George Weah

The only African Ballon d'Or winner and former president of Liberia.

George Manneh Weah (born 1 October 1966) is a Liberian politician and former professional footballer who served as the 25th president of Liberia from 2018 to 2024. He was elected senator from Montserrado County in 2014 but never served, as he was elected president in 2017 before taking office. He played as a striker in his 18-year professional career which ended in 2003. Weah is the first African former professional footballer to become a head of state, and the only African Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winner, winning both in 1995. He won the African Footballer of the Year three times (1989, 1994, 1995).

Quick Facts

Order: 25th
Office: President of Liberia
Vice president: Jewel Taylor
Took office: 22 January 2018
Left office: 22 January 2024
Predecessor: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Successor: Joseph Boakai
Birth name: George Manneh Oppong Weah

Lore & Background

Weah began his career in Liberia, then spent 14 years playing for clubs in France, Italy, and England. Arsène Wenger brought him to Europe, signing him for Monaco in 1988. Weah moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 1992, winning Division 1 in 1994 and becoming top scorer of the 1994–95 UEFA Champions League. He signed for AC Milan in 1995, winning Serie A twice. Later he played for Chelsea and Manchester City, winning the FA Cup with Chelsea, then Marseille in 2001, and ended his career with Al Jazira in 2003. Weah represented Liberia, winning 75 caps and scoring 18 goals, playing at the African Cup of Nations twice. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 1989, 1994, and 1995, and African Player of the Century in 1996. He was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list in 2004.

Reader's Guide

Weah was born on 1 October 1966 in Monrovia, raised in Clara Town. He is a member of the Kru ethnic group. His father was a mechanic, his mother a merchant. He has three brothers and was one of thirteen children raised by his paternal grandmother after his parents separated.

He attended middle school at Muslim Congress and high school at Wells Hairston High School, reportedly dropping out in his final year. He began playing for Young Survivors in 1981, then played for Bong Range United, Mighty Barrolle, and Invincible Eleven, winning the 1987 Liberian Premier League title. He signed for Tonnerre Yaoundé in 1987. Weah signed for Monaco in 1988 for £12,000 after Arsène Wenger flew to Africa to see him play.

He won the 1990–91 Coupe de France with Monaco. At PSG he won the Coupe de France in 1993 and 1995, Division 1 in 1994, and the Coupe de la Ligue in 1995. He scored a wonder-goal against Bayern Munich in the 1994–95 Champions League. At AC Milan he won Serie A in 1996 and 1999, and reached the 1998 Coppa Italia final.

He scored a famous solo goal against Hellas Verona. He won the Ballon d'Or, Onze d'Or, and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995, dedicating the latter to Arsène Wenger.

Did You Know?

He scored a solo goal against Hellas Verona after collecting the ball from a corner kick in his own penalty area.
FourFourTwo named Weah one of the best players never to win the UEFA Champions League.
He played in a friendly in 2018 where his number 14 jersey was retired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was George Weah at AS Monaco?

He was a Liberian striker who played for the club from 1988 to 1992. His time in France marked the beginning of his rise as one of the world's top players.

What trophies did George Weah win with Monaco?

Weah helped the team secure the Coupe de France title during the 1990–91 season. He also played a key role in their run to the European Cup Winners' Cup final in 1992.

Did George Weah receive individual honors while at Monaco?

Yes, he was named African Footballer of the Year in 1989 during his tenure with the club. This award cemented his reputation as a global talent while wearing the Monaco jersey.