The greatest footballers - George Best: The Rise, the Glory, and the Struggles of a Football Icon

"The Rise and Fall of George Best: A Football Legend

In this episode of The Greatest Ever, we dive deep into the life of George Best, the Belfast boy who took the world of football by storm.
From his meteoric rise at Manchester United to his dazzling skills that left defenders in awe, we explore what made him a true football genius.
But behind the fame lay personal struggles and challenges that ultimately shaped his complex legacy.
Featuring thoughts from family, teammates and rivals, this episode captures both the brilliance and tragedy of a legend who was much more than just a footballer.

Soccer Annual: No. 2 Hardcover – by George Best
George Best - Best Intentions - The Story of George Best [DVD] 

Transcript

00:00
He was called L. Beetle, this footballing magician who danced past defenders like they were stuck in place. Yeah. Today, we're going to go past those dazzling highlights and really explore the complex life of George Best. We've got some fascinating documentary footage. Oh, wow. Those really insightful quotes from people who knew him. So our mission is to try and uncover the man behind the myth.

00:28
Was he truly a victim of his time, unable to cope with the pressures of fame? Or was there something more to his story? Let's dive in. What's really interesting is that we get to understand best not just as a product of his time, but also this complex person who was grappling with these internal struggles that really went beyond any limitations of his time. Okay, so we'll explore those dazzling highs and the real gut wrenching lows to try and get a complete picture of this.

00:57
really extraordinary figure. It's all about understanding that full spectrum. All the wins and the tragedies that really shaped him. And that's where the true understanding lies. Now let's go back to Belfast, where it all began. In the documentary, you can see this young George already showing this amazing natural talent that set him apart from everyone else. Even then, you can see his dedication. He'd be practicing tirelessly on that makeshift pitch that his dad built for him.

01:27
Oh, wow, that's great. There's this really powerful quote from a friend he had during his childhood. George was always the last one to leave the pitch. He just couldn't get enough. That internal drive, that inner fire is something you see all the time with truly great people. But his environment played a huge part too. His father, who was a decent footballer himself, clearly fostered and nurtured that passion. And then when he was just 15,

01:56
He's taken away from that world and sent to Manchester United. Oh, wow. The documentary shows him arriving, and he looks so young and so homesick. I can imagine leaving everything you know at that young age to chase a dream. Luckily, he had a really supportive landlady who was there to give him stability and warmth. She said, he was just a boy, really. He needed looking after.

02:20
You know, that just shows how important a supportive environment is. Especially for young talent trying to navigate such massive life changes. Now it wasn't just raw skill for George Best. He had this audacity. This way of bending the rules of what you could even do on the pitch. The commentators in the documentary can hardly contain themselves. Calling his move poetry in motion. Wow. It's incredible. And he had that natural flair. Right.

02:46
a showmanship that was captivating. He wasn't just winning, he was making the sport electric. It's interesting because it's similar to someone like Jimi Hendrix, who completely changed music through pure talent and charisma. Absolutely, and he quickly got the nickname L. Beetle, not just because of his hair, but for the like, Beetlemania level frenzy that he created. He became this symbol of youthful rebellion, and just extraordinary talent, which,

03:15
mirrors the cultural shifts happening all over the world at the time. His impact really went beyond sports. It influenced fashion and youth culture. Right. He really embodied the spirit of the 60s, a time of huge social and cultural chain. Totally. Do you remember when you first came across Best's legacy? Was it like grainy footage or those amazing stories or something else? Definitely the stories. Hearing about his mythical dribbling skills and those crazy goals, it was like listening to folklore.

03:45
Even without seeing it firsthand, you could feel how much of an impact he had. That's the magic of a legend. Their influence just lasts through generations. Becomes part of the sport. Absolutely. And it sparks this curiosity to understand the man behind the myth. For sure. One moment that really shows his genius is the 1966 European Cup semi-final against Benfica. Best was just unstoppable, scoring two goals in the first seven minutes. That match is legendary. It is. Often seen as his launch into superstardom. Right.

04:14
It showed off his incredible ball control, his risky dribbling, and that uncanny ability to score, even when surrounded. The documentary shows how tactically aware he was, often predicting plays before they even happened. And remember, this was against Benfica, a European powerhouse. It wasn't just a win, it was like he demolished expectations, a real statement that he'd arrived on the world stage. And it also shows his mental toughness.

04:42
Performing at that level under so much pressure at such a young age. Yeah, it takes a very rare mix of talent and temperament Right, and this was just the start of his incredible journey, but his story wasn't all sunshine and trophies Oh, okay his international career with Northern Ireland while having moments of brilliance Was ultimately a story of potential never reached right the documentary highlights How frustrating it was to see this world-class player stuck on a team that couldn't match his level?

05:12
It makes you think, what if he'd been on a team that could fully support his talent? Yeah. What might he have achieved on the international stage? It's a big what if that still hangs over football history. Absolutely. And then there's his complicated relationship with Bobby Charlton. Right. A teammate at Manchester United, but not really a friend off the pitch. They were very different personalities. Okay. Totally different approaches to the game and to life generally.

05:41
The documentary touches on how that dynamic played out, both on and off the field. It makes you wonder how much those personal relationships affected Best's experience, ultimately shaping his career. And of course, there's the constant pressure of being George Best. The media attention was intense, documenting his every move on and off the pitch. Imagine being under that spotlight all the time, especially in a time with no social media or carefully crafted public image. The documentary shows a young man

06:10
grappling with all this intrusion, trying to navigate a world that had suddenly become incredibly complicated. After that European Cup win, things started to change. The team's performance declined, Best's frustration grew, and then, in a controversial move, he decided to retire from football at only 26. Wow. It was a decision that shocked the entire football world. Yeah. A reminder that even at the highest point of success,

06:38
Internal struggles can lead to unexpected turns. He did come back later playing for Fulham and in the US, but it was never quite the same. The documentary shows those flashes of brilliance. Yeah. But the consistency, that pure joy of his earlier years, was gone. It's almost like watching a flame flicker, knowing that the fire that once burned so brightly is slowly dying out. And sadly, this brings us to the darker side of his story, his well-documented struggles with alcohol. Right. It's a complicated issue.

07:08
often stemming from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. The documentary shows that there was alcoholism in his family. Which suggests a predisposition. But the pressures of fame and that constant scrutiny probably made those vulnerabilities even worse. There are these heartbreaking anecdotes that really highlight his struggles. His sister Barbara recounts his erratic behavior, often fueled by alcohol. And of course,

07:34
the media jumped on those moments, further fueling that cycle of scrutiny and despair. These personal accounts really show the human cost of fame, how it can distort perceptions and create distance between the individual and the people who care about them. Absolutely. And then his relationship with his mother, Anne, who also struggled with alcohol, adds another layer of complexity. There's this really strong sense of guilt that Bess carried, especially after she passed away.

08:02
Their shared struggles add such a poignant layer to Best's story. It shows the cyclical nature of addiction, how it can affect generations, and the massive impact family relationships, both good and bad, have on shaping a person's path. In 2002, there was a glimmer of hope. Best received a liver transplant. Oh, wow. A second chance that many hoped would be a turning point. That moment really encapsulated the two sides of his life. The documentary portrays his fragile health

08:31
almost defiant resilience. But tragically, that hope didn't last. He relapsed, highlighting how deeply ingrained addiction is and how incredibly hard it is to break free. It really shows the complexity of addiction, how it can take over even the best intentions. It shows the limits of medical intervention when the underlying psychological and emotional factors are undressed. So how do we reconcile the footballing genius with the deeply flawed human being?

09:01
That's the challenge, isn't it? Holding both perspectives in mind at the same time, acknowledging the brilliance without condoning the self-destructive behavior. It's about understanding that people are complex, capable of both amazing feats and huge failures. And people definitely have different views of Best. Some see him as this tragic figure who wasted his talent. Others see him as a symbol of rebellion, a player who brought freedom and excitement to the sport.

09:27
That variety of perspectives is so important, it stops us from simplifying Best, either as a hero or a villain. Yeah. It reminds us that history is rarely black and white. It's more like a tapestry of experiences and interpretations. Even legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings, who played with Best for Northern Ireland, talked about his skills with awe. He said, over 23 years, I've learned about the best player I've seen. I put him right up there with Maradona. Wow.

09:55
That's huge praise coming from a man who'd seen it all. Jennings' statement shows the lasting impact of Dest's talent. It goes beyond rivalries and leaves a mark on those who saw it firsthand. And it's amazing how his popularity endures, even decades after he retired, even among those who never saw him play. His image is still on murals and merchandise. People are still telling and retelling his story. It's incredible. This continued fascination really speaks to the power of his story. Yeah.

10:24
The allure of raw talent, the captivating story of triumph and tragedy, the eternal struggle between brilliance and self-destruction. It resonates on such a deep level. His life is a cautionary tale. Reminding us about the alluring power of fame and how important it is to balance talent with well-being, it's a conversation we're still having today. How to support young talent, how to deal with the pressures of the media. It really is.

10:54
It's about building resilience, having a support system, recognizing how vulnerable people are, especially those thrown into the spotlight. Absolutely, it's a lesson that goes beyond sports and speaks to what it means to be human. There's a quote that really sums up his life. If you'd given me the choice of going out and beating four men and smashing a goal in from 30 yards against Liverpool or going to bed with Miss World, it would have been a difficult choice. Wow. Luckily I had both. That quote perfectly captures the two sides of George Vest.

11:23
the incredible footballer intertwined with the pleasure seeking playboy. It speaks to living life on your own terms, embracing both passion and pleasure. But it also hints at the possible downsides of that approach, the danger of losing yourself in the pursuit of instant gratification. It reminds us that fulfillment is personal and what society expects doesn't always line up with what individuals want. His life after football mirrored that same spirit.

11:53
TV pundit, after-dinner speaker, even opening a fashion boutique. This post-football chapter shows a man searching for new ways to express himself, engaging with the world outside of the pitch. Absolutely, it shows this restless energy, a desire to explore different parts of himself. But sadly, his addiction problems continued, leading to very public incidents, including arrests for drunk driving and even a short time in prison. The sad contrast to those brilliant moments on the pitch. It is. Those glimpses of the man he could have been.

12:22
It's a reminder that life is a mix of triumphs and tragedies. It's about acknowledging the complexities, recognizing that even those who achieve amazing things aren't immune to the challenges and heartbreaks. They're just part of being human. And ultimately we're left with this deep sadness. Yeah. A sense of a life that could have been so much more. It's a feeling shared by many who followed his journey. The sense of potential wasted, knowing that his incredible talent

12:52
was ultimately overshadowed by his personal battles. It really makes you wonder about the man behind the headlines. Right. The thoughts and regrets he might have carried. It's natural to speculate, but we can only learn so much from what we see on the outside. Yeah. What matters is that we don't reduce his life to a simple moral story. It's about recognizing how complicated it all was, the mix of talent, circumstances, and personal choices that shaped his path. Absolutely. And maybe the most poignant reflection comes from Best himself.

13:20
In one of his last interviews, he was asked how he wanted to be remembered. And his response, as the greatest footballer who ever lived, and Paley said I was, so that's good enough for me. Wow. That statement, said with his usual wit and self-assurance, shows a man who, despite his problems, was still gripply proud of what he achieved. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there were moments of genuine joy, moments when he felt the thrill of pushing human potential to its limits. It's a powerful statement.

13:50
and it speaks to his lasting legacy. Despite all the complexities and contradictions, George Best remains an icon, a symbol of footballing brilliance that still inspires and captivates generations. His story reminds us that greatness often comes at a price, that striving for excellence can sometimes lead to both triumph and tragedy. It encourages us to appreciate the full range of human experience, the light and shadow that exists within us all. And it leaves us with a thought-provoking question.

14:19
Could Best have achieved even greater things if he'd been born in a different era, with the support systems available to athletes today? Or was his tragic downfall an unavoidable consequence of his talent and the turbulent times he lived in? That's a question that will probably be debated for years to come. It reminds us that history isn't a simple formula, but a complex tapestry of interwoven threads. It's a testament to how fascinating George Best remains, the flawed genius who

14:48
despite his struggles, left an unforgettable mark on football and beyond. Well said. Thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive into the extraordinary and heartbreaking world of George Best. It's been great to explore his legacy with you. And to you, our listener, we leave you with this final thought. What is it about the stories of flawed geniuses like Best that still captivates us? Is there brilliance, their tragedy, or the

15:17
questioning and keep diving deep. It really makes you think about those expectations, especially for someone who became famous so young. The documentary shows this constant media presence, like photographers following him everywhere. It's true. Imagine that level of scrutiny, like every move you make is analyzed and often blown out of proportion. It's not surprising that he looked for escape, which unfortunately turned into something much worse. And it wasn't just the tabloids either. There were stories about fans mobbing him, even trying to get into his hotel room.

15:47
must have felt so suffocating. The documentary highlights how this constant pressure really affected his relationships. Friends and family talk about how hard it became to connect with him because this George Best persona had taken over. It's a reminder that behind all the headlines and the myth, there was a real person dealing with real emotions. We can't forget about that human side. Exactly. The documentary doesn't try to hide his flaws, but it also paints a more concreta-

16:13
showing those moments of genuine kindness and vulnerability. There's one scene where he goes to a children's hospital and spends hours with the kids, making them laugh and forget about their problems. Those glimpses of compassion are really powerful. It shows that he wasn't just one thing. There were different sides to him, a complexity that the public often missed. There's also a really moving interview with his sister, Barbara, where she talks about his deep regret over his mother's death.

16:41
You can tell he carried a lot of guilt and sadness about their shared struggles with alcohol. It adds a tragic dimension to his story. The documentary suggests that while his relationship with his mother was loving, it was also pretty turbulent. He seemed to feel responsible for her well-being, which probably added to his own emotional burden. It reminds us how much family dynamics matter, especially when it comes to addiction. It's rarely a simple, isolated problem. Right, and the documentary makes it clear that even with all his flaws,

17:08
Best was deeply loved by those who knew him. They saw the good in him, even when his actions made it hard to see. One really powerful moment is the footage of his liver transplant surgery in 2002. You can feel both the hope and the fear at the same time. It felt like a real turning point, a chance for him to start fresh. The doctors talk about how determined he was to get better, the promises he made to change his life. It's a reminder of how resilient people can be, even when facing huge challenges. Sadly, that hope didn't last very long.

17:38
The relapse, as shown in the documentary, is heartbreaking to see. It really shows you how powerful addiction is and how deeply rooted it can be. It challenges that simple idea that willpower is all you need to recover. It highlights the need for ongoing support, professional help, and an understanding of just how complex addiction really is. It's also a reminder that recovery isn't a straight line. There will be setbacks, times when someone falters. But that doesn't mean the initial desire for change was fake.

18:07
or that the efforts they made were pointless. The documentary doesn't try to give easy answers, but it does make you think about important topics like addiction, forgiveness, and the balance between personal responsibility and the need for compassion and support. It's interesting to see those dark moments next to the joy and excitement he had on the field. The documentary does a great job of showing both sides of his personality. It creates a really powerful contrast, reminding us that people are rarely just one thing. We're complicated.

18:36
capable of incredible achievements and terrible mistakes at the same time. Which leads us to the question of legacy. How should we remember George Best? The troubled genius, the tragic figure who lost to his demons, or something more complex? The documentary doesn't give a definite answer, but it encourages us to consider every part of his life, to acknowledge the brilliance, the impact he had on the sport, and the cultural phenomenon he became. You can't deny his talent. Even people who were critical of his behavior off the field.

19:06
still talk about his football skills with awe. And it's crucial to remember the context of the time. Attitudes toward mental health and addiction were very different then. Support systems were lacking, and the pressures of fame were often magnified without the protections that exist today. It makes you wonder if he'd been born in a different era with better resources, with things that turned out differently for him. It's impossible to know for sure, but it's a good question.

19:32
The documentary certainly suggests that he wasn't ready to handle the level of fame and scrutiny that came with his talent. There's a quote from one of his managers that really stands out. He was like a child in a man's world. He had this innocence about him even while he was making headlines for all the wrong reasons. That perfectly sums up the two sides of Best. This incredible talent mixed with a vulnerability that was often exploited. It adds a layer of tragedy to his story. A sense of a lost boy who never really found his place in the adult world.

20:02
The documentary also looks at his lasting impact on football. Many players today say he's an inspiration, even with all his well-known struggles. It shows the power his talent still has, how he captivated people and changed what was possible on the field. Even now, decades later, his name represents creativity, daring, and a magical kind of flair. There's a montage near the end of the documentary showing young players from all over the world all saying the same thing. George Best is the reason I love football.

20:32
It's a real tribute to his legacy, the way he crossed cultural boundaries and inspired generations to chase their own dreams on the pitch. But his story is also a cautionary tale, reminding us how important balance is, having support systems and facing personal struggles before they take over. It's a lesson for everyone, not just athletes. It's for anyone dealing with the pressures of success, fame or even just the complexities of life. We can all learn from his triumphs and his tragedies. And as we move into the final chapter of his life.

21:02
We'll explore those complex ideas of redemption, regret, and the question of what could have been. Those final years of Dest's life, as they're shown in the documentary, they're really a mix of reflection and regret. Yeah. There are moments where he's really clear-headed, and he acknowledges the mistakes he made, the pain he caused both to himself and others. Yeah. There's this one interview that really sticks out. He says,

21:31
I wasted so much of my life. I wish I had treated my body better, that I had listened to the people who tried to help me. You can really hear the remorse in his voice. Yeah, but you still see that spark of defiance in him. Right. That refusal to let his past completely define him. Absolutely, he kept making public appearances, even as his health was getting worse. Yeah. There's footage of him at a football awards show. He looks frail, but he's still cracking jokes, still charming the audience with his wit. He even put out an autobiography called Blessed.

21:59
Oh, wow. Which is a play on his name that really captures the ups and downs of his life. In the book, he talks about the joy of playing, that feeling of freedom he felt on the pitch. Yeah. And it reminds you that even with all his struggles, football was still a source of passion and identity for him. That's really interesting. It makes you contrast his public persona with the more introspective side that we see in the documentary. Yeah. Like there's this scene where he's buying self in his garden, just watching kids playing football.

22:28
He looks kind of wistful, almost sad. Yeah. The filmmakers really captured a moment of vulnerability there. They did. The man without that George Best mask. Yeah. It makes you think, what was going through his mind at that moment? Regret, a sense of longing, maybe even a bit of peace amidst all the chaos. Yeah, who knows? But it shows how complex he was as a person. Right. There were all these layers that went beyond the headlines and what people thought they knew. Definitely.

22:55
The documentary also delves into his relationship with his son, Kullum. Oh, right. It's a complicated relationship, you know, with both love and the shadow of his past hanging over it. Yeah. There's a scene where Kullum talks about how tough it was to grow up with a famous dad. Right. The constant comparisons, the weight of those expectations. But he also talks about how much he admired his dad's talent, the joy he brought to so many people. It really highlights how Best's legacy is a mix of good and bad.

23:24
His actions had a ripple effect, you know, shaping the lives of those closest to him, even as they tried to reconcile the man they knew with the legend everyone else saw. And as we come to the end of his story, the documentary focuses on those last few days. Right. You get this sense of inevitability, this feeling that the fight against addiction had taken its toll. But even then, in those final moments, you still see glimpses of humor, that mischievous side of him that charmed the world. There's that famous story about his hospital bed.

23:53
As he got sicker, the nurses put a sign outside his room. No smoking. Yeah, I've heard that one. And best, always the Joker, supposedly asked for a marker and added, no ball games. Classic George. It's a small thing, but it says a lot about him. He faced his last challenge with defiance and humor, not letting his illness define him completely. And when he passed away at only 59. Hmm.

24:19
It caused this huge wave of grief and tributes from all over the world. Football fans, celebrities, even politicians mourned the loss of a true icon. Wow. The documentary ends with a montage of those tributes, showing just how powerful and lasting George Best's impact was. You see fans singing his name, kids wearing his jersey, murals of his legendary moments on the pitch. It's powerful.

24:45
It shows that his legacy goes beyond the controversy and his personal struggles. He left his mark on the sport, inspiring generations with his talent, his boldness, and that pure passion for the game. Absolutely. But his story also serves as a warning. It reminds us that talent can be fragile, fame can be dangerous, and it's so important to get help when you're fighting personal demons. It's a complex story. It is. That still fascinates and connects with people today. And as we wrap up this deep dive, we're left with feelings of both sadness and admiration.

25:15
Sadness for the potential that was never fully realized. The choices that led to his downfall. But also admiration for the pure brilliance he showed on the field. The joy he gave to millions of fans worldwide. And maybe the most fitting tribute comes from Best himself. Yo. In one of his last interviews, someone asked how he wanted to be remembered. And his answer, with that typical mix of humility and wit, was, don't die like me. Wow. That's a powerful message. It's like he's asking others.

25:44
to learn from his mistakes and make better choices. It reminds us that behind the legend, the flawed genius was a human being who despite all his struggles left a lasting impact on the world. Well said. So as we finish this deep dive, we leave you with this thought. What is it about the stories of flawed geniuses like George Best that keeps us so captivated? Is it the brilliance, the tragedy, or that constant question of what if? It's a question worth pondering.

26:11
Thank you for joining us on this journey into the extraordinary and ultimately heartbreaking world of George Best. Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep diving deep.