George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah, the first African Ballon D’or Winner, was born on October 1, 1966, in the Clara Town slum of Monrovia, Liberia. Raised in a low-income household, he faced significant hardships but remained passionate about football from an early age. His father, William T. Weah Sr., was a mechanic, and his mother, Anna Quayeweah, was a petty trader. Weah grew up under the care of his grandmother, Emma Klonjlaleh Brown, after his parents separated.
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Despite financial struggles, Weah’s raw football talent was evident from a young age. He attended middle school at Muslim Congress and later went to Wells Hairston High School, but he dropped out to pursue football. Before turning professional, he played for local Liberian teams, including Young Survivors, Bongrange Company, Mighty Barrolle, and Invincible Eleven, where he won the Liberian league.
Football Career
Breakthrough in Cameroon and Move to Europe
Weah’s professional career took off when he joined Cameroonian club Tonnerre Yaoundé in 1987. His impressive performances caught the attention of Arsène Wenger, who was managing AS Monaco at the time. Wenger saw potential in Weah and facilitated his move to Europe in 1988. This transfer proved to be a turning point in his career.
Success in France: AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain
At AS Monaco (1988–1992), Weah quickly adapted to European football. He helped the team win the French Cup (Coupe de France) in 1991 and was named African Footballer of the Year in 1989. His pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess made him one of the top strikers in Ligue 1.
In 1992, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he achieved even greater success. At PSG, he won the Ligue 1 title in 1994 and helped the club secure two more Coupe de France titles (1993 and 1995) and the Coupe de la Ligue in 1995. His performances in the UEFA Champions League during the 1994–95 season were outstanding, making him the competition’s top scorer with seven goals.
Move to Italy: AC Milan
In 1995, Weah joined AC Milan, one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe, and played there until 2000. His time at Milan was marked by two Serie A titles (1995–96 and 1998–99). He was famous for his incredible solo goal against Verona in 1996, where he dribbled from his own penalty area to score.
During his Milan years, Weah became the first and only African player to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 1995. That same year, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won his second African Footballer of the Year award.
Later Years: Chelsea, Manchester City, and Retirement
In 2000, Weah had a brief spell in England, playing for Chelsea and later Manchester City. At Chelsea, he won the FA Cup, scoring an important goal against Tottenham in the quarterfinals. After leaving Manchester City, he had short stints at Olympique Marseille in France and Al-Jazira in the UAE before retiring in 2003.
International Career
Despite his club success, Weah never played in a FIFA World Cup, as Liberia failed to qualify. However, he carried the national team single-handedly, funding travel, accommodations, and other expenses. He scored 22 goals in 60 appearances for Liberia and played a crucial role in their qualification for the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
Transition to Politics
Early Political Ambitions
After retiring from football, Weah shifted his focus to politics, hoping to bring change to Liberia, which had suffered from years of civil war. In 2005, he ran for president under the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) but lost to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Critics argued that he lacked formal education, leading him to pursue further studies.
Weah later obtained a degree in Business Administration from DeVry University in the United States, strengthening his credibility as a leader.
Senate Victory and Road to the Presidency
In 2014, Weah successfully ran for a seat in the Liberian Senate, defeating Robert Sirleaf, the son of then-president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. This victory cemented his political influence.
In 2017, he ran for president again, this time with Jewel Howard-Taylor, the ex-wife of former president Charles Taylor, as his running mate. His campaign focused on economic development, youth empowerment, and fighting corruption. On December 26, 2017, he won the presidential runoff election with over 60% of the vote, becoming Liberia’s 25th president.
Presidency and Governance
Economic and Social Challenges
Weah took office on January 22, 2018, with high expectations from the people of Liberia. His presidency faced significant economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and a struggling economy. Many citizens were hopeful for job creation and improved infrastructure.
Education and Infrastructure Initiatives
One of Weah’s key achievements was introducing free tuition for public universities, making higher education more accessible. He also prioritized infrastructure projects, including road construction and electricity expansion.
Criticism and Protests
Despite his efforts, his administration faced criticism over alleged corruption and poor economic management. In 2019, mass protests erupted, demanding better governance and economic reforms. Critics argued that his government struggled to address inflation and attract foreign investment.
2023 Elections and Defeat
In the 2023 Liberian presidential election, Weah sought a second term but faced a strong challenge from opposition leader Joseph Boakai. After a tightly contested race, he lost the election and conceded defeat, demonstrating a commitment to democracy and peaceful transition.
Legacy and Impact
George Weah’s journey from a poor neighborhood in Monrovia to global football stardom and the presidency of Liberia is a remarkable story of perseverance. His success as an athlete brought immense pride to Africa, and his transition into politics symbolized hope for many Liberians.
While his presidency had both achievements and challenges, Weah remains an influential figure in African history. His ability to inspire young people, both in sports and leadership, ensures his legacy will endure for generations. He has proven that one can achieve anything, coming from a poor neighborhood to becoming the First African Ballon D’or Winner and a country’s President.