George Weah

George Weah. A former world-renowned professional footballer who became the 25th President of Liberia, serving from 2018 to 2024. His journey from the football pitches of Europe to the highest political office in his nation is a unique narrative in modern history. He is the only African former professional footballer to have become a head of state.

Early life and education

He was born in the Clara Town district of Monrovia to parents of Kru and Bassa heritage. Raised largely by his grandmother after his parents separated, he attended the Middle Town Primary School and later the Muslim Congress in Monrovia. His early life was marked by economic hardship, and he began playing football on the streets before joining local youth teams like Young Survivors Clareton. His formal education was intermittent, and he eventually focused entirely on his burgeoning football talent, which provided an escape from poverty.

Football career

His professional career began in his homeland with clubs such as Mighty Barrolle and Invincible Eleven before a move to Cameroon's Tonnerre Yaoundé brought him to wider attention. His performances attracted Arsène Wenger, then manager of AS Monaco FC, who brought him to France in 1988. At Monaco, he won the Coupe de France and was named African Footballer of the Year for the first time. Successful spells at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won Ligue 1 and more domestic cups, and later at A.C. Milan, cemented his global status. At Milan, he won two Serie A titles and achieved the unprecedented feat of winning the FIFA World Player of the Year, the Ballon d'Or, and the African Footballer of the Year awards all in 1995. He later played for Chelsea, Manchester City, and Olympique de Marseille before retiring in 2003. He also captained the Liberia national football team, famously financing their campaigns for FIFA World Cup qualification.

Political career

After retiring from football, he became increasingly involved in Liberian politics and humanitarian work, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. His first presidential bid in the 2005 Liberian general election ended in a runoff defeat to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He later earned a degree in Business Management from DeVry University to counter criticisms about his academic qualifications. He was elected as a Senator for Montserrado County in the 2014 election, representing the Congress for Democratic Change. He successfully ran for president in the 2017 Liberian general election, defeating Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party. His presidency, under the banner of the Coalition for Democratic Change, focused on issues like education and infrastructure but faced significant economic challenges and criticism over corruption allegations. He was defeated by Boakai in the 2023 Liberian general election.

Personal life

He is married to Clar Weah, a Jamaican-born former supermodel, and they have three children. His eldest son, Tim Weah, is a professional footballer who plays for Juventus F.C. and the United States national team. He is a practicing Christian and has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities in Liberia, particularly through the George Weah Foundation. He holds honorary citizenship from several countries and has received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts.

Honors and legacy

On the pitch, his honors include the Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, and three African Footballer of the Year awards, along with league titles in France and Italy. FIFA, UEFA, and the International Federation of Football History & Statistics have all recognized him as one of the greatest players of his generation. His political legacy is as the first sports superstar to be democratically elected as a head of state in Africa. Despite a mixed presidential tenure, his rise from the Monrovia slums to global fame and national leadership remains an inspirational story across the African continent. Statues and facilities in his honor exist in both Liberia and Cameroon.

Category:Presidents of Liberia Category:Liberian footballers Category:1966 births Category:Living people