George Best's Rivalry with Keegan Remembered in Cyprus Football History

George Best's rivalry with Kevin Keegan is remembered in Cyprus football history after the latter's death. Keegan, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and former England captain, visited Cyprus on several occasions during the 1980s, taking part in exhibition matches that remain part of local football history.

What happened?

Keegan's first major appearance on the island came in 1984, when he accepted an invitation from former Liverpool teammate Peter Cormack, who was managing Anorthosis Famagusta at the time, to play in a friendly match against Omonoia Nicosia. Keegan wore the blue and white shirt of Anorthosis, giving supporters the opportunity to see one of the biggest names in European football play in Cyprus.

Why it matters for George Best

Keegan returned to Cyprus three years later for the Cyprus Super Cup, a friendly tournament held in Nicosia in May 1987 involving Apoel, Omonoia, Arsenal and Luton Town. The event brought together two of British football's most recognisable figures, with Keegan playing for Apoel and George Best appearing for Omonoia. Students from The English School Class of '88 also served as ball boys during the matches.

What comes next?

During his time in Cyprus, Keegan visited The English School, where he coached the school football team and met students. Petros Hadjichristodoulou, who interviewed Keegan during his visits to Cyprus as a sports journalist for *Phileleftheros*, recalled the former striker as a player who remained approachable despite his global reputation. Speaking to the *Cyprus Mail*, Hadjichristodoulou recalled Keegan as a player whose personality matched his public image, describing him as “an excellent guy, a very approachable person and great company”.

Keegan's appearances in Cyprus came after a career that saw him achieve success with Liverpool and Hamburg before later becoming a manager, but for many local fans his visits to the island remain a memorable chapter in his connection with the sport.