At a Glance
- George Weah remains Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner nearly three decades after his triumph.
- From Monrovia’s streets to AC Milan, Weah’s journey redefined African excellence in football.
- As Liberia’s president, Weah inspired hope, focused on rebuilding, and upheld democratic values.
George Manneh Oppong Weah(George Weah), a former professional footballer, still has his name carry weight across the African continent. Nearly three decades after he made history, he remains the only African ever to win the Ballon d’Or.
A former professional footballer turned politician, he served as Liberia’s 25th president from 2018 to 2024. His journey from the dusty pitches of Monrovia to global football stardom, and ultimately the Liberian presidency, remains one of Africa’s most inspiring stories.
From Monrovia to Milan
Born on Oct. 1, 1966, in Monrovia, Weah grew up in Clara Town, a crowded neighborhood where football was more than a pastime — it was a path out of hardship. His natural flair for the game quickly drew attention. Scouts from Cameroon’s Tonnerre Yaoundé spotted him in local matches, giving him his first break outside Liberia.
It was there that Arsène Wenger, then manager of AS Monaco, saw something special. Wenger brought him to Europe in 1988, later calling him “a natural talent, raw and powerful.” Under Wenger’s guidance, Weah refined his game and matured into a world-class forward.
A move to Paris Saint-Germain followed, where his explosive pace and sharp finishing lit up European football. His solo goal against Bayern Munich in the 1994 Champions League remains one of the competition’s most memorable moments.
In 1995, Weah joined AC Milan and reached the peak of his career. That same year, he won both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, a first and only for an African. For many across the continent, Weah’s success represented something bigger than sport. It showed that talent and determination could break barriers once thought impossible.
Power, pace and purpose
Weah was not just a striker; he was a complete footballer. He could glide past defenders with grace, hold off opponents with strength, and finish with precision. One of his most famous goals, running from his own half to score against Verona, remains a masterclass in individual brilliance.
Off the pitch, Weah earned respect for his humanitarian efforts. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he worked to support children and rebuild communities scarred by Liberia’s long civil war. His compassion and commitment to service hinted at a deeper calling, one that would eventually lead him into politics.
From the pitch to the presidency
After hanging up his boots in 2003, Weah turned to public service. His first presidential bid in 2005 ended in defeat, but he didn’t walk away. Over time, he gained political experience, winning a Senate seat in 2014. Three years later, he made history again, this time as Liberia’s president.
For many Liberians, Weah’s election was deeply personal. He embodied the hope of a nation long burdened by conflict and poverty, a man who had lived their struggles now leading them at the highest level. His administration focused on rebuilding infrastructure, expanding education and empowering young people.
But his presidency wasn’t without controversy. Critics pointed to economic missteps, corruption concerns, and uneven progress. Still, his peaceful concession after losing to Joseph Boakai in 2023 drew international praise and marked a step forward for Liberia’s democracy.
A legacy beyond trophies
Today, George Weah’s name remains synonymous with perseverance and pride. His son, Timothy Weah, now plays at the top level in Europe, continuing the family’s football story. Yet George Weah’s legacy stands apart, not merely for his trophies or titles, but for the lives he touched and the hope he inspired.
From the crowded streets of Monrovia to the grand stages of Paris, Milan and beyond, his journey is a reminder that greatness isn’t defined by privilege but by persistence. Weah’s story, part football, part politics, all human, endures as proof that even the most distant dreams can be reached with faith, discipline and heart.
