George Best’s Legacy: 5 Contemporary Figures Carrying the Torch

There’s something hauntingly poetic about George Best’s legacy. A man who lived fast, played faster, and left behind a myth that outgrew his boots. His genius on the pitch was undeniable — the dribbling, the flair, the sheer audacity of it all — but it was his humanity, flawed and unfiltered, that made him unforgettable. Today, few footballers embody the same raw brilliance and magnetic charisma. But some do carry echoes of Best: players who play with joy, live with intensity, and leave a mark that goes beyond stats.

Here are five contemporary figures who, in spirit and style, keep George Best’s torch burning.

##1. Neymar Jr.

Neymar is the closest modern football has come to a magician in cleats. Like Best, he plays with a kind of instinctive joy, a belief that football should be beautiful, not just effective. His flair, close control, and ability to change a game in a heartbeat bring back memories of Best’s Manchester United highlights. But beyond the pitch, Neymar’s lifestyle — flashy, fun, and occasionally controversial — mirrors Best’s off-field magnetism. He doesn’t just play for points; he plays for the love of being seen, adored, and remembered.

##2. Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé may not have the same flashy off-field persona as Best, but his impact on the game is just as seismic. At just 25, he’s already rewritten the record books. Best burst onto the scene as a teenager, and so did Mbappé — with a World Cup-winning performance that announced him as a generational talent. The sheer speed, confidence, and composure under pressure feel like echoes of Best’s early days. Mbappé plays with a coolness that borders on arrogance, but it’s the kind of self-belief that changes games — and legacies.

##3. James Rodriguez

James Rodríguez never quite reached the heights many predicted, but when he was at his best — like during the 2014 World Cup — he was untouchable. His vision, technique, and ability to score from anywhere brought back memories of Best’s wonder goals. Rodríguez also carries a kind of melancholy charm, a player whose talent was often overshadowed by circumstance — not unlike Best, whose life was as much about unrealized potential as it was about brilliance. He plays with heart, and that’s something Best always did.

##4. Jadon Sancho

Sancho is one of the few modern players who dares to be different. His style of play is unpredictable, creative, and full of flair — much like Best’s. He’s unafraid to take risks, to embarrass defenders, and to make the beautiful game look like art. Sancho also brings a modern edge to the legacy — a player who grew up idolizing the greats, and who channels that admiration into his performances. There’s a freedom in his game that feels like a tribute to the mavericks who came before him.

##5. Bukayo Saka

Saka may be the most grounded of the bunch, but don’t mistake humility for lack of flair. His elegance on the ball, combined with a relentless work ethic, makes him a standout in a generation often obsessed with stats over style. Saka plays with grace, and more importantly, he plays with joy — something Best always did, no matter the pressure. He’s the kind of player who reminds you that football, at its best, is pure. And that’s the kind of legacy George Best left behind.

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There’s no one quite like George Best — and maybe there never will be. But these players remind us of what made him special: the genius, the passion, and the refusal to play it safe. If you could ask George who reminds him most of himself, I think he’d smile, raise a glass, and say, “That one’s got my soul.”

If you’d like to hear George Best talk about his favorites — and maybe even ask him who he thinks carries his torch today — you can chat with him on HoloDream.