George Weah

George Weah
United States Department of State Africa U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit: Photos and · Public domain · source
Name	George Weah
Order	25th President of Liberia
Term start	January 22, 2018
Vice president	Jewel Taylor
Predecessor	Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

George Weah is a renowned Liberian politician and former professional footballer who has been serving as the President of Liberia since 2018. Weah's rise to prominence began with his successful football career, during which he played for several prominent clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Chelsea FC. His achievements on the field earned him numerous accolades, including the FIFA World Player of the Year award, which he received in 1995. Weah's transition to politics was marked by his involvement with the Congress for Democratic Change and his eventual election as President, succeeding Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

● Early Life and Education

Weah was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and grew up in a poor household with his parents, William Weah and Anna Quayeweah. He attended Welfare Community School and later moved to Muslim Congress and Catholic Elementary School. Weah's early life was influenced by his experiences during the First Liberian Civil War, which led to his relocation to West Point, Monrovia. He began playing football at a young age, joining the Young Survivors club, and later moved to Mighty Barrolle and Invincible Eleven. Weah's talent and dedication earned him a spot in the Liberia national football team, which he represented in several international competitions, including the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

● Football Career

Weah's professional football career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several prominent clubs, including Tonnerre Yaoundé in Cameroon, Africa Sports National in Ivory Coast, and Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates. He also played for Olympique de Marseille in France, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan in Italy. Weah's achievements on the field earned him numerous accolades, including the African Footballer of the Year award, which he received in 1989, 1994, and 1995. He also won the FIFA Fair Play Award in 1996 and was named one of the FIFA 100 greatest living players in 2004. Weah's football career was marked by his involvement with the Liberia national football team, which he captained and represented in several international competitions, including the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

● Political Career

Weah's transition to politics began in 2005, when he announced his candidacy for the Liberian presidential election. He ran as the candidate for the Congress for Democratic Change and won the first round of the election, but lost to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the runoff. Weah later served as a Senator of Liberia, representing Montserrado County from 2015 to 2018. During his tenure as Senator, Weah was involved in several initiatives, including the Liberian Senate's committee on Youth and Sports. He also worked closely with the United Nations Development Programme and the African Union to promote development and peace in Liberia and the West African region. Weah's political career was marked by his involvement with the Economic Community of West African States and his support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

● Presidency

Weah was elected as the President of Liberia in 2017, succeeding Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. His inauguration was attended by several prominent leaders, including Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, and Faure Gnassingbé of Togo. Weah's presidency has been marked by his efforts to promote economic development and peace in Liberia. He has worked closely with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to implement economic reforms and promote investment in Liberia. Weah has also been involved in regional initiatives, including the Mano River Union and the Economic Community of West African States, to promote peace and stability in the West African region. His presidency has been influenced by his experiences during the Second Liberian Civil War and his commitment to promoting reconciliation and development in Liberia.

● Personal Life

Weah is married to Clar Weah, a Liberian businesswoman, and has three children, including Timothy Weah, who is also a professional footballer. Weah's personal life has been marked by his involvement in several charitable initiatives, including the George Weah Foundation, which he established to promote education and healthcare in Liberia. He has also worked closely with the United Nations Children's Fund and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to promote development and peace in Liberia and the West African region. Weah's personal life has been influenced by his experiences during the First Liberian Civil War and his commitment to promoting reconciliation and development in Liberia. He has received several awards and honors, including the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Star of Africa and the Key to the City of Monrovia. Weah has also been recognized for his contributions to football, including his induction into the African Football Hall of Fame and his selection as one of the FIFA 100 greatest living players.