Classic Football Heroes: Best
The story of George Best, the Belfast boy who was told he was too small and became a Manchester United legend.
Classic Football Heroes: Best is a football biography title by Matt Oldfield. In the children’s bestseller list we checked on 7 November 2026, it was number 20. This guide explains what the book is about, who it suits, how to talk about it and what to read next.
What is Classic Football Heroes: Best about?
This is a children’s biography of George Best, the footballer from Belfast. It covers his early years, when he was overlooked for his small size, and his discovery by a Manchester United scout at 15. It follows his career as a midfielder and winger, including his time at Manchester United and his Ballon d’Or win.
It is part of the football series from Dino Books, in a Midfield Generals collection, and goes by the subtitle Wing Wizard in some listings.
Classic Football Heroes: Best: book details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Matt Oldfield |
| Series | Classic Football Heroes (Midfield Generals) |
| Format | Paperback |
| Publisher | Dino Books |
| Published | 22 October 2026 |
| Length | 176 pages |
| Genre | Football biography |
| Age guide | 7 and up |
| ISBN (edition listed) | 9781789469530 |
Ages marked as “suggested” are our own guidance, not the publisher’s. Editions and dates can differ between shops, so check the listing for the copy you want.
Why children enjoy Classic Football Heroes: Best
- Football fans who prefer true stories get an easy-to-read biography.
- A Belfast hero gives the book extra interest for Irish readers.
- The message that being small does not mean you cannot succeed is encouraging.
Reading and talking tips
Use these prompts to make reading time a conversation:
- Ask: “Why did people overlook George Best at first?”
- Compare the football of his day with today’s game.
- Write a short biography of a player your child admires.
An Irish connection
This title has an Irish link through its author, setting or subject, which makes it a good fit for our collection of Irish children’s authors and illustrators.
About Matt Oldfield
Matt Oldfield writes the Ultimate Football Heroes and Classic Football Heroes books for young readers.
Read more on our Matt Oldfield author page.
If your child likes this, try…
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Fight or Flight by Jeff Kinney, number 1 in the list.
- Squad Girls by Evanne Ní Chuilinn, number 8 in the list.
- Disaster Dad: Animal Antics by Donncha O’Callaghan, number 5 in the list.
Browse the whole list in our Top 20 children’s books, or use our books by age guides to find your next read.
Frequently asked questions about Classic Football Heroes: Best
What age is Classic Football Heroes: Best for?
The publisher gives 7 and up.
Who was George Best?
He was a footballer from Belfast who played for Manchester United as a midfielder and winger and won the Ballon d’Or.
Is it fiction?
No, it is a biography written for young readers.
Where to find it: your local library, an independent bookshop or an online retailer. Library membership is free in Ireland; see our guide to using your library.