Overview
- Northern Ireland observed a minute’s applause before the World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg, with Best’s song echoing around Windsor Park.
- Manager Michael O’Neill called the gesture fitting and highlighted Best’s lasting influence on players who see his statue at the stadium.
- Manchester United supporters marked the occasion before Monday night’s match against Everton, reflecting Old Trafford’s enduring affection.
- Best’s legacy remains woven into Northern Ireland’s identity, from the Belfast City Airport that bears his name to the 2019 statue at Windsor Park and the Trinity bronze at Old Trafford.
- Younger internationals Jamie Donley and Patrick Kelly said family stories and archival footage shaped their understanding of Best, whose peak included the 1968 European Cup and that year’s Ballon d’Or.