George Weah

George Weah was born on October 1, 1966, in Monrovia, Liberia. Raised in the Clara Town slum of Monrovia, Weah faced many challenges growing up. Despite this, he developed a passion for football and played for several local clubs. His sheer talent on the field would eventually catapult him onto the international stage, making him one of the most renowned African footballers of all time.

On November 20, 1995, George Weah made history by becoming the first African player to win the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year award. In that same year, he also won the Ballon d'Or and was named African Footballer of the Year for the third time. Weah's incredible exploits playing for AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain caught the world's attention, showcasing his speed, skill, and goal-scoring abilities.

On March 5, 1996, George Weah completed a high-profile move to AC Milan, one of the biggest Italian football clubs in Serie A. At Milan, Weah became an essential player, helping the team secure league titles and competing in UEFA Champions League matches. His style of play and goal-scoring ability earned him a place as one of the club's all-time greats, and he forged a reputation as one of the world's top strikers.

On October 1, 2004, George Weah was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in the FIFA 100 list. This list was compiled by the legendary Brazilian footballer to commemorate FIFA's 100th anniversary. Weah was recognized not only for his extraordinary achievements and talent on the field but also for his humanitarian efforts off the field, where he had become a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

On November 8, 2005, George Weah ran for the presidency of Liberia. As a candidate from the Congress for Democratic Change, he contested in the second round but was defeated by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Weah's run for presidency brought him into the political spotlight and showcased his dedication to improving the conditions in his home country. Despite the loss, his political career set a foundation for future endeavors.

On December 20, 2014, George Weah was elected to the Liberian Senate. Representing Montserrado County, Weah defeated the incumbent, Robert Sirleaf, by a significant margin. His election to the senate marked a major milestone in his political career, solidifying his status as a prominent political figure in Liberia. This senatorial win was seen as a stepping stone toward his future bid for the presidency.

On December 26, 2017, George Weah was elected as the President of Liberia, winning a landslide victory in the runoff election against Joseph Boakai. His election marked a significant transition in Liberia, as he became the first former professional footballer to become head of state. Weah's presidency was seen as a symbol of hope and renewal for Liberia, promising to tackle corruption, improve education and health, and boost the economy.

On January 22, 2018, George Weah was inaugurated as the President of Liberia in a historic ceremony held at the Samuel Doe Stadium in Monrovia. The inauguration was attended by numerous dignitaries from around the world, highlighting its significance. Weah's presidency was seen as a new beginning for Liberia, with expectations to focus on economic reforms, education, and infrastructure development to rebuild the nation.

On June 30, 2020, President George Weah addressed the nation to outline Liberia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Weah declared a state of emergency, closed borders, and imposed social-distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus. His government also worked on strengthening the healthcare response and provided economic assistance to vulnerable populations. Weah's leadership during the pandemic was crucial as Liberia had previously battled the Ebola virus.

On December 17, 2021, George Weah was honored by FIFA for his outstanding contributions to football both as a player and as a promoter of the sport's positive values. His achievements on the field, particularly his role in raising the profile of African footballers and inspiring a generation, were acknowledged. FIFA celebrated Weah's commitment to using football as a tool for social change, emphasizing his work in Liberia and beyond.