BT Sport to pay homage to George Best in one-off documentary

BT Sport will showcase the talents of the late, great Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer George Best in a new documentary that will air to coincide with what would have been his 75th Birthday.

Featuring both exclusive interviews and rare and never-before-seen archive footage, George Best: True Genius will take viewers on an evocative journey of how Best rose to become the best player in the world and one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Presented and narrated by his son Calum, the film features contributions from former players Rodney Marsh, Pat Crerand, Alex Stepney, Paddy Barclay, Antonio Simoes and youth teammate Willie Anderson.

Calum Best said: “It’s an absolute honour to be part of this film that I hope will introduce my dad to a new generation of footie fans. BT Sport Films’ George Best: True Genius delves into his life both on and off the pitch underlying his status as the greatest footballer to come out of the United Kingdom.”

The documentary examines the greatest years of Best’s career including:

• How, in the wake of the Munich Air Disaster, Best rose through the ranks at Manchester United to join Dennis Law and Bobby Charlton and complete the club’s famous holy trinity.
• Best’s elevation to superstar status following the match against Benfica in the 1966 European Cup quarter-final.
• His quest to become the best player on both the domestic and international stage, leading United to the 1966/67 league title and propelling Northern Ireland to new heights
• The iconic 1968 European Cup Final, where Best cements his place as the greatest player in the world.

Sally Brown, executive producer BT Sport Films, said: “While Best’s career is sometimes overshadowed by what followed and his ability and influence on the game can sometimes be forgotten, George Best: True Genius recognises Best for what he was: a wonderful footballer, one of the game’s greatest talents, arguably the best ever footballer from the British Isles, and, an inspiration to a generation.”

George Best: True Genius is directed and produced by Tom Boswell.

Best, who was born 22 May 1946, died on 25 November 2005 at the age of 59.

George Best: True Genius, part of the BT Sport Films series, will air on May 26 on the BT Sport 1 channel at 10.30pm, with the film then available at any time on the BT Sport App and website.