African legend George Weah reveals how his son carries on his legacy despite dumping Liberia for USA
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George Weah and his son Timothy Weah | Imago

African legend George Weah reveals how his son carries on his legacy despite dumping Liberia for USA

Ayoola Kelechi 14:23 - 23.11.2024

Despite his father being a Liberian football legend and ex-president, Timothy Weah now stars for the USA national team

Liberian football icon George Weah, the only African to win the Ballon d’Or, continues to celebrate his influence on the sport through his son Timothy Weah.

Despite Timothy representing the United States internationally instead of Liberia, George sees his son as fulfilling a dream he could not achieve during his illustrious playing career.

Tim forging his own path on the international stage

While Timothy Weah’s decision to represent the United States instead of Liberia sparked some criticism, George has stood by his son.

Timothy Weah (left) celebrates after scoring against Wales in the 2022 FIFA World Cup on November 21, 2022.

Timothy has earned 42 caps for the U.S., establishing himself as a key player in their lineup after several years spent in the team’s youth system as well.

Despite Timothy’s international allegiance, his success at Juventus achieved a dream that George, despite his glowing career, was unable to accomplish—playing for the Bianconeri.

Timothy Weah playing for Juventus (Photo Credit: Juventus/X)

Speaking ahead of Juventus’ game against his old side AC Milan, Weah senior said, ““Did my son realise the dream I had as a child? You could say so. When I played for Monaco, Juventus were interested in me, but I was still very young… I dreamed of Juventus, but I couldn’t say no to Milan

Timothy Weah realises his father’s Juventus dream

George Weah’s admiration for Juventus dates back to his childhood in Liberia, where he idolised Michel Platini, the Bianconeri’s legendary playmaker.

After a close contest, George Weah, the president of Liberia, announced his defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai on Friday. - Imago

“I was a die-hard Juventus fan,” George said, adding, “It was the years when Platini played for Juventus, and many African children, myself included, were crazy about him. I loved the way he took free kicks and penalties, and kids like me played in the streets trying to imitate his kicking style.

“But when the ball left his foot, it curved, while we could never manage to do that. Platini was a role model, a legend, and I never stopped being a Juventus fan.”

Despite his allegiance to the Bianconeri, George spent five unforgettable years with their rivals, AC Milan, winning two Serie A titles and the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy as the first and so far only African player honoured with the award.