George Weah, the only African player to win a Ballon d’Or, becomes the president of Liberia

Former world footballer of the year George Weah, who was a senator in his home country of Liberia has just won the presidential election.

The 51-year-old 1995 World footballer of the year is now the president of Liberia and will be taking over power from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf 
in the country’s first democratic transition of power in more than 70
years. He contested the election alongside  20 other candidates.

Weah
scored five goals in 15 Chelsea games on loan from AC Milan in early
2000. He joined City that summer but made just nine appearances after
falling out with boss Joe Royle.
He previously won a sackful of trophies with AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Monaco, and played 60 times for Liberia.

The former striker had already wowed vast crowds at rallies in capital city Monrovia.

Sam Mannah, a member of Weah’s campaign team, said:

“George feels good and very keen. People everywhere tell him they want to see change.

“He stood for election in 2005, and then they said he lacked experience, but the fact he is now a senator plays a big role.

“His former football career helps him a lot. It reminds Liberians of a lot of good things.

“Back then he helped the nation, funded several hospitals,
donated food, helped people move to America and even paid the national
team’s players.

“People know what he has done, and see him as the man to change their lives.”

Liberian newspaper editor Othello Garblah added: “Weah is very
popular. He promises to fight corruption, improve education and create
jobs.

“All the candidates have similar programmes, so voters choose
personalities. Weah’s popularity is down to what he did as a player.”

The election has several rounds, and the final result is expected at the weekend.