It's rare for a single player to revolutionize the game on two continents, but Clyde Best did exactly that. A true pioneer, he not only broke barriers in English football but also played a pivotal role in establishing soccer's footprint across the Atlantic.
Key Milestones in Best's Legendary Journey
- West Ham Trailblazer: Endured rampant racial abuse to score 58 goals in 218 games for the Hammers.
- NASL Founding Father: Became a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, leading them to the inaugural Soccer Bowl '75 title.
- Global Ambassador: Shared pitches with icons like Pelé and Johan Cruyff, elevating the profile of American soccer.
- Enduring Legacy: Honored with an MBE and documented in *Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story*.
A Trailblazer's Tough Start: Conquering Racism in England
Clyde Best embarked on a journey fraught with challenges as a 17-year-old from Bermuda. Arriving at West Ham in a racially tense Britain, he faced a barrage of abuse that would test the resolve of any young player. Yet, Best's response was simple, powerful, and ultimately, effective: let his football do the talking.
Battling Bigotry at Upton Park and Beyond
His early years in England were marked by consistent, vile racial taunts from opposing fans, even including a horrifying acid threat. Despite this, Best remained remarkably stoic, choosing to focus on his performance rather than the bigotry. His mantra was clear: "You just got a job to do. You go out and do what you can and to the best of your ability." This unwavering focus saw him net an impressive 58 goals in 218 appearances for West Ham, carving out a significant legacy and perhaps, subtly shifting perceptions through sheer talent and perseverance.
The Snub That Sparked a Move: 1975 FA Cup Final
After a decade without major silverware, the 1975 FA Cup Final offered West Ham a chance at glory. Despite his consistent contributions, manager John Lyall controversially excluded Best from the squad. The Hammers went on to win the trophy, a moment of triumph for the club but a deeply personal disappointment for Best. This exclusion proved to be the turning point, signaling to him that it was time to seek new horizons where his contributions would be fully valued.
North America Beckons: Best's Bold Leap into the NASL
Still in his mid-20s, Clyde Best sought a fresh start. The emerging North American Soccer League (NASL) presented an intriguing opportunity, far removed from the pressures and prejudices he'd faced in England. It was a chance to be part of something new, a pioneering effort in an untapped market.
Trading London Fog for Florida Sunshine
When former Charlton manager Eddie Firmani, now leading the expansion franchise Tampa Bay Rowdies, came calling, Best didn't hesitate. The allure of Tampa, Florida, was undeniable, offering a beautiful setting and a promising new venture. The financial incentives were also considerable, attracting global superstars like Pelé to the fledgling league. Best recognized the unique opportunity to help shape the sport in a new land, a mission that resonated deeply with his pioneering spirit.
Building a Sport from the Ground Up with the Rowdies
Life in the nascent NASL was a stark contrast to the established European leagues. Early games for the Rowdies saw only a few hundred spectators, and the infrastructure was rudimentary, once even requiring head coach Firmani to substitute himself into a match. Best's role extended beyond just scoring; he was an ambassador, a standard-bearer tasked with cultivating a love for soccer in a nation largely unfamiliar with it. This was an exciting challenge, demanding adaptability and a clear purpose.
American Dream Achieved: Triumphs and Legends in the NASL
Clyde Best's tenure in the NASL proved to be an unqualified success, both for him personally and for the league's burgeoning popularity. He found a place where his talent was celebrated, and he contributed significantly to the sport's growth.
Soccer Bowl Glory and Packed Stadiums
The Tampa Bay Rowdies defied expectations, claiming the inaugural Soccer Bowl '75 title in their very first season with a 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. Best sealed the win with a goal in the 88th minute, a triumphant moment that validated his move. Initially, stadiums might have been sparse, but as the Rowdies found success and the league gained traction, attendance skyrocketed. Best fondly recalled the transformation: from "two-300 people" to "packing in like 50,000," especially for heated clashes against rivals like the New York Cosmos.
Sharing the Pitch with Immortals: Pele, Cruyff & More
The NASL became a melting pot of footballing legends. Best regularly competed against icons such as Pelé, Johan Cruyff, Carlos Alberto, George Best, and Franz Beckenbauer. These were fierce rivals on the pitch, but off it, an unlikely camaraderie blossomed among these footballing giants. Best recounted how playing against such quality elevated his own game, and despite the competitive fire, mutual respect and friendship prevailed.
One memorable instance saw Best on tour with the LA Aztecs, coached by Rinus Michels and featuring Cruyff. Against PSG at Parc des Princes, Best won a penalty. He offered it to Cruyff, acknowledging him as the world's best, but Cruyff insisted Best take it himself. He converted, and the Aztecs secured a 2-1 victory, a clear indicator of the league's competitive quality and the respect among its stars.
A Lasting Legacy: Best's Enduring Impact on Football
After his pivotal role in the NASL, Clyde Best continued his nomadic career, briefly returning to Europe before making America his long-term home. His playing days concluded on his own terms, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
California Calling: A Sunny Farewell to Playing Days
A brief stint with Feyenoord proved unfruitful, leading Best back to the US. He featured for the Portland Timbers and various indoor teams, showcasing his versatility. Craving sunshine, he engineered a move to the Los Angeles Lazers, then owned by the legendary Buss family of Showtime Lakers fame. Playing 90 games and scoring 29 goals for the Lazers, Best retired on his own terms in Southern California, a place he fell in love with.
The 'Prince' Reflects: A Pioneer's Enduring Pride
Now 75 and an MBE recipient, Clyde Best looks back with immense pride and no regrets. He cherishes his time at West Ham, remembering the club as a "big, big family," and valuing his crucial friendship with England legend Bobby Moore. He saw beyond the racism, focusing on the shared passion for football that united players across divides.
His remarkable life story is now being told in the documentary *Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story*, premiering soon. Often compared to Jackie Robinson for his barrier-breaking efforts, Clyde Best — the man Pelé affectionately called "the prince" — consistently made the right decisions, leaving an extraordinary legacy that spans oceans and generations.
