George Best

George Best grew up in the Cregagh estate in Castlereagh, East Belfast. At age fifteen, he was discovered by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, who famously sent a telegram to manager Matt Busby stating: 'Boss, I think I've found you a genius.' Despite homesickness that almost led him to return to Belfast, Best made his First Division debut for United at seventeen.

With his long shaggy hair, effortless swagger, and astonishing balance on muddy pitches, Best became a cultural sensation in the Swinging Sixties. In March 1966, after scoring two brilliant early goals in a 5-1 European Cup quarter-final dismantling of Benfica in Lisbon, Portuguese newspapers christened him 'El Beatle.' Along with Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, Best formed Manchester United's immortal 'Holy Trinity.'

Best's crowning masterpiece arrived in the 1968 European Cup final at Wembley against Benfica. With the match tied 1-1 in extra time, Best took a pass from Brian Kidd, danced around goalkeeper José Henrique with breathtaking composure, and walked the ball into the empty net, sealing United's 4-1 triumph. Awarded the 1968 Ballon d'Or, Best's career was tragically curtailed by chronic alcoholism, but his sheer footballing genius remains immortalized in the famous saying: 'Pelé good; Maradona better; George Best.'