BT Sport Films pays homage to a footballing legend with George Best: True Genius

George Best: True Genius, the latest documentary from the award-winning BT Sport Films series, will premiere on Wednesday 26 May.

Airing on BT Sport 1 HD at 10.30pm, straight after Manchester United's Europa League final clash against Villarreal, the film will also be available to catch up on at any time on the BT Sport app and BTSport.com.

Presented and narrated by his son Calum, the film also features new contributions from Rodney Marsh, Pat Crerand, Alex Stepney, Paddy Barclay, Antonio Simoes and youth team-mate Willie Anderson. 

Featuring rare and never-before-seen archive footage, George Best: True Genius takes viewers on an evocative journey of how Best rose to become the best player in the world and one of the greatest footballers of all time.

On Marsh’s radio show in 2005, in what would turn out to be one of his last interviews, Best says to his old friend: "remember me for my football". True Genius does just that, by paying homage to the man himself when he was at the height of his powers in the 1960s, well on the road to winning the European Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1968.

To commemorate what would have been Best’s 75th birthday on 22 May, the documentary celebrates the life and triumphs of one of football’s most revered talents, charting his journey from humble beginnings in the Man Utd youth setup led by Jimmy Murphy, through to the European Cup triumph at Wembley, when an extra-time goal played a small part in his being awarded the greatest individual accolade in world football.

Calum Best said: “It’s an absolute honour to be part of this film, that I hope will introduce my dad to a new generation of footie fans. BT Sport Films’ George Best: True Genius delves into his life both on and off the pitch underlying his status as the greatest footballer to come out of the United Kingdom.”

Sally Brown, executive producer BT Sport Films, said: “While Best’s career is sometimes overshadowed by what followed and his ability and influence on the game can sometimes be forgotten, George Best: True Genius recognises Best for what he was - a wonderful footballer, one of the game’s greatest talents, arguably the best ever footballer from the British Isles, and, an inspiration to a generation.”

The documentary examines the greatest years of Best’s career including:

-          How, in the wake of the Munich Air Disaster, he rose through the ranks at United to join Dennis Law and Bobby Charlton and complete the club’s famous holy trinity.

-          Best’s elevation to superstar status following the match against Benfica in the 1966 European Cup quarter-final.

-          His quest to become the best player on both the domestic and international stage, leading United to the 1966/67 league title and propelling Northern Ireland to new heights.

-          The iconic 1968 European Cup final, where Best cements his place as the greatest player in the world.

Directed and produced by Tom Boswell, George Best: True Genius is the latest in the award-winning BT Sport Films series:

-          Proud To Be Town: the story of Harrogate Town fighting their way through a global pandemic, battling for survival and promotion to the football league for the first time.

-          Greavsie: the tale of the rise, fall and rise again of Jimmy Greaves one of the finest footballers in British history.

-          Ours: written and narrated by award-winning journalist Michael Calvin, offers a unique insight into modern football, away from the glitz, glamour and financial strength of the Premier League, asking searching questions about identity and belonging, and finding hope in clubs that are run by, or heavily influenced by, their fans.

-          Too Good To Go Down: rarely told story of how relegation in the mid-1970s enabled the modern-day Manchester United to emerge.

The film is being released in conjunction with a new book by respected author Wayne Barton of the same name. True Genius was released in hardback and eBook last month.