COPA Unveils George Best Collection

COPA honours iconic Manchester United attacker George Best by presenting the all-new COPA George Best collection. In a deal brokered by IMG Licensing, COPA has collaborated with Best Promotions LLP to create a range of T-shirts that pay homage to one of the greatest legends in the history of football.

Along with his talent, Best became known for his long hair, good looks and extravagant celebrity lifestyle. He was named as one of the 50 most stylish men of the past 50 years, and with the George Best collection, COPA celebrates a true football icon.

Back in 1961, George Best was discovered in Belfast by a Manchester United scout, whose telegram to United manager Matt Busby read: ‘I think I’ve found you a genius.’ He was right and Best helped Manchester United win many trophies. His immense popularity even led to receiving more than 1,000 fan mail letters a week.

At a time when football salaries were a fraction of what top players earn today, Best still earned a tidy fortune with his celebrity status. However, he lost almost all of it, and when asked what happened to the money he had earned, he replied: ‘I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.’

The superior quality garments are ‘Made in Europe’ and get a special treatment, which is probably COPA’s best kept secret, to give the T-shirts a super soft touch. Inspiration for the designs was taken from unique photos, which were carefully selected from the archives of IMG, Mirrorpix, Press Association Images and the private George Best Archive.

The COPA George Best collection is now available through at Subside Sports and in the COPA Football Store in Amsterdam.