From barefoot streets to the Ballon d’Or: George Weah’s legendary journey

18/09/2025

By RSR Málaga – 18 September 2025

From playing barefoot in the war-torn streets of Monrovia to lifting the Ballon d’Or and later becoming president of Liberia, George Weah’s story is one of resilience, talent, and destiny.

Discovered by Arsène Wenger at Monaco, Weah’s rise was meteoric. He became a star at PSG, a champion at AC Milan, and the first – and still only – African to win the Ballon d’Or. He also claimed FIFA World Player of the Year and multiple domestic titles.

Beyond football, Weah always supported his homeland, sending money during the civil war and advocating for peace. His path eventually led him to politics, where in 2018 he fulfilled another dream: becoming president of Liberia.

George Weah didn’t just score goals – he carved a path for millions of Africans to dream bigger.