24 Facts About Leon Best

Leon Julian Brendan Best was born on 19 September 1986 and is a retired professional footballer who played as a striker.

Leon Best has played for the Republic of Ireland national football team.

Leon Best has played for Coventry City and Newcastle United before his 2012 move to Blackburn Rovers, where he remained for three years before leaving by mutual consent.

Leon Best has since taken up short spells with Rotherham United, Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic.

Leon Best was born on 19 September 1986 in Nottingham, England.

Leon Best opted to play football for his mother's country, Ireland, while in his teens.

Leon Best made his professional debut against Newcastle United on his 18th birthday in 2004.

Leon Best was a member of Southampton's youth team that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup in 2005, losing on aggregate to Ipswich Town.

The first loan spell was cut short in the same match when Leon Best broke his foot and returned to St Mary's after only 5 days in Sheffield.

On 3 August 2006 Leon Best joined Football League One club AFC Bournemouth on a month-long loan deal with an option to extend his stay.

Leon Best's return led him scoring three goals in successive matches and consequently gaining a reputation for wearing a "Besty" mask, even after he had recovered from his injury and earning the nickname "Zorro".

Leon Best made his debut against Cardiff City at St James' Park on 5 February 2010.

Leon Best netted his first goal for Newcastle in a pre-season friendly against Carlisle United on 17 July 2010, followed by his second goal for the club in the pre-season Sir Bobby Robson tribute match against PSV Eindhoven on 31 July 2010.

Leon Best was released by Rovers on 8 July 2015 by mutual consent.

On 4 August 2014, Leon Best was sent to Derby County on a season-long loan.

Leon Best made thirteen appearances without scoring for Brighton before returning to Blackburn.

Leon Best joined Rotherham United on 16 November 2015 until the end of the season.

On 12 March 2016, Leon Best led an astonishing fight back against promotion chasing Derby County at New York Stadium.

On 3 June 2016, Leon Best left the club, having failed to agree terms on a new contract.

Leon Best joined Ipswich Town on 30 August 2016 on a one-year contract, as a replacement for the outgoing Daryl Murphy.

Leon Best made just 12 appearances and scored no goals.

Leon Best made 5 appearances for Charlton, with it being cut short due to a knee injury sustained on New Year's Day.

Leon Best played for Lourdes Celtic before returning to Nottingham.

Leon Best's sister had a baby with Jamaica international footballer, Wes Morgan.