Why George Best spent two weeks with a different name before becoming a United icon

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The Manchester United icon was not called George Best for the first two weeks of his life — and the story behind the change is remarkable.

For many, George Best remains the most naturally gifted footballer ever to wear the Manchester United shirt. The Belfast-born winger dazzled fans throughout the 1960s and early 70s, winning league titles, the European Cup and universal acclaim for his genius on the ball.

But long before he became a global superstar, Best spent the first 15 days of his life with a completely different name. The Belfast Telegraph revealed in 2015 that he was originally registered as Ronald Samuel, only becoming George Best after his baptism on June 6, 1946.

George Best was called Ronald Samuel for the first 15 days of his life

Phil Hughes, Best’s former agent, recounted how he learned the surprising detail while with George during a visit from his father, Dickie. It was Dickie who revealed that he and Best’s mother initially chose the name Ronald Samuel — but quickly felt it “was too much of a mouthful.”

After just over two weeks, they opted instead to name their son after a family member on his mother’s side. Hughes recalled: “I was with George when his father showed him his birth certificate… They came to the conclusion the original name was too long, so they changed it.”

Best would go on to play nearly 500 matches for United, form part of the club’s iconic Holy Trinity alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, and become one of football’s most celebrated figures. Even after leaving Old Trafford under difficult circumstances at 27, his legacy never dimmed.

Franz Beckenbauer hailed Best as the greatest player never to reach a major final

Among those who revered Best was Franz Beckenbauer, one of football’s greatest defenders. The German legend, who led his nation to success at Euro 1972 and reached the World Cup final in 1974, spoke glowingly of Best’s unmatched talent.

“George Best was one of the most talented players of all time,” Beckenbauer famously said. “Probably the best footballer who never made it to a major world final.”

Best passed away on November 25, 2005, aged 59 — but his influence remains profound. Even his little-known birth name has become part of the folklore surrounding a player many still consider the greatest of all.