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George Best - Football's First Rockstar

Posted by Christopher Smith on

George Best is one of the best-remembered footballers of all time - with a reputation as large off the pitch as it was on it.

He is also arguably the greatest footballer to never appear at the World Cup finals - appearing for Northern Ireland 37 times but unfortunately they never qualified during his international career.

Other great players to never feature are the likes of Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs and Di Stefano.

George Best with Danny Blanchflower

Danny Blanchflower & George Best posing for a photo in 1976 - credit Nationaal Archief


Best was scouted at the age of 15 by Manchester United. The legendary manager Matt Busby received a note from one of his scouts that simply read "I've found you a genius."

He found himself being developed as a winger for United, largely in part to his natural ability to dribble the ball with either foot and withstand heavy challenges.

He made his debut in 1963 at the age of 17 - appearing for United in a 1-0 victory over West Brom. Two years later he put in a performance that catapulted him to stardom as he scored two goals against Benfica in the European Cup.

After this match the Portugeuse media dubbed him "O quinto Beatle" - the fifth Beatle. This nickname stuck with him for many years to come.

George Best "El Beatle" t-shirt

This was the inspiration behind COPA's "El Beatle" t-shirt.


Best quickly became famous throughout Europe for his phenomenal ability to change direction at blistering pace - not unlike a more two-footed version of Lionel Messi. Dutch captain and footballing legend Johan Cryuff once said about him: "what he has is unique, you can't coach it."


Best left Manchester United in 1974 at just 27 to pursue his career elsewhere. He found himself at a number of clubs all over the world, including stints in the legendary North American Soccer League for the Los Angeles Aztecs & the San Jose Earthquakes.

George Best San Jose Earthquakes shirtGeorge Best Los Angeles Aztecs Shirt

Best's NASL shirts are lovingly recreated by COPA.


It's probably also worth mentioning that while at San Jose George Best did THIS!




Best was renowned throughout the duration of his career for how shall we say "enjoying a good time." His movie star good looks, wealth and profile all combined to make him one of the coolest celebrities of the 1960s and 1970s.

GQ listed him in their top 50 most stylish men of the last 50 years list in 2007 - and it's this side of his persona that is perhaps remembered most fondly.

His off-field antics and fast-paced lifestyle eventually caught up with him, causing his death in 2005 through complications following a liver transplant. The world of football mourned a legend, including touching tributes from the likes of Pele, Maradona and Cryuff.

You can celebrate the life of football's first rock star with COPA's amazing range of t-shirts at Football Nation. Every one is designed by those that love the game and respect the legend that the Belfast Boy was.

George Best

Check out the George Best range right here.



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