George Weah, born on October 1, 1966, in Monrovia, Liberia, is a prominent figure known for his extraordinary achievements in both football and politics. Growing up in the Clara Town slum of Monrovia, Weah faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty. Despite these hardships, he developed a passion for football at a young age, playing for local youth clubs. His exceptional talent on the field quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs, and he eventually began his professional football career with Young Survivors of Claretown and later Invincible Eleven in the Liberian Premier League.

Weah's football career took a significant turn when he moved to Europe in 1988, joining AS Monaco under the guidance of renowned coach Arsène Wenger. His time at Monaco was the beginning of a remarkable European career that would see him play for several top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Marseille. Weah's playing style was characterized by his speed, technical skills, and an impressive ability to score goals.

In 1995, George Weah made history by becoming the first and only African player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual awards in football. His tenure at AC Milan was particularly successful, where he won two Serie A titles and solidified his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world. Weah's influence on the field was not limited to his club success; he was also a key player for the Liberian national team, though they never qualified for a World Cup during his time.

After retiring from football, Weah transitioned into politics. His first significant foray into this arena came in 2005 when he ran for the presidency of Liberia. Despite his immense popularity, particularly among the youth, he lost to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the second round of voting. Weah's lack of formal education was seen as a disadvantage in this election, prompting him to pursue further studies. He earned a degree in Business Administration from DeVry University in the United States.

Weah remained active in Liberian politics, running again in the 2011 election as a vice-presidential candidate. In 2014, he was elected as a Senator for Montserrado County, defeating Robert Sirleaf, the son of the then-president. This victory bolstered his political credentials, and in 2017, he successfully ran for the presidency, defeating Vice President Joseph Boakai in a run-off election to become the 25th President of Liberia.

Weah's presidency has been marked by efforts to combat corruption, improve education, and boost the economy, though his tenure has also faced challenges, including economic difficulties and public protests. Despite these challenges, he remains a symbol of hope for many Liberians, particularly given his background and his rise from poverty to become one of the most influential figures in Liberia.

George Weah's life story is a remarkable journey from the slums of Monrovia to the pinnacle of both the footballing world and political leadership. His legacy as a footballer is secure, and his ongoing efforts as a politician continue to shape Liberia's future.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Weah