H.E. George Manneh Weah served as the 25th President of the Republic of Liberia from 2018 to 2024. Born on 1 October 1966 in Monrovia, he rose from modest beginnings to become one of Africa’s most globally recognised figures in sport, humanitarian service, and national leadership.

 

In 1995, he made history as the only African to win both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year. A three-time African Player of the Year (1989, 1994, 1995), he was later named in FIFA 100 by Pelé and recognised by the IFFHS as African Player of the Century. His club career included league titles with Paris Saint-Germain and two Serie A championships with AC Milan, as well as an FA Cup title with Chelsea FC. During Liberia’s civil war, he personally funded and captained the national team, leading the Lone Star to Africa Cup of Nations appearances in 1996 and 2002. He received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2004 for his humanitarian leadership.

 

Alongside his professional career, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from DeVry University and a Master of Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management, and has been awarded multiple honorary doctorates.

 

President Weah entered politics in 2004, founding the Congress for Democratic Change. After serving as Senator for Montserrado County, he was elected President in 2017 with over 60 percent of the runoff vote and inaugurated in January 2018, marking Liberia’s first peaceful democratic transfer of power in over seventy years.

 

During his presidency, his administration advanced major road connectivity projects across southeastern Liberia, rehabilitated key urban corridors in Monrovia, expanded port and airport facilities, and introduced a tuition-free public university policy for undergraduate students. Under the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, his government prioritised youth employment, agricultural investment for food security, poverty reduction, and strengthened primary healthcare systems, including Liberia’s national COVID-19 response. Internationally, he deepened engagement with ECOWAS, the African Union, the United States, China, and the European Union.

 

A longtime advocate for equality and youth opportunity, he served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and in 2024 was appointed by FIFA as Chair of its Committee Against Racism and Discrimination.

 

His life bridges global sporting excellence, humanitarian commitment, and democratic leadership.