Charlie George was born on October 10, 1950 in Islington, North London. In the course of a 15-year career, he played for Arsenal, Derby County, St George, Minnesota Kicks, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Bulova and Bournemouth.
George is best known for his time at Arsenal. He made his first-team on August 9, 1969 against Everton, on the first day of the 1969-70 season; Arsenal lost 1-0. He became a regular in the side that season, playing 39 times, including in Arsenal's 1969-70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup campaign and both legs of the final against RSC Anderlecht, which Arsenal won 4–3 on aggregate.
He broke his leg the following season, but returned to play a significant part towards the end of Arsenal's season. He scored five goals in 17 games, helping the Gunners to lift the title.
George's most famous moment came in the FA Cup final that season, when he scored the winning goal against Liverpool at Wembley. He celebrated in style, lying flat on his back after putting Arsenal 2-1 ahead. The game ended with the same scoreline, and Arsenal clinched a memorable league and cup double.
In total he played 179 times for Arsenal and scored 49 goals.
In July 1975 he moved to Derby County, where he played for three and a half years, most memorably scoring a hat-trick against Real Madrid in the European Cup.
George also represented England on one occasion, playing for 60 minutes against the Republic of Ireland on September 8, 1976, out of position on the left wing. He fell out with coach Don Revie after being substituted and was never picked again.