Liberia-Celebrating the essence of football, former Liberian President George Weah expressed his unwavering devotion to the sport while presenting the prestigious Ballon d’Or award to midfielder Rodri at the glamorous Théâtre du Châtelet gala in Paris, French media reported.
The former President, who is a legendary footballer, the only African who has won the Ballon d’Or, attended the award ceremony in Paris.
In a heartfelt declaration, Weah remarked, “Football is my life. After long days at work, it’s the beautiful game that rejuvenates my spirit. Whether I’m watching AC Milan, PSG, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, or Tottenham Hotspur, football defines who I am, and I will always remain a part of it.”
Rodri, hailed as an essential player for both Manchester City and the Spanish national squad, was acknowledged for leading City to an impressive fourth consecutive Premier League title, alongside his significant contributions to Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. His victory comes despite the standout season of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., who was a strong contender following his Champions League and La Liga success last year.
Intriguingly, Real Madrid’s presence was missed at the gala, even though their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, secured the Men’s Coach of the Year award. The team itself was celebrated as Team of the Season, while Kylian Mbappé shared the Gerd Müller Trophy with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.
In a bold statement via social media, Vinicius Jr. proclaimed, “I’ll do it ten times if I have to. They’re not ready,” highlighting his determination amid the controversy.
Before announcing Rodri’s win, Weah underscored the importance of the Ballon d’Or, urging the award’s recipients to honor the journey that brought them to such heights.
Recalling his own remarkable rise from the tough streets of Monrovia, the 1995 Ballon d’Or recipient detailed how he hadn’t initially set his sights on the award. It was only later in his illustrious career, guided by the wisdom of renowned coaches like Arsène Wenger that he aspired to claim it himself.
Despite facing adversity from civil conflicts in Liberia, Weah shared how the Ballon d’Or emerged as a symbol of hope and unity for his war-torn country.
“As a Ballon d’Or winner from a nation torn apart by civil strife, I found my sanctuary in sports, and that accolade contributed to fostering peace in Liberia. Today, we are witnessing the benefits of that peace,” Weah stated.
Weah attributed his remarkable achievements to the guidance of influential coaches such as Arsène Wenger, Fabio Capello, and Luis Fernandes, stressing the relentless effort he invested in training to carve his name among the legends of the Ballon d’Or winners.
