The Genius of George Football's Greatest Story Finally Told
In an era where football biographies often sensationalise off-field drama, Wayne Barton's "True Genius" stands as a refreshing testament to George Best's final wish: "Remember me for football." This paperback release, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Best's passing, delivers exactly that—a meticulous chronicle of one of football's most mesmerising talents. Barton, widely recognised as Manchester United's preeminent chronicler, has crafted what may be the most comprehensive account of Best's playing career to date. What sets this biography apart is its laser focus on Best's footballing genius, backed by unprecedented family cooperation and exhaustive research. The book's greatest strength lies in its attention to detail. It provides football historians and fans with a wealth of information, complete with detailed statistics of every game, including minutiae such as shirt numbers worn in each match. Barton's research goes beyond mere numbers, painting vivid pictures of Best's journey from the Manchester United youth setup to becoming a European Champion and Ballon d'Or winner in 1968. The narrative skilfully traces Best's meteoric rise, highlighting his instrumental role in securing two First Division titles in 1965 and 1967. Through carefully sourced accounts from teammates, managers, and family members, Barton reconstructs the electric atmosphere of Old Trafford during Best's peak years, when he played nearly 500 games for Manchester United and dazzled as his side lifted two league titles and the European Cup. What makes this biography particularly valuable is its successful balance between scholarly rigour and accessible storytelling. The inclusion of rare and restored images from the Daily Mirror archives adds a vital visual dimension to Best's story, helping modern readers understand why he became arguably the world's first true football superstar. The book's success in capturing Best's essence is perhaps best evidenced by its adaptation into a BT Sport documentary, which further cemented its status as the definitive account of Best's footballing legacy. However, readers seeking salacious details about Best's personal struggles will need to look elsewhere. This is deliberately and refreshingly a football book about a footballer—exactly how Best wanted to be remembered. In this regard, Barton has accomplished a remarkable feat: he has restored George Best, the footballer, to his full glory. "True Genius" is not just another football biography; it's a meticulously researched historical document that finally does justice to Best's sporting legacy. For anyone seeking to understand why Best is considered one of football's greatest ever players, his biography is now the essential text. The world lost a true footballing genius when George Best, the Belfast Boy who redefined what was possible on a football pitch, died aged 59. Best's mercurial talent first dazzled at Manchester United, where he won two league titles and the European Cup, earning the Ballon d'Or and the nickname 'El Beatle' for his combination of athletic brilliance and pop-star charisma. While his later years were marked by personal struggles, his pure footballing legacy remains untouchable—Pelé called him "the greatest player in the world," and his supernatural ability to beat defenders, score impossible goals, and play with unmatched creativity inspired generations of players. Best's famous quote, "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars; the rest I just squandered," captured his wit and complexity, but as he wished, it's for the football that he should be remembered— the moments of pure magic when he made the beautiful game even more beautiful. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48Delivered to You 3rd Week, October 2025 Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change. Published: October 9, 2025 Price: £9.99 Paperback: 448 pages ISBN-10: 1916811353 ISBN-13: 978-1916811355 Dimensions: 198 x 129 (mm)
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