Cup. However, at 36 and with his football skills dulled by age and drink, he was not selected in the Northern Ireland squad. In view of his home country's relative lack of success, he was an advocate of an all-Ireland team. William Laurence Bingham (born Belfast 5 August 1931) was a Northern Irish footballer and football manager. ... The 1982 Football World Cup was held in Spain. ...

Career honours

With Manchester United:

• Football League Championship winners medal, 1965 & 1967
• UEFA European Cup winners medal, 1968

Personal: From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... Year 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. ... The Union Européenne de Football Association or Union of European Football Associations in English, almost always referred to by the acronym UEFA (pronounced (you-AY-fuh) or (oo-Ay-fuh) or ), is the administrative and controlling body for European football. ... Champions League Logo The UEFA Champions League is an annual international inter-club football competition between Europes most successful clubs, regarded as the most prestigious club trophy in the sport. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

• European Footballer of the Year, 1968
• Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year, 1968
• Freeman of Castlereagh, 2002
• Inaugural inductee into the English Football Hall of Fame, 2002
• Honorary Doctorate from the Queen's University of Belfast, 2001
• PFA Special Merit Award, for his services to football, 2006

The Ballon dOr trophy, as awarded to Hristo Stoichkov in 1994. ... The Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year is an annual award presented by the Football Writers Association to whom its members deem the best football player in England. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... Castlereagh Borough Council is a local council in Northern Ireland. ... The Hall of Fame is housed at The National Football Museum in Preston, England. ... The Queens University of Belfast (QUB) is a university in Belfast, Northern Ireland; the university is often called Queens University Belfast. ... The Professional Footballers Association is the association for professional footballers in the United Kingdom. ...

Later careers

In the later 1980s, Best narrated Streaker, a documentary on the streaking phenomenon, discussing the careers of people such as Erica Roe and Sheila Nicholls. Documentary film is a broad category of visual expression that is based on the attempt, in one fashion or another, to document reality. ... A participant of the Bay to Breakers. ... Erica Roe, also known as the Twickenham Streaker, is a famous streaker. ... Sheila Nicholls is a British singer/songwriter born in Colchester, England. ...

In 1998, Best became a football pundit on the Sky Sports live show Soccer Saturday. His last appearance on the show was in 2004. Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... Sky Sports is the brand name for a group of 9 channels. ... Gillette Soccer Saturday is a television programme broadcast on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland during the football season. ...

In November 2004, 58-year-old Best agreed to join FA Premier League club Portsmouth F.C. as a youth coach, citing his desire to get involved in football again. For other uses, see November (disambiguation). ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Scottish equivalent see Scottish Premier League The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership in England and the Barclays English Premier League or just simply The EPL internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league system... Portsmouth Football Club are an English football club based in the south coast city of Portsmouth. ...

Alcoholism

In 1984, Best received a three-month prison sentence for drunk driving, assaulting a police officer and failing to answer bail. He spent Christmas of 1984 behind bars and turned out as a player for Ford Open Prison. This article is about the year. ... Drunk driving (drink driving in the UK) or drinking and driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle after having consumed alcohol (i. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... HM Prison Ford (informally known as Ford Open Prison) is a low-security prison near Arundel and Littlehampton in West Sussex, England. ...

On 2 February 2004, Best was convicted of another drunk driving offence and banned from driving for 20 months. is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In September 1990, Best appeared on an edition of primetime BBC chat show Wogan in which he was clearly drunk and swore, at one point saying to the host, "Terry, I like screwing".^[11] He later apologized and said this was one of the worst episodes of his alcoholism. Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... For other uses, see BBC (disambiguation). ... Wogan was a chat show on British television, hosted by Terry Wogan. ... Alcoholism is the consumption of, or preoccupation with, alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the drinkers normal personal, family, social, or work life, and may lead to physical or mental harm. ...

In 2002, he had a liver transplant at King's College Hospital in London. In 2003 he was the focus of much criticism when, despite his transplant, he openly drank white wine spritzers. Also in 2004, his second wife Alex Best appeared as a contestant on the reality television programme I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and alleged that Best physically abused her during their relationship. Also see: 2002 (number). ... For the bird, see Liver bird. ... “Transplant” redirects here. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Wine (disambiguation). ... A spritzer is a tall, chilled drink, usually made with white wine and soda water. ... Alex Best (born January 29th 1972) is a former model and ex wife of George Best, who was twenty six years senior to her. ... Im a Celebrity. ... “Domestic disturbance” redirects here. ...

Illness and death

Gates of Belfast City Hall soon after Best's death, Another view.

Graffiti honouring Best like this one in the New Lodge area appeared all over Belfast after his death.

Best continued to drink, and was sometimes seen at his local pub in Petersfield, Hampshire. On 3 October 2005 Best was admitted to intensive care at the private Cromwell Hospital in London, suffering from kidney problems caused by the side-effects of immuno-suppressive drugs used to prevent his body from rejecting his transplanted liver. On 27 October, newspapers stated that Best was close to death and had sent a farewell message to his loved ones. Best's condition improved at first, but deteriorated again in November. On 20 November the British tabloid News of the World published a picture of Best at his own request, showing him in his hospital bed, along with what was reported to be his final message: "Don't die like me". Image File history File linksMetadata Gb_city_hall. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Gb_city_hall. ... Belfast City Hall Belfast City Hall is the civic building of the Belfast City Council. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Cityhall2. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (3008x2000, 2579 KB) Summary (C) 2005, Gerry Lynch. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (3008x2000, 2579 KB) Summary (C) 2005, Gerry Lynch. ... The New Lodge Road viewed from its western end The New Lodge is an urban, working-class Catholic community in Belfast, Northern Ireland, immediately to the north of city centre. ... Pub redirects here. ... Petersfield is a market town in the English county of Hampshire, situated on the northern border of the South Downs. ... is the 276th day of the year (277th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Intensive care medicine or critical care medicine is concerned with providing greater than ordinary medical care and observation to people in a critical or unstable condition. ... Cromwell Hospital is a hospital located in the South Kensington area of London. ... The kidneys are the organs that filter wastes (such as urea) from the blood and excrete them, along with water, as urine. ... For the bird, see Liver bird. ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 324th day of the year (325th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The News of the World is a British tabloid newspaper published every Sunday. ...

In the early hours of 25 November 2005 treatment was stopped; he eventually died, after a battle that lasted longer than doctors had expected, at 13:06 GMT from a lung infection and Multiple organ failure.^[12] is the 329th day of the year (330th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Human respiratory system The lungs flank the heart and great vessels in the chest cavity. ... Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome - M.O.D.S. (previously known as multiple organ failure) is altered organ function in an acutely ill patient requiring medical intervention to maintain homeostasis. ...

The FA Premier League announced that a minute's silence would be observed before all Premiership games to be held over the weekend of his death, however, this tradition was ignored at many grounds, in favour of a minute's applause in his honour. The first match at Old Trafford after Best's death was a League Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion, the club against which he made his debut for Manchester United in 1963. The match was preceded by tributes from former team-mate Sir Bobby Charlton, and Best's son Callum and former team-mates, surviving members from the West Bromwich Albion team which he played against in his debut, all joined the current United squad on the pitch for a minute's silence, during which fans held aloft pictures of Best, which were given out to all fans before the match for free. For the Scottish equivalent see Scottish Premier League The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership in England and the Barclays English Premier League or just simply The EPL internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league system... West Bromwich Albion Football Club is an English football club formed by workers from Salters Spring Works in West Bromwich, West Midlands in 1878. ... For other uses, see 1963 (disambiguation). ... Sir Robert Bobby Charlton, CBE (born 11 October 1937) Ashington, Northumberland is a former English professional football player who won a World Cup medal and the European Footballer of the Year award in 1966. ... West Bromwich Albion Football Club is an English football club formed by workers from Salters Spring Works in West Bromwich, West Midlands in 1878. ...

Funeral

His body left the family home at Cregagh Road, East Belfast, shortly after 10 a.m. UTC on Saturday, December 3, 2005. The cortège then travelled the short distance to Stormont. The route was lined with around 100,000 mourners. There was an 11 a.m. service in the Grand Hall relayed to around 25,000 mourners inside the grounds of Stormont, and live on BBC One, UTV, RTÉ, ITV News, BBC News 24, Sky News, Sky Sports News, EuroNews and MUTV. Afterward, Best was buried beside his mother Annie Elizabeth Kelly in a private ceremony at the hill-top Roselawn Cemetery, overlooking east Belfast. East Belfast is a Parliamentary Constituency in the House of Commons and also an Assembly constituency in the Northern Ireland Assembly. ... ... is the 337th day of the year (338th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Parliament Building of Northern Ireland, known as Stormont because of its location in the Stormont area of Belfast, served as the seat of the Parliament of Northern Ireland and successive Northern Ireland assemblies and conventions. ... For the BBC radio station, see BBC Radio 1. ... For other uses of the UTV acronym see UTV (disambiguation) Ulster Television plc (UTV) is a media company based in Northern Ireland. ... Radio Telefís Éireann[1] (RTÉ; IPA: ,  ) is the Public Service Broadcaster of the Republic of Ireland. ... The ITV News Channel was a 24 hour television news channel in the United Kingdom which broadcast from 2000 to 2005. ... BBC News 24 is the BBCs 24 hour rolling news television channel in the United Kingdom. ... Sky News is a 24-hour British domestic and international television news channel that started broadcasting on 5 February 1989 as part of the then four-channel Sky Television service, as well as a hourly news radio service in the UK. Broadcast of a 24-hour radio service is due... Sky Sports News (SSN) is a 24-hour sports news channel in the United Kingdom. ... EuroNews is a multilingual and pan-European television news channel launched on January 1, 1993. ... For MUTV at the University of Missouri, see University of Missouri TV. MUTV (Manchester United Television) is an English subscription based television channel, operated by Manchester United F.C.. The channel offers Manchester United fans exclusive interviews with players and staff, full matches, including all Premier League games (broadcast generally...

Memorials

The new airport signage

Belfast City Airport was renamed George Best Belfast City Airport as a tribute to Best.^[13] The official new name and signage was unveiled to a gathering of the Best family and friends at the airport on 22 May 2006 which would have been his 60th birthday. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1534x790, 152 KB) Summary Photograph of the new signage at the renamed George Best Belfast City Airport. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1534x790, 152 KB) Summary Photograph of the new signage at the renamed George Best Belfast City Airport. ... Belfast City Tower George Best Belfast City Airport (IATA: BHD, ICAO: EGAC) is an airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland. ... Belfast City Tower George Best Belfast City Airport (IATA: BHD, ICAO: EGAC) is an airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland. ... is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Public opinion in Northern Ireland about the renaming of the airport was divided, with one poll showing only 52% in favour and 48% against.^[14] Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) deputy leader and East Belfast Member of Parliament Peter Robinson, in whose constituency Belfast City airport is situated, stated that his preference was a sports stadium be named after Best.^[15] The move generated negative comments beyond Northern Ireland.^[16] This article is about the political party in Northern Ireland. ... East Belfast is a Parliamentary Constituency in the House of Commons and also an Assembly constituency in the Northern Ireland Assembly. ... Peter David Robinson (born December 29, 1948) is a Democratic Unionist Party Member of Parliament for East Belfast. ...

In March 2006, airline Flybe, named a Dash 8 (Q400) plane The George Best. The aircraft was later used to carry Best's family across to the Manchester memorial service for Best.^[17] Flybe is a British airline based at Exeter Airport, England. ... Dash 8 is also a series of diesel locomotives built by GE; see List of GE locomotives The de Havilland Canada Dash 8 is a series of twin-engined, medium range, turboprop airliners introduced by de Havilland Canada (DHC) in 1984. ... This article is about the City of Manchester in England. ...

In June 2006, Sarah Fabergé, great-granddaughter of Russian Imperial Jeweller Carl Fabergé was commissioned to create the George Best Egg, in tribute. A strictly limited edition of 68 eggs were produced, with all profits from the sale of the eggs going to the George Best Foundation. The first egg from the collection is now on permanent public display at the George Best Airport. Peter Carl Fabergé (May 30, 1846 – September 24, 1920) was a Russian jeweller, best known for his fabulous Fabergé eggs, made in the style of genuine Easter eggs, but using precious metals and gemstones rather than more mundane materials. ...

The Best Five Pound Note

For the first anniversary of his death, Ulster Bank issued one million commemorative five pound notes.^[18] The notes sold out in five days.^[19] The notes sold on the online auction site eBay for up to £30.^[20] Image File history File links Bestfiver. ... Image File history File links Bestfiver. ... Ulster Bank (Irish: Banc Uladh[1]) is a large commercial bank, one of the Big Four in both the Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. ... This article is about the online auction center. ...

Current plans for a new national stadium for Northern Ireland near Lisburn include a proposed statue of Best as one of several celebrating sporting heroes from the country. These statues would surround the main sporting arena and Best would be joined by rugby player Willie John McBride, Gaelic Athletic Association player Cormac McAnallen, Olympic gold medalist Mary Peters, Grand National winner Richard Dunwoody, Grand Prix driver Eddie Irvine, Motor cycle World champion Joey Dunlop and snooker world champion Alex Higgins. WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: , Statistics Province: Ulster County: District: Lisburn UK Parliament: Lagan Valley European Parliament: Northern Ireland Dialling Code: (+44) 02892 Post Town: Lisburn Postal District(s): BT27, BT28 Population (2001) 71,465 Website: www. ... Willie John McBride, MBE is an Irish rugby player. ... For other uses, see GAA (disambiguation). ... Cormac McAnallen (February 11, 1980)–March 2, 2004), or Cormac Mac An Ailín/ Cormac Mac Conalláin, was an Irish sportsman who played Gaelic football for Tyrone and Eglish from County Tyrone,Northern Ireland. ... The five Olympic rings were designed in 1913, adopted in 1914 and debuted at the Games at Antwerp, 1920. ... Dame Mary Peters, DBE (born 6 July 1939) is a former British pentathlete. ... The Grand National is the most valuable National Hunt handicap horse race in the United Kingdom. ... Thomas Richard Dunwoody MBE (born January 18, 1964 in Belfast, Northern Ireland) is a jockey in National Hunt racing. ... // Grand Prix (IPA: ) (French for Grand Prize) may refer to: Formula One - which evolved from Grand Prix motor racing, events are still known as Grand Prix, see the list of Formula One Grands Prix Grand Prix motor racing Grand Prix motorcycle racing Speedway Grand Prix (motorcycle speedway) Eurovision Song Contest... Edmund Eddie Irvine, Jr. ... Senior TT 1992 William Joseph Joey Dunlop, OBE (February 25, 1952 - July 2, 2000) was a world champion motorcyclist, best known for road racing. ... Snooker is a cue sport that is played on a large baize-covered table with pockets in each of the four corners and in the middle of each of the long side cushions. ... Alexander Alex Gordon Higgins (born 18 March 1949 in Belfast) is a Northern Irish professional snooker player, who was twice World Champion. ...

Family

George was the first child of Dickie and Anne. He had four sisters, Carol, Barbara, Julie and Grace, and a brother, Ian.

Best was married twice, first to Angela MacDonald-James (1978-1986). They had a son, Calum, who was born in 1981. He was married to Alex Pursey from 1995 to 2004, and they had no children. He is reported to have had two daughters by other women.^[21] Angie Best (born Angela MacDonald-James in 1953 in Southend on Sea, Essex), is a former Playboy Bunny and model, probably best known as the ex-wife of footballer George Best. ... Calum Milan Best (born 6 February 1981 in San José, California) is a former fashion model turned celebrity, and television personality. ... Year 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Gregorian calendar). ... Alex Best (born January 29th 1972) is a former model and ex wife of George Best, who was twenty six years senior to her. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Best's father is still alive, and is now 89 years old. His mother died from an alcoholism-related illness in 1978, aged 55. [1] Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ...

Best in popular culture

George Best on the cover of The Wedding Present's 1987 album he lent his name to.

Best's autobiographies include: Image File history File links TWPGeorgeBest. ... Image File history File links TWPGeorgeBest. ... The Wedding Present is a rock group based in Leeds, England, that was formed in 1985 from the ashes of the Lost Pandas. ... George Best is the debut album by The Wedding Present. ...

• Bestie (co-written with Joe Lovejoy),
• The Good, The Bad and The Bubbly (with Ross Benson)
• Blessed: The Autobiography (with Roy Collins)
• Scoring at Half Time (with Martin Knight).

A biographical film titled Best was released in 2000 which chronicled Best's struggles within his personal life. The film starred John Lynch as George Best and Roger Daltrey as Rodney Marsh. Best has been the subject of or mentioned in numerous songs, TV shows and internet postings. In 1984 Best made a fitness video with Mary Stavin called "Shape Up And Dance". Martin Knight is a British author born in Epsom in Surrey in 1957 mainly associated with working class culture and football literature. ... For other persons named John Lynch, see John Lynch (disambiguation). ... Roger Harry Daltrey, CBE (born 1 March 1944), is a rock vocalist, songwriter, and actor, best known as the founder and lead singer of English rock band The Who. ... This article is about the year. ... Mary Stavin in 1983 Mary Ann Catrin Stävin (born 20 August 1957 in Örebro, Sweden) is a Swedish actress. ...

See also

• UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award
• Grosvenor Grammar School

The UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll is the popular name for an online poll conducted in 2004 by UEFA as part of their Golden Jubilee celebrations, celebrating the best European footballers from the fifty previous years. ... The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award is given on an annual basis to a sportsperson who has made a long-running and considerable contribution to sport. ... Grosvenor Grammar School is a coeducational voluntary grammar school in Belfast, Northern Ireland. ...

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

George Best

• English Football Hall of Fame Profile
• The George Best Foundation
• Football legend George Best dies from the BBC
• United in grief for a tragic hero - The Guardian
• Was George the Best? - BBC
• George Best Manchester United photo 1, biography & stats at sporting-heroes.net
• George Best Manchester United photo 2, biography & stats at sporting-heroes.net
• George Best Hibernian photo, biography & stats at sporting-heroes.net
• George Best Fulham photo, biography & stats at sporting-heroes.net

Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Wikiquote is one of a family of wiki-based projects run by the Wikimedia Foundation, running on MediaWiki software. ... For other uses, see BBC (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Guardian. ... For other uses, see BBC (disambiguation). ...

Notes