Monrovia – Former Liberian President and 1995 Ballon d’Or winner George Manneh Weah has robustly defended his son, Timothy Weah, over his decision to represent the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) instead of Liberia’s Lone Star.
By Christopher C. Walker [email protected]
Speaking in his capacity as the Chairman of the FIFA Players’ Committee, the football icon turned politician also issued a passionate rallying call for a united front to eradicate racism from the global game.
The former Liberian Chief Executive made the remarks during a FIFA event in New York ahead of the 2026 World Cup, urging football stakeholders to work collectively to eliminate discrimination from the sport, which he described as a vital vehicle for unity, friendship, and humanity.
“Our game is the best and most beautiful game in the world,” Mr. Weah said. “However, for us to make it even more beautiful, we all must work very hard to kick racism out of football. We have an obligation to do this not just for ourselves, but for the sake of humanity.”
The 1995 World Player of the Year emphasized that the ultimate success of football depends heavily on creating an inclusive environment where players, officials, and supporters are united regardless of race, background, or nationality.
“We just hope that we have a friendly tournament and a tournament without racism,” he added. “That’s the hallmark of the game unity and friendship.”
Weah also expressed full parental and sportsmanship backing for his son Timothy Weah as he prepared to compete on football’s biggest stage with the United States.
“I just want to wish my son well and wish his team well because it’s a game of chance,” Weah said. “We’re watching, they’re playing. We can only hope they do better. It’s not an easy game, and it’s a tough tournament. Those who prepare well will definitely go far.”
Addressing lingering criticisms from Liberians who strongly believe the younger Weah should have followed his father’s footsteps by donning the red, white, and blue jersey of Liberia, but the former President maintained that players have the fundamental right to make personal decisions regarding their international careers.
“Today my son is playing for the United States because he made a decision, and we must respect people’s decisions because it’s good for them,” the former Liberian leader noted.
The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star reflected on his own historic international career, noting that despite having lucrative opportunities to feature for other heavyweights on the global stage during his prime, he chose to dedicate his international career exclusively to Liberia.
“I decided not to play for any country but to play for my country,” Weah recalled. “Everyone has a chance, and I made use of my chance to play for Liberia.”
Weah, who remains the only African footballer to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, stated that he harbors no regrets about his past decisions and insists that every young player must be allowed to chart their own professional path.
The Liberian football icon concluded by extending thanks to his colleagues on the FIFA Players’ Committee for their ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and expressed optimism that the upcoming World Cup will showcase football’s unique ability to bridge divides.
Weah’s comments come at a time when football governing bodies worldwide are under increasing pressure to intensify campaigns against racism and discrimination, systemic issues that continue to plague various elite leagues and international fixtures globally.
