Argentina legend Diego Maradona named the player he strongly believed is the greatest British footballer ever.
Maradona, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in football history after inspiring Argentina to glory at the 1986 World Cup before leading Napoli to their first two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, competed against several legendary British players during his illustrious playing career.
Arguably the most famous match of his career came against England at the 1986 World Cup, where he scored his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal followed by his mythical ‘Goal of the Century’ minutes later against a team featuring the likes of Gary Lineker, Peter Beardsley, Glenn Hoddle and goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Chris Waddle and John Barnes, two of the most gifted players England have ever produced, also came off the bench at the Azteca Stadium that day.
Maradona also witnessed the likes of Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard before he passed away at the age of 60 in 2020.
The South American played against Scottish legend Kenny Dalglish and watched Wales legends Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale become global superstars, but it’s another British idol who left the biggest impression on Maradona.
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Maradona: 'I Love You, George Best!'
George BestAction Images
Speaking in 2002, Maradona said: “George Best. For me, he is the greatest.” He added:
“For me, he is greater than Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan. Whatever people say, for me, he is my idol.
“With the greatest respect for Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan, and [Bryan] Robson, who I love very much. With the greatest respect to all British players. For me, George Best. I love you, George Best!” Watch the clip below:
George Best: Flawed Genius
George Best muralREUTERS/Scott Heppell
Northern Ireland's Best, like Maradona, was a flawed genius who battled some similar demons to the great Argentine away from the football pitch.
Remembered for his 11-year spell as a first-team player at Manchester United between 1963-1974, Best - nicknamed the 'fifth Beatle' - is one of the greatest players Old Trafford has ever seen and is part of the ‘Holy Trinity’ statue located on the iconic stadium’s forecourt.
Holy Trinity statueReuters/Andrew Boyers
Best scored 181 goals in 474 appearances for United, and helped the club win their first European Cup in 1968, just 10 years after the tragic Munich air disaster that claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight players.
Sadly, also like Maradona, Best died at a premature age, passing away in November 2005, six months before his 60th birthday.
However, both men will forever be remembered as two of the most naturally gifted footballers to ever play the beautiful game.