Africa has produced some wonderful and exceptional talents; you can speak of the likes of Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure and some sensational talents who are still lifting the image of the continent, such players include Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Victor Oshimen and many others.
Among all these people, the Legendary George Oppong Weah also known as ‘THE KING’ was the most impressive, being the only African to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French news magazine France Football since 1956.
George Weah is a Liberian politician (current President ) and a former professional footballer. Weah was born on October 1, 1966, on the Capitol Bypass in Monrovia, Montserrado Country.
Weah learned his football on the streets of Monrovia before playing for Invincible Eleven. After sometime, he moved to Young Survivors of Claretown and he led them to the first division. Weah signed a three year semi – pro contract with top Cameroon club Tonnerre of Yaounde, which won its league in first season (1987) with the team.
Shortly thereafter, the 22 years old promising striker was signed by AS Monaco of the French League 1. In his 5 seasons with Monaco (1987 – 92) he scored 57 goals and the team won the French Cup of 1991. His exceptional dribbling and shooting skills made him a crowd favorite, and his uncompromising work ethic and technical ability landed Weah a move to Paris Saint German (PSG).
In his most acclaimed season, he led PSG to French Cup, to the league title, and to the semifinals of the 1995 European Champions League. In his 3 years at Paris he made 96 appearances and managed to score 32 goals.
Subsequently, he transferred to AC Milan (1995 -2000) in Italy’s Serie A, where made his mark as a footballer. In 1996, under Fabio Cappello, playing alongside Robert Baggio, Dejan Savicevic and Marco Simone, Weah managed to win the Serie A title and ending the season as Milan’s top goalscorer; he won the Serie A title once again in 1999. During his time with the club, he reached the 1998 Coppa Italia final and finished as runner – up in the Super Coppa Italiana on two occasions.
Due to his performances with PSG and Milan, in 1995, Weah was the recipients of several individual awards; he won the BALLON D’OR, ONZE D’OR and was named FIFA World Player of the year, becoming the first and currently, only African player to win the these awards.
At the end of his football career, Weah won 19 individuals awards; Weah’s adventure didn’t end at Milan, as he moved to Chelsea, Manchester City, Marseille and Al Jazairan having a total appearances of 413 and 194 goals scored in his club football career.
I know if you compare his statistics to players like Salah, Eto’o, Mane and many others he wasn’t too exceptional but that’s how fast football has evolved.
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