Weah’s recent statement has dashed the dreams of those who hoped he would use his global fame to create lasting institutions for the next generation of Liberian footballers.
Monrovia – Liberia’s celebrated football icon, Amb. George Manneh Weah, has sparked a heated debate within the sporting community after declaring that he has “passed the stage” of establishing a football academy in Liberia.
His unexpected remarks, made during a recent interview, have raised questions about his commitment to football development in his home country.
Weah, who has long been a symbol of Liberia’s footballing success, stated, “I have passed that stage already,” a comment that left many questioning his desire to invest in the future of Liberian football.
For years, rumors circulated suggesting that Weah, now president of Liberia, was not fully committed to spearheading sports development initiatives, and his latest comments seem to confirm these concerns.
Weah’s journey from the streets of Monrovia to becoming the first African to win the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year award inspired a generation, offering hope that Liberia could produce world-class talent.
However, his recent statement has dashed the dreams of those who hoped he would use his global fame to create lasting institutions for the next generation of Liberian footballers.
While some believe that Weah’s comments were taken out of context, the reality is that he has yet to initiate any personal football infrastructure projects throughout his career. His reluctance to invest in football development sends a clear message that he has chosen to distance himself from this cause.
Globally, retired football stars such as Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and David Beckham have used their influence to establish football academies and training programs.
Weah, once seen as Africa’s greatest football ambassador, had the potential to do the same, yet his statement suggests a lack of interest in nurturing Liberia’s football talent.
Weah’s tenure as president has seen Liberia’s national team struggle, ranking 47th out of 54 African nations and 155th globally when he retired his No. 14 jersey in 2018. Despite the desperate need for sports development, Weah controversially chose to reward Nigeria’s Super Eagles with US$2,000 per player for participating in a friendly match, while Liberia’s football system continued to lack proper funding and infrastructure.
Weah’s recent statement has dashed the dreams of those who hoped he would use his global fame to create lasting institutions for the next generation of Liberian footballers.
The lack of a National Sports Development Plan during Weah’s presidency is another missed opportunity. His Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) included promises for sports development, but none of these materialized. Instead, the President Meter Project, a political initiative, took priority, further distancing Weah from his football roots.
For young Liberians who once idolized Weah, his statement serves as a painful reality check. Weah’s rise to global football stardom was once a beacon of hope for the country, but his latest remarks suggest he has moved on, leaving behind a void in Liberia’s football aspirations.
As Liberians accept this harsh reality, it is time for others, such as former Lone Star captain Sam Johnson, who has already established a football academy in Liberia, to take the reins and lead the charge for football development. The future of Liberian football cannot rely solely on one individual, particularly one who has made it clear that he no longer sees himself as a part of its growth.
It is time to stop daydreaming and focus on building the future of Liberian football without relying on the past.
