George Manneh Oppong Weah is a Liberian politician and former professional footballer who achieved the rare feat of transitioning from global sports icon to the highest office in his native country. He served as the 25th President of Liberia from 2018 to 2024. Before his political career, Weah was one of the most decorated and celebrated African athletes of all time.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | George Manneh Oppong Weah |
| Born | October 1, 1966, Monrovia, Liberia |
| Ethnic Group | Kru |
| Political Party | Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) |
| Presidential Term | January 22, 2018 – January 22, 2024 |
| Key Football Awards | Ballon d’Or (1995); FIFA World Player of the Year (1995) |
| Unique Distinction | Only African player to win the Ballon d’Or and the first former professional footballer to become a head of state. |
The Global Football Career (1981–2003)
Weah grew up in the Clara Town slum of Monrovia and began his career playing for local clubs. His exceptional talent led him to Europe, where he was discovered by legendary coach Arsène Wenger.
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European Clubs: Weah played for major clubs in France, Italy, and England, including:
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AS Monaco (1988–1992)
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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) (1992–1995)
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AC Milan (1995–2000)
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Chelsea (loan, 2000) and Manchester City (2000)
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Historic 1995 Season: Weah’s football career peaked in 1995 when he achieved an unprecedented triple victory, becoming the only African player in history to win:
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Ballon d’Or (European Player of the Year)
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FIFA World Player of the Year
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African Footballer of the Year
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Style of Play: Known as a physically imposing striker with exceptional acceleration, speed, and dribbling skills, he was renowned for producing spectacular, memorable goals.
Political Career and Presidency (2005–2024)
Following his retirement from football in 2003, Weah returned to a Liberia emerging from civil war and dedicated himself to politics, leveraging his immense popularity as a national hero.
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First Presidential Bid (2005): Running for the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) party, he won the most votes in the first round of the 2005 presidential election, largely due to strong support from Liberia’s youth and poor population. He was ultimately defeated in the runoff by former finance minister Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
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Senator: In 2014, he was elected to the Senate of Liberia, representing Montserrado County.
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Presidential Victory (2017): Weah ran again in 2017, defeating incumbent Vice President Joseph Boakai in the runoff election. His inauguration in January 2018 marked the first peaceful, democratic transfer of power between two democratically elected leaders in Liberia since 1944.
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Presidency (2018–2024): His administration focused on infrastructure development, including road paving, and free tuition for public universities. However, his tenure faced challenges related to widespread corruption allegations, persistent economic hardships, and controversies over missing bank funds.
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2023 Election Loss: In the 2023 presidential runoff election, Weah was defeated by Joseph Boakai, ensuring a second consecutive peaceful transition of power.
Legacy
George Weah’s legacy is twofold: as one of the world’s truly legendary footballers, using his platform to aid his war-torn nation, and as a political leader who symbolized hope for Liberia’s marginalized youth. He embodies a powerful story of rising from the slums of Monrovia to the pinnacle of global sport and then to the highest political office, showcasing Liberia’s hard-won democratic stability.