George Best would have turned 80 on 22 May, marking six decades since he first thrilled crowds and more than 40 years since his final appearance. Yet his reputation endures, anchored by dazzling spells for Manchester United and the Northern Ireland shirt. Fans and pundits still argue he belongs among the sport’s all‑time greats truly.

Former United and Ireland star Sammy McIlroy likens Best’s style to that of Lionel Messi, noting the Argentine’s dribbling, goal‑scoring and playmaking echo the Northern Irish legend. McIlroy grew up idolising Best in Belfast, later sharing a dressing‑room with him at United, and says the Argentine captures a similar magic on modern pitches. He recalls watching Best dominate Scotland in 1967, a performance he describes as a one‑man show that inspired his own career for years thereafter again.

McIlroy remembers being 13 at Windsor Park when Best produced what he calls the ‘game of his life’ against Scotland, a solo display that left the young Belfast fan yearning for United colours. The performance showcased Best’s ambidextrous shooting, heading and tackling, convincing countless youngsters that football could be an art form for generations still.

Beyond the pitch, Best’s fierce competitiveness in training contrasted with his notorious off‑field antics, yet he mentored aspiring Irish players. McIlroy recalls Best reassuring his parents during a 1969 trial, promising to look after the youngster. Such personal gestures cemented Best’s legacy as both a footballing genius and a beloved role model for future generations.