George Weah

The only African footballer to win the Ballon d'Or — crowned world's best in 1995 while at AC Milan. Rose from the slums of Monrovia to star at Monaco, PSG and Milan, combining explosive pace with clinical finishing. Later became the 25th President of Liberia, making him the only Ballon d'Or winner to become a head of state. His solo goal against Verona, dribbling from his own penalty area, is one of the greatest in Serie A history.

George Manneh Weah was born in Monrovia, Liberia in 1966 to extreme poverty and developed at Tonnerre Yaoundé in Cameroon before AS Monaco (1988–1992) and Paris Saint-Germain (1992–1995, Ligue 1 1994). AC Milan signed him in 1995 and he won Serie A and the Coppa Italia in 1996 while scoring 62 goals in 144 appearances. He earned 60 Liberia caps scoring 18 goals. His top speed of 34.1 km/h was among the fastest ever recorded in Serie A. He covered 11.0 km per game. He won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995 — making him the only African player to win these awards. He won the African Footballer of the Year three times. He scored 261 career goals and 143 assists in 636 appearances. Brief later career spells at Chelsea, Manchester City and Marseille followed. He personally funded Liberia's national football team from his own earnings for much of his career. He entered politics after retirement, becoming President of Liberia in January 2018 — one of very few elite athletes to become a head of state.

Powerful striker with pace, strength and clinical finishing ability

Transformed African football's global perception and became President of Liberia

• Serie A 1996 (AC Milan)
• Coppa Italia 1996
• Ligue 1 1994 (PSG)
• Ballon d'Or 1995
• FIFA World Player of Year 1995
• African Footballer of Year 1989, 1994, 1995
• UEFA Champions League 1995
• FA Cup 2003
• Serie A 1999