25 Rich Athletes Who Went Broke

Prev25 of 26Next

2. George Best

2. George Best

Euro Cup winner with Manchester United, one of the UK’s first celebrity footballers
Estimated lifetime earnings: $100 Million

A stunning 21-year career made George Best was one of soccer’s worldwide heroes. After the spotlight lifted, he fell so deeply into the drink that he eventually needed a liver replacement. He served 3 months in prison for drunk driving and assaulting a police officer. Then he did the same thing again, resulting in another prison sentence.

While recovering from his transplant, he appeared on the BBC, where he openly swore. When asked about his losses, he said, “I spent a lot of money on booze, [women], and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.”

Prev25 of 26Next

2. George Best

Written by Drea Knufken

Currently, I create and execute content- and PR strategies for clients, including thought leadership and messaging. I also ghostwrite and produce press releases, white papers, case studies and other collateral.