George Best: The boy from Belfast

Born on May 22, 1946 in Belfast, Best led the Manchester red team to their first European Cup (1964), as well as two league titles (1964/1965 and 1966/1967). His outstanding performance led him to win the Ballon d'Or in 1968.

The Northern Irishman, a pop icon in the 60s and 70s, earned him the nickname "the fifth Beatle", died at the age of 59 in a London hospital after internal bleeding caused by his alcohol addiction.

Considered by many as one of the greatest football players of the 20th century, Brazilian Edson Arantes do Nascimento 'Pelé' said that Best was "the best player" he had ever seen.

Best joined the ranks of United at just 15 years old, when a scout discovered him in Belfast. "I think I've found a genius," Bob Bishop said in a telegram to the then coach of the 'red devils', Matt Busby.

After shining for eleven seasons at Old Trafford, the striker left the Manchester team in 1974, at the age of 28 and with several collective and individual titles in his pocket, to begin a tour that took him to the United States, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Australia until his retirement in 1985, at the age of 37.

The Los Angeles Aztecs, Fulham, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Hibernian, San José Earthquakes, and eleven other teams, some from Asia and Oceania, were the clubs Best played for until he hung up his boots exactly 20 years after his debut with Manchester United.

Best's career, however, was marked not only by his successes on the field but also by recurring off-field problems.

"I spent a lot of money on cars, women, and alcohol. The rest I just squandered," the Northern Irishman once said, in one of his most remembered quotes.

"In 1969, I gave up women and alcohol. It was the worst 20 minutes of my life." Another quote from Best, who after leaving United unsuccessfully opened clothing stores, nightclubs, and even a travel agency.

This Wednesday, the team where he shined and achieved European glory paid tribute to him on the tenth anniversary of his death by displaying a banner in one of the stands with the legend: "Georgie... simply the best."