Rowetta Honors George Best With Tribute at Old Trafford
Singer celebrates football legend's birthday alongside his sister on pitch inside stadium!
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
Annual Birthday Tribute
Manchester United superfan and singer Rowetta paid homage to one of football’s brightest icons on 22 May, marking what would have been George Best’s 78th birthday with a heartfelt ceremony at Old Trafford. Posting to Instagram, she shared a photo of herself alongside George’s sister, holding the late legend’s first pair of football boots while wearing a charity T-shirt from her own Old Nags Head pub in Manchester.
In her caption, Rowetta wrote, “🇾🇪 Happy Birthday to one of the greatest ever ⚽️ 🎂 A true Legend – George Best (22 May 1946 – 25 November 2005) 🙌🏽❤️🤍🖤 Here at @manchesterunited Old Trafford with George’s sister, holding George’s first football boots & in my Old Nags Head charity 👕 #GeorgeBest #MUFC.”
At Old Trafford With Family
The image, taken on the famous turf of Old Trafford, shows Rowetta and Susan Best standing inside the stadium’s corridor, beaming as they cradle those iconic boots. The gesture is part of an annual tradition—fans and family gathering at the Theatre of Dreams to celebrate Best’s talent, flair and lasting impact on the club and the city of Manchester.
George Best burst onto the scene as a teenager in 1963, going on to win two European Cups and the Ballon d’Or in 1968. Even decades after his playing days, supporters return each May to pay respect. This year, the moment felt especially poignant as Rowetta—a star in her own right—lent her voice and platform to keep the memory alive.
Rowetta’s United Connection
Long before her viral Instagram salute, Rowetta (full name Rowetta Idah) carved a name for herself as the powerhouse vocalist for the Happy Mondays in the late 1980s and early ’90s, later reaching the finals of BBC’s The X Factor in 2005. But behind the stage lights, she’s been a devoted United follower since childhood, often spotted in the Stretford End singing along with fans.
Her loyalty extends beyond cheering in the stands. In recent weeks, Rowetta headed to Bilbao as part of Manchester United’s official supporter events ahead of the Europa League Final. In one Instagram update, she outlined her stage times at the club’s fan zone, sharing posts about her “dream gig” performing on the eve of the final alongside fellow acts Liam Fray and Mani. That trip underscored the depth of her bond with the club—spanning from live performances at Old Trafford to community outreach through her Old Nags Head charity pub, which donates proceeds to local causes.
A Fan And A Voice
Rowetta’s presence at match-day events has become a fixture for many fellow Reds. Last season she joined the BBC Manchester sports team for on-camera interviews in the fan zone, and she’s hosted Q&A sessions with former players like Andy Cole and Denis Irwin. Beyond entertainment, she uses her platform to highlight charity drives and youth outreach projects in Greater Manchester, bridging the gap between legend and local community.
Her choice to wear an Old Nags Head charity T-shirt while honoring Best illustrates that dual commitment: football and giving back. The pub, located in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, has supported food banks and mental health initiatives, reflecting Rowetta’s belief that sport can unite and heal.
Looking Ahead
While tributes to Best are a yearly fixture, Rowetta’s role evolves each time. She balances being a performer, a fan and a campaigner. This summer, she’s slated to headline local festivals and record new material, but May 22 will always belong to Best.
As the sun set over the pitch at Old Trafford, Rowetta’s homage reminded supporters that legends never fade—they live on in stories, songs and shared memories. With her song-stopping vocals and steadfast faith in Manchester United, she ensured George Best’s boots kept walking through the decades.
Rowetta’s tribute at Old Trafford not only celebrated a football icon’s birthday but also reinforced the powerful blend of sport, music and charity that she champions. Her annual gathering with Best’s family members and her continued advocacy for community causes tie together the threads of legacy, fandom and giving back as seamlessly as a perfectly weighted pass into the box.
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