LIVING ICONS OF AFRICA: THE KING CALLED WEAH

Africa is replete with individuals and groups that have, along their journeys in life, achieved some heights previously thought to be impossible in their chosen fields of endeavor. Some of their accomplishments are so amazing that they remain unmatched after many years and several tries by all other equally talented professionals.
These series therefore, is aimed at immortalizing such indelibly remarkable contributions by Africans, especially those still alive till this day. So, follow along and lets celebrate some living legends in Africa.

Our first piece in the series is about no other than the dazzling genius himself, George Weah. A man who held the world at his feet in the game of football.

George Weah, now retired as a footballer, is currently serving as the President of Liberia. Throughout his football career, Weah played for various clubs in Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Chelsea. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time and has won numerous individual and club honors.

Weah began his professional career in 1986 with the Cameroonian club Tonnerre Yaoundé
before moving to Monaco in 1988. He quickly made a name for himself at Monaco, scoring goals consistently and helping the team win the French Cup in 1991. His performances for Monaco caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain who signed him in 1992.

At Paris Saint-Germain, Weah became one of the best players in the world. He won the French league title in 1994 and 1995, as well as the French Cup in 1993 and 1995. He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 1989, 1994, and 1995, and the European Footballer of the Year in 1995, becoming the first and only African player to win the award.

In 1995, Weah made a high-profile move to Italian giants AC Milan He played for Milan for five seasons, winning the Italian Serie A title in 1998 and the Italian Super Cup in 1996 and 2002. He also won the UEFA Champions League with Milan in 2003, becoming the first and only African player to do so.

Weah's performances for Milan earned him a move to Chelsea in 2000. He spent two seasons at Chelsea before retiring from professional football in 2003.

Throughout his career, Weah won numerous individual honors, including the Ballon d'Or in 1995 and the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1996. He is also the all-time leading scorer for the Liberian national team and was inducted into the African Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Positionally George was a striker in his playing days, as you might know the life (or shelf-life) of a Striker in football begins and ends with goals scored, or at worst created, by him. George Weah is remembered for his exceptional goalscoring ability during his career as a professional footballer. Some of his most outstanding goals include:

Goal against Verona (1996) - In a Serie A match against Verona, Weah received the ball just outside the box, took a few steps forward, and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper no chance of saving it.

Goal against Parma (1996) - In another Serie A match, this time against Parma, Weah scored a memorable goal when he received the ball just outside the box, beat two defenders with a series of quick turns, and then scored with a clinical finish into the bottom corner of the net.

Goal against Hellas Verona (1998) - In a match against Hellas Verona, Weah scored a goal that is still remembered by football fans today. He received the ball on the left wing, beat two defenders with a series of quick dribbles, and then scored with a powerful shot into the top corner of the net from an acute angle.

Goal against Manchester United (1999) - Weah scored a memorable goal in a match against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League. He received the ball just outside the box, took a quick step to the left to create some space, and then scored with a powerful shot that flew into the top corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper no chance of saving it.

Goal against Bologna (1999) - In a Serie A match against Bologna, Weah scored a stunning goal when he received the ball just outside the box, took a quick step to the right to create some space, and then scored with a powerful shot that flew into the top corner of the net.

These are just a few examples of Weah's outstanding goals during his career as a professional footballer. He was known for his ability to score spectacular goals and was one of the most feared forwards in Europe during his playing days.

After retiring from football, Weah turned his attention to politics. He ran for President of Liberia in 2005 but was unsuccessful. He ran again in 2014 and was elected as President in 2017. Since taking office, Weah has focused on improving the country's infrastructure and promoting economic growth.

In summary, George Weah is a retired footballer who had a successful career in Europe, winning numerous individual and club honors. He is best known for his time at Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Chelsea, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time. After retiring from football, Weah turned his attention to politics and was elected as the President of Liberia in 2017.

This piece was originally contributed to African Stars website

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