At the third time of asking, ex-football star, George Weah, has been elected the president of Liberia.
Weah defeated incumbent vice-president, Joseph Boakai, 73, in Tuesday’s run-off.
The former World Footballer of the Year will become his country’s 25th president, succeeding Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
But Weah hasn’t always been known for prowess in the political arena but rather in the round leather game.
Regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, the 51-year-old enjoyed a colourful career which spanned over two decades.
Here are 10 facts about Liberia’s soon-to-be number 1 citizen that will impress other politicians.
- Born in Monrovia
Weah was born and breed in the Clara Town slum of Monrovia. He is a member of the Kru ethnic group from south-eastern Liberia’s Grand Kru County, one of the poorest areas of the country.
- Plucked to Europe by Arsene Wenger
After several years toiling in obscurity in his homeland, Weah was rescued and given a shot in Europe by none other but Arsene Wenger in 1988. Weah, 22, at that time joined Monaco and still credits his success to the Frenchman.
- Dumped Wenger for rival team
Just when many thought the football bromance between Wenger and Weah would last for a long while, the latter in search of a fresh challenge, traded Monaco for Paris Saint-Germain in 1992. There he spent three seasons, leading the Parisians to the Ligue 1 crown two years after.
- King in Milan
Indeed, Weah enjoyed seven fruitful years in France but it was in Italy that he actually blossomed into one of the best in history. In his five seasons at AC Milan, Weah won two Serie A titles. More remarkable though, he garnered 11 individual accolades, most notably the World Footballer of the Year in 1995.
- No African comes close
Since that landmark individual feat, no player from the mother continent has managed to win the accolade. Not Samuel Eto’o, not even Didier Drogba or Yaya Toure.
- Played in England too
After leaving Milan in 1999, Weah had two successful stints in the Premier League. First, he kitted for Chelsea and Manchester City much later.
- Never played at the World Cup
Despite his remarkable achievements at club level, Weah was unable to steer his country to the FIFA World Cup although he succeeded in qualifying them for two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
- He’s got a footballer son
Weah is blessed with three children, one of whom is his namesake. Like his father, George Weah Junior is a footballer, currently on the payroll of Paris Saint-Germain.
- Converted from Christianity to Islam and back
Weah, born a Protestant Christian, converted to Islam but returned to his original faith some years after.
- Visited TB Joshua for prayers
Sometime in October, Weah was spotted at the Synagogue Church of all Nations in Nigeria, seeking spiritual help from Prophet TB Joshua.
