Manchester United legend George Best’s first lover shaved her head and became a Buddhist after her hedonistic lifestyle with the Northern Irish genius
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
09:23, 25 Nov 2025
George Best with girlfriend Jackie Glass at a reception in London after Manchester United won the 1968 European Cup
George Best’s first lover became a practising monk and shaved her head after splitting from the Manchester United icon.
Best, who died exactly 20 years ago aged 59 after years of alcohol abuse, had numerous high-profile relationships during and after his legendary football career and wild life. His first well-known WAG was model Jackie Glass, who initially turned Best down as he was playing for United and she lived in London.
However, the smooth-talking Northern Irishman eventually won her over, paving the way for a whirlwind romance. Glass, now Ani Rinchen, told BelfastLive in 2015: “Of course, I gave it in the end. He was a charismatic man.”
It was Glass who called things off after she found out he’d been unfaithful via the media. She added: “We were together for a year properly and then another year off and on. I was his first love.
“He said it didn’t mean anything and tried to get back with me. I was tempted, but I couldn’t see things would change. We loved each other but our lifestyles were different. I didn’t want to be a footballer’s wife.”
Best and Glass had a whirlwind romance(Image: Popperfoto/Getty Images)
Glass’s life took a very different path from Best’s, as she converted to Buddhism and changed her name after being inspired by a speech from the Dalai Lama. After moving into a Buddhist monastery, she was ordained as a nun in 1994.
She became celibate, lived alone, meditated daily and wore plain red robes with no make-up. Ani Rinchen said: “I had this idea I wouldn’t be able to have a laugh. But I had become bored with parties, people drinking a lot and talking rubbish.
Glass, now Ani Rinchen, after becoming a Buddhist (Image: Supplied)
“I cut my long blonde hair off. I could feel the air on my head. It was liberating. I was giving up all the things that weren’t good for me.
“I think he got too far away from his true self. We can become so focused outwards, we never look inside. Buddhism brings you back to yourself.”
On hearing of Best’s death, while on a retreat to Holy Island, she said: “It was very sad. We had a little ceremony and said prayers.
Best the year before his death in 2004(Image: ShowBizIreland/Getty Images)
“I think he got too far away from his true self. We can become so focused outwards, we never look inside. Buddhism brings you back to yourself.
“I could have gone down the path with George. I was a young, pretty girl. I knew a lot of people but I didn’t feel I had a lot of friends. I’m so much happier now.
“Someone told me George had been reading a book by the Dalai Lama near the end. Perhaps he was coming round to it. Maybe next life…”
