A great soccer player tackled by his demons

Where did it all go wrong? That's what room-service waiters would ask George Best when they saw him drinking Champagne with the latest Miss World.

But something had gone wrong and it led to his death at just 59 in 2005. Fifty years ago Best was entering his prime, but his career and life were cut short by wayward living, alcohol abuse, shattered relationships, violence and jail time. His demons chased him more than defenders ever could.

For at least two years, 1966-68, George Best was by name and nature the best soccer player in the world. Pele lost his panache after being kicked black and blue in the 1966 World Cup and did not regain form until 1969. Johan Cruyff was still emerging as a Dutch master. No one else was close.