20 years on from George Best passing, a tribute to his legacy

Best, famously, never played at a World Cup finals. Just as well publicised is the fact his United career was over by the time he was 27. Although he represented other clubs, it marked the end of his playing days at the top level and pre-empted an embarrassing relegation for the Reds.

After long-running issues with addiction, he also died tragically young, aged only 59.

Yet his legacy remains firmly intact and, presumably, always will do, for as long as we all watch the beautiful game.

When George won the Ballon d’Or in 1968 (he was also third three years later), it received little of the fanfare it does nowadays. The award was recognition of just how much the European Cup-winner’s ability was respected far from these shores and he will always be mentioned in any conversation about the best player of all time. 

Another man with claims to that accolade, Pele, described the United icon as the greatest and, while we only have precious few excerpts of video footage to marvel at his genius, this winger with magnetic charm never fails to capture the imagination for later generations.

Norman Whiteside, who followed in his countryman’s footsteps and had to endure unfair comparisons as a teenager told us: “I was lucky to meet George on many occasions and he was a lovely guy, off the park. If you hadn’t met him, he was a well-read guy and down to the fact that he could even be shy.

“You wouldn’t think that but, to go back to the football, he was the best there was and appropriately named.”