GEORGE BEST, NORTHERN IRELAND
Manchester United, Fulham,
Hibernian (Scotland)
Los Angeles Aztecs,
Fort Lauderdale Strikers,
San Jose Earthquake (USA)
1964-81

"El Beatle" as he was called in Spain, George Best was the prototype of the modern player--quick, explosive, and one of the first to enjoy the glamour and celebrity of professional sports. Although he never played in the World Cup Finals (Northern Ireland's team was at a down-time during the 1960s and 1970s), his career was marked by many successes. A natural talent, George Best was a fierce striker who could slice through defenses with his speed and fine footwork. A two-time title winner with Manchester United, he lead them to the Champions Cup in 1968 and was also honored as the European Footballer of the Year. He revived his career with comebacks in Scotland and Ireland, and helped focus world's attention on the NASL as a member of the Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and San Jose Earthquakes.