61 Awesome George Best Quotes (2023)

George Best Quotes

61 Inspirational George Best Quotes

Check out these inspirational George Best quotes.

George Best was a legendary footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. 

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1946, Best began his football career at a young age, playing for his local team, Cregagh Boys Club. 

He went on to sign for Manchester United in 1961, where he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his dazzling skills, lightning-fast pace, and his ability to score spectacular goals.

Best’s talent on the pitch saw him win numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or in 1968, and he helped Manchester United win two league titles and the European Cup during his time at the club. 

However, Best’s life off the pitch was plagued by personal problems, including struggles with alcoholism, which ultimately led to his untimely death in 2005 at the age of 59.

Despite his personal demons, Best remains an icon in the world of football, and his talent and legacy continue to inspire generations of fans and players alike.

10 Most Famous George Best Quotes

“I used to go missing a lot… Miss Canada, Miss United Kingdom, Miss World.”

“I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.”

“In 1969, I gave up women and alcohol – it was the worst 20 minutes of my life.”

“I was born with a great gift, and sometimes with that comes a destructive streak.”

“I’ve stopped drinking, but only while I’m asleep.”

George Best Quotes
George Best Quotes

“I was in for 10 years and I think I must have had 35 different managers. It wasn’t easy for them.”

“I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.”

“I’m a player who needs to play every week. I’ve got a lot to learn and a lot to prove.”

“I’m not even sure I was a real footballer, to be honest with you.”

“I don’t think I was a natural-born footballer. I think I was a natural-born athlete.”

10 George Best Quotes about being a footballer

“I used to practice with a golf ball because it was easier to control.”

“I used to go to training ground by helicopter, and I would see people on the street walking to work and I’d think, ‘Why aren’t they taking a helicopter?’”

“The more money I earn, the more expensive my women become.”

“I’m not the best footballer in the world, but I’m in the top one.”

“I was very famous, and I think I didn’t handle the fame very well.”

George Best Quotes
George Best Quotes

“I’ve always been aware that I was a bit of a commodity, to be sold if the price was right.”

“I’m always happy when I’m playing football. I love it, and I love scoring goals.”

“It was like being in a movie, sitting in the departure lounge, thinking, ‘I’m not really going to leave my home, my country, my people.’” (on leaving Manchester United to join the San Jose Earthquakes)

“I’m lucky because I was born with a talent, but I also worked hard to develop it.”

“I was born with a gift, not of speed or power but of vision.”

9 Reflective George Best Quotes

“I’m just a normal guy who happens to be very good at football.”

“I’ve never had a problem with drugs, only with policemen.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to completely walk away from football.”

“I’d give all the champagne I’ve ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford.” (on Ryan Giggs)

“I’d give up all my European Cups to have played in a World Cup. It’s a huge source of regret that I never got to play in one.”

George Best Quotes
George Best Quotes

“The thing about Manchester is… it all comes from the people who live there.”

“I’ve had 12 years of peak fame, and that’s enough for any man.”

“I used to dream of being a comic strip artist.”

“I don’t want to be remembered for my footballing achievements alone.”

10 Inspirational Quotes About George Best

“He was the greatest talent that I ever played alongside.” 

– Sir Bobby Charlton

“He was the most naturally gifted player that the game of football has ever seen.” 

Pelé

“What he did on the field was pure magic, it was beautiful.” 

– Eusébio

“George Best was the greatest player in the world.” 

– Johan Cruyff

“George Best was the greatest player I ever played against.” 

– Franz Beckenbauer

George Best Quotes
George Best Quotes

“George Best was a genius. He was a magician with the ball.” 

– Franz Beckenbauer

“George Best was not just a great footballer, he was a wonderful human being as well.” 

– Sir Matt Busby

“George Best was the best player I ever saw in my life.” 

– Diego Maradona

“George Best was a complete footballer.” 

– Sir Alex Ferguson

“George Best was a wonderful player. He had a wonderful natural ability.” 

– Sir Alex Ferguson

10 George Best Quotes By Football Royalty

“George Best was a genius, a true genius of the game.” 

– Sir Alex Ferguson

“George Best was the greatest player ever to come out of Northern Ireland.” 

– Norman Whiteside

“He had such wonderful skills and balance that he could do almost anything with the ball.” 

– Bobby Charlton

“He had a unique ability to read the game and make things happen.” 

– Pat Jennings

“George Best was a wonderful ambassador for the game of football.” 

– Kenny Dalglish

“He was a true artist with the ball at his feet.” 

– Michel Platini

“George Best was a great player and a great person, but above all he was a true friend.” 

– Nobby Stiles

“George Best was a fantastic player, he was my hero.” 

– Ryan Giggs

“George Best was a true footballing icon.” 

– Gary Lineker

“George Best was simply the best.” 

– Michael Owen

11 George Best Quotes By Famous People

“George Best was the ultimate entertainer on the field.” 

– Ray Wilkins

“George Best was an inspiration to me and countless other young footballers.” 

– George Best Jr.

“George Best was a genius, a master of the game.” 

– Denis Law

“George Best was the greatest player ever to play for Manchester United.” 

– Sir Matt Busby

“George Best was a footballing genius who brought joy and excitement to millions.” 

– Prince William

George Best Quotes
George Best Quotes

“George Best was one of the most talented players in the history of football.” 

– Zinedine Zidane

“George Best was a player who had everything – skill, vision, pace, and courage.” 

– Rio Ferdinand

“George Best was the greatest player of his generation, a true legend of the game.” 

– Pele

“George Best was one of the most gifted players of all time.” 

– Gordon Banks

“George Best was an inspiration to generations of footballers.” 

– David Beckham

“George Best was a once-in-a-lifetime player who will never be forgotten.” 

– Gary Neville

“George Best was the kind of player who could change a game with a single moment of brilliance.” 

– Frank Lampard