Today, adidas and Manchester United unveil a new collaborative clothing range honoring one of the club’s greatest legends: George Best.
It’s remarkable that we continue to celebrate George Best almost two decades after his untimely death and 56 years after the pinnacle of his career—the 1968 European Cup final victory over Benfica. The magic he brought to the pitch during his peak season, especially in 1967/68, remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed his brilliance.
Although I’m too young to have seen Best play live, my generation experienced Manchester United’s resurgence during the 1990s under Sir Alex Ferguson. Yet, before the legendary Treble of 1999, Wembley 1968 was widely regarded as the high point of United’s illustrious history, and Best, at just 22 years old, was the driving force behind that triumph.
The context of the 1967/68 season is crucial. It marked the 10th anniversary of the tragic Munich Air Disaster, where eight first-team players and three club staff members lost their lives just hours after qualifying for the European Cup semi-finals. Against this backdrop of loss, United remarkably rebuilt itself, reclaiming the English championship in 1967 and finally reaching the European Cup final in 1968.
This resurgence was spearheaded by manager Matt Busby and his assistant, Jimmy Murphy, with Ballon d’Or winners Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton leading the charge. But it was George Best who emerged as Busby’s crown jewel, dazzling fans and opponents alike with a style of play that transformed English football.
By the 1967/68 season, Best had become a phenomenon—unpredictable, spontaneous, and driven by a desire to entertain. He was, in many ways, football’s equivalent of a rock star. Supporters of all clubs flocked to watch him, captivated by his talent.
As they approached the European Cup, Busby described the campaign as “our last chance,” understanding the emotional weight behind their pursuit of glory. Many might have buckled under the pressure, but Best thrived, netting an incredible 32 goals across all competitions—15 more than his previous season. This was particularly significant given Denis Law’s injury struggles, making Best’s contributions all the more vital.
In key moments, Best’s audacity and creativity shone brightly. He navigated formidable challenges on the continent, overcoming defensive obstacles to propel United forward. In the quarter-finals, he dazzled in Sarajevo, scoring the decisive goal at Old Trafford, and in the semi-finals, he netted the only goal against Real Madrid, defying the intense scrutiny of their defense.
As United battled through to the final, they faced Benfica at Wembley. The stakes were immense, not just for the trophy, but also for the memory of those lost in Munich. Frustratingly, United had narrowly missed out on the league title, amplifying the pressure on Best and his teammates.
Determined to fulfill his ambitions, Best envisioned not just victory, but a hat-trick that would cement his legacy. He felt the weight of expectation on his shoulders, yet embraced it.
Bobby Charlton put United ahead, but Benfica equalized, pushing the match into extra time. As fatigue set in, Busby sought to inspire his players one last time. When the crucial moment arrived, Best seized his chance. He received a long goal-kick, evaded defenders, and with a clever feint, left the Benfica goalkeeper stranded. With the net gaping, he scored, igniting a flood of emotions.
Best’s goal signified not only his brilliance but also symbolized the club’s redemption after tragedy. Brian Kidd added another goal, followed by a second from Charlton, sealing what would be celebrated as one of the greatest nights in Manchester United history.
To this day, the 1968 final remains a pivotal topic of conversation among United fans. For Best, it was a glorious moment, even if he later expressed disappointment with his overall performance. Such humility was indicative of his character—an acknowledgment that greatness, for him, meant striving for perfection.
George Best’s legacy endures, transcending time and space. His ability to shine on the muddiest pitches, facing the fiercest tackles, defined his extraordinary career. The 1967/68 season remains the epitome of his brilliance, a testament to a genius who forever altered the landscape of football.
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