George Weah

George Manneh Oppong Weah (born 1 October 1966) is a Liberian former professional footballer and politician who served as the 25th President of Liberia from 2018 to 2024. He is celebrated globally for being the only African footballer to have won both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award. Beyond his achievements in sport, he is renowned for his transition from an internationally acclaimed athlete to a national political leader, symbolising hope and resilience in post-war Liberia.

Early Life and Background

George Weah was born in Monrovia, Liberia, in the densely populated district of Clara Town. Raised by his grandmother after his parents separated, he grew up amid poverty and limited opportunities. His upbringing in challenging circumstances instilled in him a strong sense of determination, humility, and connection to the struggles of ordinary Liberians.
From a young age, Weah displayed remarkable talent for football, playing for local clubs and street teams in Monrovia. His passion and skill would soon transform his life, opening doors to professional opportunities abroad and placing him among the most gifted footballers of his generation.

Football Career

Club Career

Weah’s professional football career began in Liberia before moving to Cameroon, where he played for Tonnerre Yaoundé. His exceptional performance attracted the attention of French scout Arsène Wenger, who brought him to AS Monaco in 1988. Under Wenger’s mentorship, Weah developed into one of Europe’s most dynamic forwards.
He later joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 1992, where he won the French League title and established himself as one of the most dominant players in Europe. In 1995, Weah transferred to AC Milan, where he enjoyed immense success, winning Serie A titles in 1996 and 1999 and earning global recognition for his athleticism, skill, and sportsmanship.
Towards the end of his career, Weah played briefly for Chelsea and Manchester City in the English Premier League, as well as Olympique de Marseille and Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, before retiring in the early 2000s.

International Career

As a proud Liberian, Weah represented the Liberia national football team between 1986 and 2003. Despite limited infrastructure and resources, he remained devoted to his country’s football development, often personally funding team expenses. Though Liberia never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, Weah’s performances earned international admiration, and he remains regarded as one of the greatest players never to appear in the tournament.

Awards and Recognition

• FIFA World Player of the Year (1995)
• Ballon d’Or (1995) – first and only African recipient
• African Footballer of the Year – multiple times during the 1990s
• Named among FIFA’s 100 Greatest Living Players
• Widely considered one of the most influential African athletes of all time

Transition to Politics

After retiring from football, George Weah shifted his focus to public service and politics. Motivated by a desire to improve conditions for ordinary Liberians, he entered politics in the early 2000s.
He first contested the 2005 Liberian presidential election, representing the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). Though he gained strong popular support, he was narrowly defeated in the second round. Undeterred, Weah continued to build his political career, serving as Senator for Montserrado County from 2015 to 2018.

Presidency (2018–2024)

George Weah was inaugurated as the President of Liberia on 22 January 2018, marking a historic moment for the country as power transferred peacefully from one democratically elected leader to another. His presidency represented hope for millions of Liberians seeking progress after years of conflict and instability.
His administration’s priorities included:

• Pro-Poor Development Agenda: Aimed at reducing poverty, expanding education, and improving healthcare access.
• Infrastructure Renewal: Focused on rebuilding roads, schools, and public facilities.
• Youth Empowerment: Promoted education, skills development, and sports as tools for national progress.

Weah’s early decisions, including voluntarily reducing his own salary by 25%, were symbolic of his commitment to modest leadership. However, his government faced mounting challenges, including economic stagnation, rising inflation, and criticism over corruption and governance inefficiencies.
In the 2023 presidential election, Weah was defeated after one term in office. Despite the political setback, his concession and peaceful transfer of power strengthened Liberia’s democratic institutions.

Leadership Style and Political Vision

George Weah’s leadership style reflected humility, populism, and accessibility. Drawing from his own life experiences, he sought to connect with Liberia’s poor and marginalised citizens. His “grassroots” appeal and charisma made him one of the most relatable political figures in modern African politics.
His presidency, however, demonstrated the complexities of governance in a nation still rebuilding from civil war. While admired for his sincerity and compassion, critics argued that his administration lacked technical expertise and effective economic policy management.

Social and Humanitarian Contributions

Long before his presidency, Weah was involved in humanitarian work. Through his George Weah Foundation, he supported education, youth programmes, and reconstruction efforts in post-war Liberia. He was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using his platform to promote peace, child welfare, and social development.
Weah also remains a role model for African athletes, encouraging them to use their influence to contribute positively to society.

Legacy and Significance

George Weah’s legacy extends across two spheres — sport and politics.

• In Football: He remains a symbol of African excellence, having broken barriers and achieved global recognition for talent, discipline, and perseverance.
• In Politics: His journey from poverty to presidency represents a remarkable story of determination and national pride, inspiring millions across Africa and beyond.

While his presidency faced challenges and criticism, his peaceful leadership and commitment to democracy reinforced Liberia’s post-war progress.

Character and Personal Life

George Weah is widely respected for his humility, generosity, and deep faith. A devout Christian, he is known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to family. His son, Timothy Weah, has followed in his footsteps as a professional footballer, representing the United States national team and European clubs.