The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›President›George Weah
Politics & World • President

George Weah

George Weah is a Liberian politician and former professional footballer who served as president of Liberia from 2018 to 2024.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

George Weah is a Liberian politician and former professional footballer who served as president of Liberia from 2018 to 2024. Before entering politics, he became one of Africa’s most celebrated players and won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995. He was the first former professional footballer to become a head of state.

Early life and football career

Weah was born in Monrovia and became a professional striker, building a career in Europe that included prominent spells in France, Italy and England. His 18-year professional career ended in 2003.

International recognition

In 1995, Weah won both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, making him the only African footballer to hold those honours. He also won African Footballer of the Year three times.

Entry into politics

After retiring from football, Weah moved into politics, ran for president in 2005, and was elected to the Liberian Senate in 2014. He later won the presidency in the 2017 election.

Presidency of Liberia

Weah served as president from 2018 to 2024. His presidency ended after he lost the 2023 election to Joseph Boakai.

Key facts

  • Born in Monrovia in 1966, Weah rose from a football career to national politics.
  • He played professionally for clubs including Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Chelsea.
  • Weah won the Ballon d'Or in 1995 and was the only African to win both that award and FIFA World Player of the Year.
  • He was elected to the Liberian Senate in 2014 before winning the presidency in the 2017 election.
  • He is widely described as the first African former professional footballer to become a head of state.
🍁
Canadian context

George Weah is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through international football history and African politics; he is best known globally for his football achievements and his presidency of Liberia.

Frequently asked questions

Who is George Weah?
George Weah is a Liberian politician and former professional footballer who served as president of Liberia from 2018 to 2024.
What is George Weah known for in football?
He is known as one of Africa’s greatest strikers and the only African to win both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995.
When was George Weah president of Liberia?
He served as president from 22 January 2018 until 22 January 2024.
Did George Weah hold elected office before becoming president?
Yes. He was elected to the Liberian Senate in 2014 before winning the presidency in 2017.
What happened in the 2023 Liberian election?
Weah was defeated in a rematch against Joseph Boakai and left office in 2024.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Weah
    Supports: Birth date and place; service as president of Liberia from 2018 to 2024.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Weah
    Supports: Professional football career, awards, Senate election in 2014, presidency in 2017-2024, and 2023 election loss.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41824586
    Supports: Background, football career, 1995 awards, early political career, and 2017 election victory.