5 players who had the biggest falls from grace

#5 George Best

The Northern Irish legend is fondly recalled as one of the best players to ever kick a ball. Producing moments of sheer audacity, he regularly wowed crowds with feats of outrageous craft that oozed effortlessness. Sitting proudly alongside the likes of Johann Cruyff, Lionel Messi, Marco van Basten, Garrincha and so many others as an otherworldly talent, he is in talented company – and rightly so.

During his time with Manchester United, Best won the European Cup, two English Championship medals as well as helping the Red Devils to two Charity Shields. What’s more, he also picked up the European Player of the Year award in 1968 after scoring 28 goals in 41 matches that season. At his peak, he was unplayable and one of the most innovative, tricky players around.

However, alcoholism played a major role in the way he wasted so much of his potential, something most elegantly put by the man himself (per BBC Sport):

I was born with a great gift, and sometimes with that comes a destructive streak. Just as I wanted to outdo everyone when I played, I had to outdo everyone when we were out on the town.

His days in Manchester are the stuff of legend, but not so discussed are the times that proceeded them, such as his stint with League of Ireland outfit Cork Celtic, Hibernian, Hong Kong Rangers and the Brisbane Lions. He should have played at the pinnacle for years and years but instead, he threw it away for spells at mediocre clubs in order to live the high life.