Discovered at the age of 15 outside Belfast by a Manchester United scout, George Best went on to become the most celebrated football player in the country that invented the sport. The 5’ 9” wizard debuted as a baby-faced 17-year-old with Man U’s first team in 1963. Over the next eleven years he would score 179 goals in 470 appearances, leading his club in scoring five straight seasons and winning two Premier League titles and a memorable European Cup (UCL) crown. Staying loyal to his native Northern Ireland national squad, he is almost certainly the best player never to play in a World Cup. Pelé himself called Best the greatest player he had ever seen.

Tough as nails despite his slight build, Best was a fearless competitor who never shied away from tackles and refused to dive. The dynamic dribbler played primarily as a winger or attacking midfielder, possessing a nose for the goal and will to score seemingly unmatched. Off the field, Best’s good looks and charisma made him as popular as a member of The Beatles. He was perhaps the first true celebrity footballer, enjoying the fruits of his labor as much as he could get away with.

1968 was the pinnacle of Best's storied career. In the European Cup Final, he scored one of the most celebrated goals in club history, leading the Red Devils to a memorable title over Benfica at Wembley. He was subsequently named European Footballer of the Year and won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Featured here is a hobby-fresh George Best Manchester United match-worn and autographed #7 shirt dating to that memorable season. During his legendary run at Old Trafford, George Best sported the 7, 8, 9,10 and 11 jerseys at a time when numbers were traditionally assigned based on position. When he played right wing in the mid-late ‘60s, he wore the #7.

This home model jersey comes in solid red with no club crest on the front as was the tradition of vintage Man U shirts. Sewn on the reverse is “7” in white with George Best’s rare autograph very legible in black pen within the numeral. The crew neck and sleeve ends are both ribbed in a matching cream color. Properly tagged by Umbro inside the collar (no size given), it has the Manchester-based apparel brand’s logo applied to the right tail. The jersey shows evident wear consistent of multi-match use with significant pilling to the cotton fabric. Well-preserved with no condition issues, this important George Best gamer deserves prominent display in a proper football museum. Includes letters of authenticity from MEARS for the jersey and PSA/DNA for the autograph.

The Football Scout Collection

This jersey comes from one of the most impressive vintage football collections known to exist. Once a star amateur player, the collector worked as a scout for multiple clubs and national teams, prospecting young football talent across the globe. Through his experience and unique connections, he procured almost every item directly from players or kitmen. It should be noted that the 1971/72 George Best Man U shirt we sold in our 2026 Spring Auction for $19,200 originated from the same collection.