NEW YORK, NY – Former Liberian President and Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, George Manneh Weah, has called for a racism-free FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the need for football to continue serving as a force for unity and humanity across the globe.
Speaking Monday at a FIFA event held at the FIFA Arena in New York, Weah, who currently serves as head of FIFA’s Players Panel, expressed appreciation to his fellow panelists for their efforts in combating racism within the sport.
“We have an obligation to do this not just for ourselves, but for the sake of humanity,” Weah said, underscoring the importance of creating an environment where players and fans can enjoy football free from discrimination and prejudice.
The 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or recipient praised ongoing efforts by FIFA and football stakeholders to eradicate racism from the game, noting that the sport has a unique ability to bring people together regardless of race, nationality, or background.
Reflecting on his own illustrious career, Weah spoke candidly about never having had the opportunity to play in a FIFA World Cup despite being regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation. He explained that his decision to represent Liberia throughout his career was rooted in his commitment to his homeland.
“Sometimes you don’t have it all,” Weah remarked. “You must do what you can and encourage others to lead.”
Weah’s comments drew attention to the sacrifices he made in choosing to represent Liberia, a nation that never qualified for the World Cup during his playing days, despite his remarkable success at club level with teams across Europe.
The football icon also addressed the journey of his son, Timothy Weah, who is set to represent the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will mark Timothy’s second World Cup appearance after previously featuring for the U.S. Men’s National Team in Qatar in 2022.
Weah urged people to respect his son’s decision to play for the United States rather than Liberia, noting that every athlete must make personal decisions regarding their international career.
Timothy Weah, who has become an important member of the U.S. national team setup, has consistently spoken of his pride in both his Liberian heritage and his American upbringing. His selection for a second consecutive World Cup highlights his continued growth as one of the team’s key attacking players.
George Weah’s remarks come as FIFA intensifies its global anti-racism campaign ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The former Liberian leader’s message served as a powerful reminder that football’s greatest victories extend beyond the pitch and into the promotion of respect, equality, and human dignity worldwide.
