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Blessed - The Autobiography
George Best needs little introduction. A legend in his own lifetime, he is undoubtedly the greatest footballer the UK has ever produced. Blessed with an extraordinary gift he brought a beauty and grace to the game never before seen. But Best was unable to cope with the success and fame his football genius brought. His fabled story is littered with tales of women and sex and, of course, alcohol.
Much has been written about Best, but very little substantiated by the man himself. That is until George Best opened his heart and engaged us in one of the most exhilarating life stories for years, Blessed. In his own words George recounts the halcyon days at Manchester United, the big games and European Cup win of '68. And then there's the heartbreaking truth about the death of his mother and his struggles with alcohol that forced him to face up to a life without drink.
Blessed reveals the man behind the up-for-a-laugh, boozy, womanizing stereotype that had dogged George Best for so long. Open and honest about his mistakes, George is also incredibly candid about his triumphs, his regrets, and, only three years before his death, what he had hoped for the future.
'Don't coach him, he's a genius' Sir Matt Busby
'Unquestionably the greatest' Sir Alex Ferguson
Much has been written about Best, but very little substantiated by the man himself. That is until George Best opened his heart and engaged us in one of the most exhilarating life stories for years, Blessed. In his own words George recounts the halcyon days at Manchester United, the big games and European Cup win of '68. And then there's the heartbreaking truth about the death of his mother and his struggles with alcohol that forced him to face up to a life without drink.
Blessed reveals the man behind the up-for-a-laugh, boozy, womanizing stereotype that had dogged George Best for so long. Open and honest about his mistakes, George is also incredibly candid about his triumphs, his regrets, and, only three years before his death, what he had hoped for the future.
'Don't coach him, he's a genius' Sir Matt Busby
'Unquestionably the greatest' Sir Alex Ferguson
472 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 1999
32 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
George Best
42 books5 followersGeorge Best (22 May 1946 – 25 November 2005) was a Northern Irish professional football player, best known for his years with Manchester United. He was a winger whose game combined pace, acceleration, balance, two-footedness, goalscoring and the ability to beat defenders. In 1968, his annus mirabilis, he won the European Cup with Manchester United, and was named the European Footballer of the Year. When fit, he was an automatic choice for the Northern Ireland team, but he was unable to lead them to the World Cup qualification, despite being capped 37 times and scoring nine goals.
In 1999, he was voted 11th at the IFFHS European Player of the Century election, and 16th in the World Player of the Century election. Pelé named him as one of the 125 best living footballers in his 2004 FIFA 100 list and Best was named 19th, behind Gerd Müller, at the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll. In his native Northern Ireland the admiration for him is summed up by the local saying: "Maradona good; Pelé better; George Best."
He was one of the first celebrity footballers, but his extravagant lifestyle led to problems with alcoholism which curtailed his playing career and eventually led to his death in November 2005 at the age of 59. His cause of death was a kidney infection, a side-effect of the immuno-suppressive drugs he was required to take after a liver transplant. Best's lovable, cheeky image won him many fans, during his career and after, despite his public drunkenness on TV, his convictions for drunk driving and assaulting a policeman, allegations of domestic violence, and his inability to give up drinking even after the transplant. GQ named him as one of the 50 most stylish men of the past 50 years.
In 1999, he was voted 11th at the IFFHS European Player of the Century election, and 16th in the World Player of the Century election. Pelé named him as one of the 125 best living footballers in his 2004 FIFA 100 list and Best was named 19th, behind Gerd Müller, at the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll. In his native Northern Ireland the admiration for him is summed up by the local saying: "Maradona good; Pelé better; George Best."
He was one of the first celebrity footballers, but his extravagant lifestyle led to problems with alcoholism which curtailed his playing career and eventually led to his death in November 2005 at the age of 59. His cause of death was a kidney infection, a side-effect of the immuno-suppressive drugs he was required to take after a liver transplant. Best's lovable, cheeky image won him many fans, during his career and after, despite his public drunkenness on TV, his convictions for drunk driving and assaulting a policeman, allegations of domestic violence, and his inability to give up drinking even after the transplant. GQ named him as one of the 50 most stylish men of the past 50 years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 30, 2019
Ah, Georgie! Ah, umanità!
Dicevo sempre che un giorno avrei dribblato il portiere, fermato la palla sulla linea, mi sarei inchinato e avrei spinto la palla in rete con la testa. Ebbi l’opportunità di farlo durante la finale della Coppa dei Campioni, superai il portiere e pensai di farlo; per sfortuna (o per fortuna) però il portiere si rialzò molto velocemente e non ebbi tempo. Si tratta di uno dei pochi sogni che non si sono avverati.
https://youtu.be/5xRSbKCbIaI
Dicevo sempre che un giorno avrei dribblato il portiere, fermato la palla sulla linea, mi sarei inchinato e avrei spinto la palla in rete con la testa. Ebbi l’opportunità di farlo durante la finale della Coppa dei Campioni, superai il portiere e pensai di farlo; per sfortuna (o per fortuna) però il portiere si rialzò molto velocemente e non ebbi tempo. Si tratta di uno dei pochi sogni che non si sono avverati.
https://youtu.be/5xRSbKCbIaI
September 19, 2022
“La bebida es el único rival al que sido incapaz de derrotar…”
Con la ayuda de Roy Collins, George Best nos confiesa de forma cruda y brutal su ascenso en el mundo del fútbol y su batalla diaria con el alcohol.
En el año 66 el periódico deportivo portugués A Bola lo bautizaría como “El Beatle”, apodo que lo acompañaría siempre. Fue la prensa británica, el que lo rebautizó como “el quinto Beatle”, convirtiéndolo en un blanco instantáneo. Dos años más tarde (1968) de aquel doblete mítico ante el Benfica de Eusebio en cuartos de final en el torneo europeo, el futbolista norirlandés ganaría la Copa de Europa con el Manchester United y se consagraría como el mejor jugador del mundo, galardonado con el prestigioso trofeo concedido por la revista France Football que recogería un año más tarde. Es en esta parte de la biografía donde se percibe al ídolo, un personaje icónico, lo más parecido a una estrella de rock. Tan solo tenía 22 años, para hacernos una idea, hoy Vinicius tiene esa misma edad.
Justo cuando entran los años 70, la biografía se convierte en otra cosa, en un viaje a los infiernos. Best narra su durísima experiencia con el alcohol:
“La gente cree que los alcohólicos son simples borrachuzos. Pero el alcohol no entiende de clases sociales, eso es indudable. Tan pronto puede serlo un sin techo que duerme en la calle y consume etanol, como un empresario ricachón que dirige un negocio de éxito. O una madre de Belfast. O uno de los mejores jugadores del mundo”.
“La bebida estaba casi siempre presente en todos nuestros dramas, así que, en un intento desesperado por desintoxicarme durante un tiempo, me fui a Copenhague para que me cosieran pastillas de Disulfiram en el estómago. Eran los mismos comprimidos que había consumido en Estados Unidos. Y me habían ayudado durante una temporada, pero si quería beber me bastaba con dejar de tomarlos. Así que decidí cosérmelos para no caer en la tentación y tuve que volar a Dinamarca porque la operación no era legal en Inglaterra en ese momento. Me cosieron los comprimidos en dos ocasiones, pero tan pronto como terminé ambos tratamientos me fui de cabeza al Pub”.
Al alcohol se le sumó detenciones policiales, accidentes de tráfico e infinidad de amantes. Best tuvo una carrera fulgurante y errática que lo llevó de la fama a la ignominia en muy poco tiempo. A los 26 años estando en Marbella anunció que se retiraba del fútbol y confesó que llevaba un tiempo pimplándose una botella de licor al día. Aún así regresó y deambuló por diferentes equipos británicos y americanos donde recibió multas sin parar por mala conducta, llegando incluso a prohibírsele jugar al fútbol profesional en cualquier lugar del mundo por parte de la FIFA.
Tengo la sensación de que Best fue Maradona y en lugar de la cocaína fue el alcohol el que hizo añicos la que podría haber sido una de las carreras más prolíficas de la historia del fútbol. Un must para todos los amantes del fútbol.
Con la ayuda de Roy Collins, George Best nos confiesa de forma cruda y brutal su ascenso en el mundo del fútbol y su batalla diaria con el alcohol.
En el año 66 el periódico deportivo portugués A Bola lo bautizaría como “El Beatle”, apodo que lo acompañaría siempre. Fue la prensa británica, el que lo rebautizó como “el quinto Beatle”, convirtiéndolo en un blanco instantáneo. Dos años más tarde (1968) de aquel doblete mítico ante el Benfica de Eusebio en cuartos de final en el torneo europeo, el futbolista norirlandés ganaría la Copa de Europa con el Manchester United y se consagraría como el mejor jugador del mundo, galardonado con el prestigioso trofeo concedido por la revista France Football que recogería un año más tarde. Es en esta parte de la biografía donde se percibe al ídolo, un personaje icónico, lo más parecido a una estrella de rock. Tan solo tenía 22 años, para hacernos una idea, hoy Vinicius tiene esa misma edad.
Justo cuando entran los años 70, la biografía se convierte en otra cosa, en un viaje a los infiernos. Best narra su durísima experiencia con el alcohol:
“La gente cree que los alcohólicos son simples borrachuzos. Pero el alcohol no entiende de clases sociales, eso es indudable. Tan pronto puede serlo un sin techo que duerme en la calle y consume etanol, como un empresario ricachón que dirige un negocio de éxito. O una madre de Belfast. O uno de los mejores jugadores del mundo”.
“La bebida estaba casi siempre presente en todos nuestros dramas, así que, en un intento desesperado por desintoxicarme durante un tiempo, me fui a Copenhague para que me cosieran pastillas de Disulfiram en el estómago. Eran los mismos comprimidos que había consumido en Estados Unidos. Y me habían ayudado durante una temporada, pero si quería beber me bastaba con dejar de tomarlos. Así que decidí cosérmelos para no caer en la tentación y tuve que volar a Dinamarca porque la operación no era legal en Inglaterra en ese momento. Me cosieron los comprimidos en dos ocasiones, pero tan pronto como terminé ambos tratamientos me fui de cabeza al Pub”.
Al alcohol se le sumó detenciones policiales, accidentes de tráfico e infinidad de amantes. Best tuvo una carrera fulgurante y errática que lo llevó de la fama a la ignominia en muy poco tiempo. A los 26 años estando en Marbella anunció que se retiraba del fútbol y confesó que llevaba un tiempo pimplándose una botella de licor al día. Aún así regresó y deambuló por diferentes equipos británicos y americanos donde recibió multas sin parar por mala conducta, llegando incluso a prohibírsele jugar al fútbol profesional en cualquier lugar del mundo por parte de la FIFA.
Tengo la sensación de que Best fue Maradona y en lugar de la cocaína fue el alcohol el que hizo añicos la que podría haber sido una de las carreras más prolíficas de la historia del fútbol. Un must para todos los amantes del fútbol.
July 5, 2018
When I was a kid, George Best was "The Kiddie" - the superstar we all admired. We revelled at his skills on a football pitch, and as youngsters, we didn't understand his excesses off it. Then, as we became teenagers, we became slightly jealous of his excesses off it.
This book recalls all those times in the 60's and 70's (not all of them, to be precise - the author's refreshing honesty allows him to admit great tranches of memory loss, down to alcoholic abuse). For someone like me, much of it is a trip down memory lane, but much of it is also an insight into the very essence of flawed genius.
George Best must have been aware that his days were extremely numbered when he wrote this book - was it meant as a cathartic sort of apology to those around him? Was it an apology to those of us who adored him - we weren't looking for one? Or was it just one last attempt to try and make some sort of sense of it all? Too late to change things, but some sort of redemptive confession?
Whatever it was, we'll never now know. One of the great footballers of our age died soon after writing this book, from complications bought on by his alcoholism. This is a very fitting tribute to the genius (flawed or otherwise) that was George Best. It really is a must read, even if you've no real interest in football.
This book recalls all those times in the 60's and 70's (not all of them, to be precise - the author's refreshing honesty allows him to admit great tranches of memory loss, down to alcoholic abuse). For someone like me, much of it is a trip down memory lane, but much of it is also an insight into the very essence of flawed genius.
George Best must have been aware that his days were extremely numbered when he wrote this book - was it meant as a cathartic sort of apology to those around him? Was it an apology to those of us who adored him - we weren't looking for one? Or was it just one last attempt to try and make some sort of sense of it all? Too late to change things, but some sort of redemptive confession?
Whatever it was, we'll never now know. One of the great footballers of our age died soon after writing this book, from complications bought on by his alcoholism. This is a very fitting tribute to the genius (flawed or otherwise) that was George Best. It really is a must read, even if you've no real interest in football.
May 30, 2023
Me gustaría que Goodreads me dejara poner medias estrellas. Jamás pensé que disfrutaría de un libro sobre George Best, básicamente porque no sabía quién era.
July 17, 2009
This was written a relatively short while before George died and it's refreshing in that it is all his own words. Very honest in my opinion too.
I enjoyed the early years best. However the way he was hounded by the press throughout his life is pretty horrendous and certainly doesn't change my already low opinion of the scum that are the English tabloids.
If you like football, Manchester United, Biographies or Bestie then read this! I like football, biographies and Bestie, but I'm not a Man U fan!
I enjoyed the early years best. However the way he was hounded by the press throughout his life is pretty horrendous and certainly doesn't change my already low opinion of the scum that are the English tabloids.
If you like football, Manchester United, Biographies or Bestie then read this! I like football, biographies and Bestie, but I'm not a Man U fan!
April 1, 2008
I have a thing for alcoholic football players, what can I say.
December 5, 2018
Scudetti, palloni d'oro e coppe dei campioni da un lato, donne, alcol e gioco d'azzardo dall'altro.
Una vita esagerata, sempre oltre il limite, che va ben oltre i meriti letterari di un libro che dirà davvero poco a chi non conosceva George Best: un calciatore di Belfast che sarebbe potuto essere "il migliore" ma che a 27 anni si è ritirato per essere solo Best.
Una vita esagerata, sempre oltre il limite, che va ben oltre i meriti letterari di un libro che dirà davvero poco a chi non conosceva George Best: un calciatore di Belfast che sarebbe potuto essere "il migliore" ma che a 27 anni si è ritirato per essere solo Best.
January 30, 2019
Read in 2005. Good soccer biography
June 6, 2025
Autobiografia d’un futbolista peculiar (m’ha caigut pitjor al llegir-lo. No m’agrada gaire la traducció, crec que la versió original guanya punts.
April 28, 2017
L’autobiografia di George Best, che mi è stata prestata da un amico, è interessante anche per chi, come me, non è appassionato di calcio. Devo dire che ho trovato il racconto un po’ troppo incentrato sul problema dell’alcolismo, che Best descrive in modo un po’ autoassolutorio, mentre mi sarei atteso qualcosa di più con riferimento alla sua carriera sportiva e ad altri aspetti della sua vita: evidentemente, però, quelle presenti nel libro sono le cose di sé che Best voleva raccontare ed evidenziare. Un’ultima nota con riferimento all’edizione italiana: essendo stata pubblicata quando Best era già morto – mentre l’edizione originale uscì prima che ciò accadesse – avrei gradito una postfazione in cui si raccontasse cosa è successo tra la pubblicazione del libro e la tragica fine (causata ovviamente dall’alcol) del protagonista.
July 30, 2016
For people who never got to see Bestie in action (like me) this book is a treasure trove of pictures, famous games and boozing sessions. The famous lines that you have heard about alcohol, fast cars and shagging do not appear as such in the book - perhaps Bestie had even forgotten that he had uttered them - but the journey is a true, honest take on the best footballer the British Isles has produced, his days of glory and his effortless transition to an alcoholic. He is also modest when he describes the match when he nut-megged Johan Cruyff (he does not mention the nutmeg, just the media reports that he played better than Cruyff). A brilliant rendition.
July 9, 2012
Great book. George Best didn't hold back in telling his story, and talked in detail about the mistakes and bad decisions he has made over the years. It was a compelling and highly enlightening look into the mind of someone that reached the pinnacle of his profession while battling alcoholism, and his insights into his disease were sobering (pun not intended). I would definitely recommend it to friends, especially if they are dealing with substance abuse or alcohol abuse problems. Rest in peace, Bestie.
September 22, 2016
A sounding book,
i was growing up and been told by my dad what i graceful player to play on a football pitch and when i saw that these books was out i have to get them.
Blessed is probably the best book made out of the whole collection it was gripping from start to finished G.Best was talking about his battle with the drink and drugs along with the death of his mum and dad he was living in Ireland, his love life and the short stint he had in america
i was growing up and been told by my dad what i graceful player to play on a football pitch and when i saw that these books was out i have to get them.
Blessed is probably the best book made out of the whole collection it was gripping from start to finished G.Best was talking about his battle with the drink and drugs along with the death of his mum and dad he was living in Ireland, his love life and the short stint he had in america
March 2, 2018
Interesting, and sad as he chronicles his battles with alcoholism and the effect it had on his life.
A sense that he was propelled into superstardom in the 60s when such footballing fame was unprecedented and alcohol was rife within the clubs. A sense that really his downfall was both connected to timing, personality and fame.
Sadly he died not long after this.
Definitely worth a read, page turner.
A sense that he was propelled into superstardom in the 60s when such footballing fame was unprecedented and alcohol was rife within the clubs. A sense that really his downfall was both connected to timing, personality and fame.
Sadly he died not long after this.
Definitely worth a read, page turner.
June 28, 2017
This is an amazing account of one of the greatest footballers of our time. This books captures the life and times of George Best often compared with the likes of Pele. The football and the important games that best played is captured well-understandably so, the life outside football has also been written about quite well, for lessons to be drawn.
Its a good read...go for it!
Its a good read...go for it!
August 1, 2015
I found this where we were staying on holiday and thought I would give it a crack.
Written before George Best's transplant and then untimely death, it was extremely sad to know where the story was to go and what life he lead.
Written before George Best's transplant and then untimely death, it was extremely sad to know where the story was to go and what life he lead.
October 11, 2017
I loved this book mainly because it was so honest.....heart breakingly so in parts that you really felt you were living the emotions with him & willing him not to do certain things.
I enjoyed the football descriptions as well as the relationship ones and thought it was a brilliant though sad read.
I enjoyed the football descriptions as well as the relationship ones and thought it was a brilliant though sad read.
February 3, 2018
A gripping book. I can't decide if Best is a charming lad or a terrible person. His description of alcoholism might be the most vivid I have read. As someone who doesn't like soccer that much, I still enjoyed this. His stories are all amazing.
March 28, 2008
being a big fan o the sport, this book was such a great picture of who Best was and how he struggled with only one thing while excelling at everything else:alcohol...
July 26, 2017
Not too bad, although I was expecting a bit more from this one, as George Best lived such an interesting life. It's worth reading though.
April 6, 2014
Good insight into alcoholism and the pressures of professional football
December 2, 2012
The autobiography of a man who can be described as a true genius.
An entertaining read but I have read better books about the genius that is George Best.
An entertaining read but I have read better books about the genius that is George Best.
June 2, 2013
Fantastic read. What a legend and much more respect for the guy for facing his demons.
February 4, 2014
Not a bad read! I am not into football at all but still enjoyed this book and was shocked to discover best had a lot to do with the kart brothers during their reign in London!!!
April 28, 2014
This book killed me. Didn't know anything about him until I read it. Reminded me of me in a few ways.
October 8, 2014
One of the best autobiographies I have read.
Tells it warts and all and does not hold back on his alcoholism, great book.
Tells it warts and all and does not hold back on his alcoholism, great book.
November 25, 2015
Hard hitting
March 12, 2016
I never saw him play, but this book takes me into a virtual world, where my hero lived, breathed and caused magic with his two feet. A good read for anyone who wants to know the Best of them!
January 14, 2017
This is an excellent book. Its a long time since I read it, definitely 5 stars though
December 31, 2017
Great book from a footballing genius. Imagine George Best playing today. With soft footballs, protection from cameras and bowling green pitches. Wow!🐯👍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews