Football is big business - you can't get away from it. But you have to separate that side from the playing.

This quote by George Best, one of the most iconic and gifted footballers of the 20th century, reflects on the growing commercialization of football and its impact on the sport itself. Best acknowledges that football is big business, recognizing the immense financial, media, and marketing machinery that surrounds the game. From sponsorship deals to massive television contracts and player transfers, the sport has evolved into a powerful global industry that goes far beyond the pitch.

However, Best emphasizes the importance of separating the business side from the playing. For him, the essence of football lies in the passion, skill, and joy of playing—not in the commercial interests that have come to dominate the sport. He believed that when players become too focused on money or fame, it can erode their love for the game and disconnect them from what made them fall in love with it in the first place. This distinction is crucial to maintaining the spirit and purity of the sport.

Best’s quote originates from a time when football was undergoing rapid transformation, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. As one of the first true global superstars of the game, he experienced firsthand the pressures of being a commercial figure while trying to stay true to his identity as a player. His life and career, marked by brilliance on the field and personal struggles off it, gave him a unique perspective on the intersection between sport and business.

Ultimately, this quote is a reminder that while financial success and popularity are now deeply embedded in modern sports, the heart of football must remain in the game itself. Best’s insight encourages both players and fans to value the authenticity of the sport, to protect the passion and artistry that make it meaningful—regardless of how big the business becomes.