George Best 1946-2005

George Best

George Best will be remembered for his thrilling performance on the pitch and for his champagne lifestyle off it. The British football legend died at Cromwell Hospital in London after a lengthy illness, and will be missed by many. In this special package, we look back at all the photos, news, stories and tributes dedicated to a true sporting legend...

Watch the video: See George's reflection on his life and career

Pay your respects

People have flooded to pay their respects to the man often called the best footballer ever.

George Best

"It's a very, very sad day, not just for Man United fans, but for football fans worldwide. A true footballing genius." - says Graham Wolstenholme, Manchester, United Kingdom

"I remember seeing George play at Old Trafford on several occasions, and he never failed to enthrall the crowd. He was one of life's true footballing geniuses, and I shall never forget him. RIP George." - says Dave Lenton, Bracknell, Berks, UK

Leave your tribute here

Celtic

The country's football stadiums fell silent in memory of the man whose skills and personality were adored by more than just his own clubs' supporters. See the photos here

Best shirt

Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium - where Best played the vast majority of his football - has been turned into a shrine for one of the club's most famous sons. See photos of the fans' tributes here.

Vote: Was George the best footballer ever?

Photos: George Best's life in pictures

Reaction

George Best

Former Manchester United team-mates led the way in saluting the career of a man described as a unique talent. However, the tributes of some of those closest to his career were tinged with regret and even guilt, that more was not done to prevent his loss to the game and descent into alcoholism. Read their comments

The death of George Best was felt keenly in Manchester where he was first thrust on to the world's stage playing at Old Trafford. Here Man United fans pay their tributes

'We have lost a wonderful man': As fans and friends paid tribute to George Best, his family gave their own emotional tribute. More

George Best's footballing genius and turbulent private life were hailed by the European sports press within hours of the death of the Manchester United legend. Read their comments


Timeline of George Best's career and life after football

George Best

Football legend George Best was famed for his playboy lifestyle as much as his sporting genius.

But no one summed up Best's life better than the man himself. His way with words not only won him a succession of beautiful women, but earned him a lucrative living on the after-dinner speaking circuit. Best on Best

For many, George Best is the best footballer the British Isles, if not the world, has ever produced. However Best was also arguably Britain's best known alcoholic and his battle with drink threatened to eclipse his past sporting achievement. The Manchester United legend's famous quote sums up the life of the troubled star. "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered." Obituary: A great player, the utlimate playboy

George Best

The story that epitomises George Best's rock n' roll lifestyle relates to the day he was found in a hotel suite with a naked Miss World and £15,000 in cash strewn across his bed. When the footballer called room service, the porter came in, took in the debauched scene and, with an ironic shake of his head, said: "Where did it all go wrong, George?" When Best was the 'fifth' Beatle

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