George Weah is a name that stands out in both football and politics. He is known worldwide as one of the greatest football players of all time, and he is also the President of Liberia. George Weah’s journey from a poor neighborhood in Liberia to becoming a global football star and then the leader of his country is an inspiring story. In this detailed biography, we will explore his net worth, early life, professional career, personal life, and his achievements in sports and politics.
Who is George Weah?
George Weah is a former professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers. After his football career, he became involved in politics and was elected as the President of Liberia in 2017. George Weah is known for his determination, skill, and leadership both on and off the field. He has served as a role model for many people, particularly in Liberia, where he is seen as a symbol of hope and success.
| Full Name | George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Monrovia, Liberia |
| Nationality | Liberian |
| Occupation | President of Liberia, Former Footballer |
| Years Active (Football) | 1985–2003 |
| Political Career | 2005–Present (President since 2018) |
| Net Worth | $30 million (2023) |
| Spouse | Clar Weah |
| Children | 3 (including Timothy Weah) |
| Ballon d’Or | 1995 |
George Weah’s Early Life
George Weah was born on October 1, 1966, in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. He grew up in a poor neighborhood called Clara Town, which was known for its poverty and difficult living conditions. His full name is George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah. From a young age, Weah loved playing football, and it became a way for him to escape the tough realities of his environment.
Despite his passion for football, his early life was filled with challenges. His father, William T. Weah, was a mechanic, and his mother, Anna Quayeweah, was a petty trader. His family was not wealthy, and George had to work hard to support himself and his family while pursuing his dream of becoming a footballer. Weah attended Muslim Congress High School but dropped out to focus more on his football career.
Football Career: The Rise of a Legend
George Weah’s football career took off when he began playing for local Liberian clubs. His talent quickly became evident, and he was soon noticed by football scouts from Europe. In 1988, George Weah moved to France to play for the club AS Monaco, where he was coached by Arsène Wenger, a famous football manager. This marked the beginning of his international career.
Major Clubs and Achievements in Football
- AS Monaco (1988-1992): George Weah impressed the world with his skill, speed, and ability to score goals. He won the French Cup in 1991 with Monaco.
- Paris Saint-Germain (1992-1995): After his success at Monaco, Weah transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). At PSG, he helped the team win Ligue 1 (the top French league) and several other domestic titles. In 1994-1995, Weah became the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, which is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world.
- AC Milan (1995-2000): George Weah’s greatest success came during his time at AC Milan, one of Italy’s top football clubs. He won two Serie A titles with Milan and continued to show his incredible talent on the field. His time at AC Milan solidified his status as one of the best footballers in the world.
Individual Achievements
One of George Weah’s biggest achievements was winning the Ballon d’Or in 1995. The Ballon d’Or is awarded to the best football player in the world, and Weah is the only African player to have won this prestigious award. In the same year, he was also named FIFA World Player of the Year.
Weah’s talent and sportsmanship were recognized globally. He was known for his speed, strength, and technical ability, and he was loved by fans for his humble personality.
Other Clubs
Later in his career, George Weah played for clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester City in England, as well as Olympique de Marseille in France. He retired from professional football in 2003 after a brief stint with Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.
Political Career
After retiring from football, George Weah turned to politics. His passion for helping his country and the people of Liberia motivated him to make this transition. Weah had long been a humanitarian, supporting causes like education and health in Liberia.
Political Journey
In 2005, George Weah ran for the presidency of Liberia for the first time but lost to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia. However, he did not give up and continued to be active in politics. In 2014, he was elected as a Senator in Liberia, representing Montserrado County.
Finally, in 2017, George Weah successfully ran for president and won the election. He became the 25th President of Liberia on January 22, 2018. His presidency marked a significant moment in Liberia’s history, as he was the first former footballer to lead a country.
Policies and Leadership
As president, George Weah has focused on several key areas, including:
- Improving education: He has worked to make education more accessible for Liberians, especially the youth.
- Health care: Weah has pushed for better health care services in Liberia to help improve the overall health of the population.
- Infrastructure development: Under his leadership, there have been efforts to improve roads, electricity, and other basic infrastructure.
- Youth empowerment: Having grown up in a tough environment, Weah has been a strong advocate for programs that help empower the youth of Liberia.
George Weah’s Personal Life
George Weah is married to Clar Weah, a businesswoman, and they have three children: George Weah Jr., Timothy Weah, and Tita Weah. His son, Timothy Weah, is also a professional footballer who plays for the United States national team and Juventus in Italy.
Weah’s personal life is deeply connected to his love for Liberia and his desire to help his country. He has faced criticism at times during his presidency, but he remains committed to his role as a leader. Despite the challenges, George Weah continues to be a popular figure in Liberia and around the world.
Net Worth of George Weah
George Weah’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This wealth has come from his highly successful football career and his various business ventures.
| Year | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $12 million |
| 2016 | $15 million |
| 2017 | $17 million |
| 2018 | $20 million |
| 2019 | $22 million |
| 2020 | $25 million |
| 2021 | $27 million |
| 2022 | $29 million |
| 2023 | $30 million |
Sources of Income
- Football Earnings: During his playing career, George Weah earned a significant income from salaries and endorsements. At clubs like AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, he was one of the highest-paid players.
- Endorsements: Weah also made money through endorsements and sponsorship deals. As a global football star, brands were eager to associate with his name, especially in the 1990s when he was at the peak of his career.
- Political Salary: As the President of Liberia, George Weah earns a salary for his role as the head of state. While the salary of a Liberian president is not as high as that of some other world leaders, it still contributes to his overall wealth.
- Business Ventures: Weah has been involved in various business ventures, including real estate. He has invested in properties both in Liberia and abroad, which have helped increase his net worth.
- Humanitarian Work: While not a source of personal income, it’s important to note that George Weah has dedicated a lot of his resources to philanthropic efforts. He has built schools, supported education programs, and provided assistance to underprivileged communities in Liberia.
Achievements Outside of Football
- Philanthropy: Throughout his career, George Weah has been involved in charitable work. He has funded numerous educational and health initiatives in Liberia, helping to improve the lives of thousands of people.
- United Nations Goodwill Ambassador: In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, George Weah was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1997. He used his global platform to advocate for children’s rights and education.
- Awards and Recognition: In addition to his Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, Weah has received numerous honors for his contributions to football and society. These include the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and the African Footballer of the Century award.
Conclusion
George Weah’s life is a remarkable journey from poverty to fame, and from the football field to the presidential palace. He is a living example of how hard work, determination, and a desire to give back can lead to great success. His net worth of around $30 million reflects his success in football, business, and politics, but his true legacy lies in his contributions to Liberia and his inspiration to millions around the world.
