George Weah is a name known across the world, especially in Africa. His journey from being one of the best football players in the world to becoming the president of Liberia is a story of determination, passion, and love for his country. Weah’s life is an inspiration for millions who dream big and believe that nothing is impossible.
George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah was born on October 1, 1966, in Clara Town, a slum in Monrovia, Liberia. His family was poor, and life in Clara Town was tough. However, George had a love for football from a young age. He played in the streets with other kids, using anything they could find as a ball. His talent was clear, even when he was just a boy.
At 15, George began playing for a local club called Young Survivors. His skills improved, and soon, he moved to better teams in Liberia. His break came when he signed with the top Liberian team, Mighty Barrolle. After impressing everyone with his speed, strength, and ability to score goals, he moved to Cameroonian club Tonnerre Yaoundé in 1987.
In 1988, George Weah’s life changed forever when he was discovered by Arsène Wenger, a famous French coach, who brought him to Europe. Wenger signed Weah for AS Monaco, a French club. This was the beginning of Weah’s rise to international fame.
Weah continued to prove his worth in Monaco, scoring goals and helping his team win important matches. His incredible performances caught the attention of other big clubs, and soon, Weah was playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), one of the top French teams. With PSG, he won the French League in 1994 and became one of the top scorers in Europe.
In 1995, George Weah moved to AC Milan, one of the biggest clubs in Italy. At AC Milan, he became a global superstar. Weah’s combination of power, speed, and goal-scoring ability made him one of the best players in the world. In his first season with Milan, he won the Italian league title and continued to perform at the highest level.
That same year, George Weah made history by becoming the first and only African player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award. He was also named the Ballon d’Or winner, recognizing him as the best footballer in the world. These awards were a major achievement, not just for Weah, but for the entire continent of Africa. He proved that African players could compete with the best in the world.
Even though George Weah was playing in Europe, he never forgot about his home country. He was deeply connected to Liberia and played for the national team, the Lone Star. He used his own money to fund the team’s travels, pay for uniforms, and take care of other expenses. Weah was a true patriot, and he wanted to use his success to help Liberia.
Despite his efforts, Liberia never qualified for the FIFA World Cup during Weah’s playing career. However, his dedication to his country made him a hero at home. He was loved by the people for what he did on and off the pitch.
Transition to Politics
After an incredible football career that saw him play for Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League, and Marseille in France, George Weah retired from professional football in 2003. But his story did not end there. Weah’s heart was always with Liberia, and he wanted to help rebuild the country that had been torn apart by years of civil war.
In 2005, Weah decided to enter politics. He ran for president of Liberia in the 2005 election. Many people supported him because of his popularity as a footballer, but others doubted his ability to lead a country. Although he lost the election to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Weah did not give up. He realized that to succeed in politics, he needed to get more education and experience.
Weah went back to school to improve his political knowledge. He earned a degree in business administration from DeVry University in the United States. During this time, he continued to be involved in Liberian politics, running for vice president in 2011, though he was not successful.
In 2014, Weah ran for a seat in the Liberian Senate. This time, he won, defeating Robert Sirleaf, the son of the sitting president. Weah’s victory was a sign that the people of Liberia still believed in him and wanted him to be their leader. His time as a senator helped him gain more political experience and further prepared him for his next big move.
In 2017, George Weah ran for president again, this time with more experience and support. His main opponent was the then vice president, Joseph Boakai. Weah campaigned on a message of change, promising to improve education, create jobs, and fight corruption in Liberia.
The election was tough, but in December 2017, George Weah won with more than 60% of the vote in the second round. On January 22, 2018, he was officially sworn in as the 25th president of Liberia. It was a historic moment, not just for Liberia, but for the entire world. George Weah had gone from a poor boy in a slum to a world-famous footballer and now the president of his country.
As president, George Weah faced many challenges. Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world, and its economy was struggling when Weah took office. His government has worked to improve infrastructure, build schools, and create jobs. However, some people have criticized his administration for not doing enough to tackle corruption and improve the economy.
Despite the praises, he conceded defeat in the 2023 Liberian presidential election to his rival, Joseph Boakai. After a closely contested run-off, Weah accepted the results, marking Liberia’s second peaceful transition of power since its civil wars.
George Weah’s journey from football to politics is one of the most remarkable stories in modern history. His rise from the slums of Monrovia to become a global football icon, and then president of Liberia, is a testament to his determination and love for his country. He has shown the world that with hard work and a strong belief in oneself, anything is possible.
Weah’s story is not just about football or politics—it is about hope. It is about how one person can inspire millions, break barriers, and create positive change in the world. Whether on the football field or in the presidential palace, George Weah has always played to win, not just for himself, but for the people of Liberia. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
