by Fiorenzo Radogna
He had to cede the scepter of power to his eternal rival Boakai after 5 years as president. But his story remains worthy of a film
Now that he has to abandon his political office in Liberia, perhaps it is right to summarize the story of the man who wanted to become king (of football) first, and president (of his own country) then. Unexpected – almost cinematic – parable by George Tawlon Manneh Oppong Ousman Weah (born 1966). Fifty-seven years well spent. Between football fields in a first life; and presidential benches of his Liberia in a second. Trying to revive the fortunes of a beautiful country but too rich (in iron and diamonds) not to be burdened by the raids and greed of half the world. the story of a splendid athlete – in physique and performance – who becomes one of the most important footballers of his competitive era (the 90s), wears the shirt of one of the most prestigious clubs (Milan), then stops and history becomes writes another. Ambitious and successful, unusual and surprising: that of a politician at the top of a suffering state.
From the slums to football
George Weah – the Kru ethnic group (from southern Liberia) – was born in Morovia, the capital of Liberia founded a century and a half earlier as the ideal homeland of return for freed black slaves (today 4 million inhabitants, on 111 thousand square km). He grows up with his paternal grandmother in the slum of Clara Town, on the outskirts of the capital. He completes middle school, then high school; first job at Liberia Telecommunications Corporation. In the meantime he plays football: a striker. Of an irrepressible power. Fast in progression and with a refined technique, he doesn’t score much but creates gaps in the middle of the opposing defenses so large that even less than phenomenal teammates find their way into the net. Before arriving in Europe he had started in the unlikely football of his own home, first at Mighty Barrolle (league and local cup) and then at Invincible Eleven (ditto). Then a more convincing championship, in Cameroon, at Tonnerre Yaound (14 goals in 18 caps and another title).
The explosion in Paris
The feet are now refined, the physical power devastating; generosity and vision of the game are already mature. And France called him: in 1988 at Monaco in Ligue 1: 14 goals in 24 appearances the first season; 5 in 16 (with injuries), the second and then the crescendo: 129 appearances and 59 goals including cups and cups. Until 1992, the year of the Cup Winners’ Cup final lost to Werder Bremen. PSG buys him. Weah’s three years at the Parc des Princes are perhaps among the best: he doesn’t score a lot, 48 goals in 128 games overall, but he entertains and inspires, even the locker room. the soul of a team and a company that seeks its own European dimension and – yesterday as today – does not find it. But certainly not the fault of George, who nevertheless led the Parisians to the title in 1994. Then – in 1995 – he moved to Milan for 11 billion lire. And the beginning of another great love.
Star col Milan
The Milan of those years suffered a certain decline in motivation among the top management: essentially they had won a lot in the past and now they are trying to do so, but spending (too) less. An attempt that was only successful in Serie A, thanks to the Rossoneri’s 15th scudetto in 1996 (11 goals, 26 games). But not all: in December 1995 the first Ballon d’Or was awarded to a non-European player (due to a change in the rules). the laurel that consecrates him as one of the most important attackers of all time. A couple of chiaroscuro seasons followed for the Rossoneri, but not for Big George who on any Sunday in an anonymous championship (8 September 1996, Verona’s opponent at San Siro) at a certain point took the ball in his own area, galloped to 90 meters dodging two defenders, he goes over the outgoing goalkeeper and scores: the coast to coast that rewrites the ranking of the best goals ever in Serie A. Something unforgettable.
Second championship with Zaccheroni
But the two seasons up to 1998 will be quickly forgotten. Then here is Alberto Zaccheroni and his Milan that starts slowly, takes a dive at Berlusca’s discontent (including political faith), then motivates him and goes on to overcome Cragnotti’s Lazio at the last minute, to win their 16th scudetto. Weah’s second for the Rossoneri, with 8 goals in 26 games. This was the last good footballing year for Reuccio from Monrovia, who said goodbye the following season in January and left. First at Chelsea and then at Marseille, finishing in 2002 at Al-Jazira, in the United Arab Emirates. Only snippets of glory. In the Liberian national team, meanwhile, he made 59 appearances and 16 goals playing as a libero. Oddities to make the best use of yourself in a weak team. He who could also have opted for the French national team.
Once the footballer is finished, the politician begins. Married to Clar and father of three children (Marta and the two footballers George Jr. and Timothy) – who converted to Islam and reconverted to Christianity after the death of his grandmother – Weah ran for President of the Republic in 2005, defeated in the run-off by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Then, after a few years in the USA and a degree in business administration at DeVry University in Miami, another defeat in 2011, but only as a vice president candidate. Finally, in the 2017 elections he became president of Liberia with 61.5% of the vote (the outgoing vice-president Joseph Boakai was defeated in the run-off). In office from 22 January 2018, until his electoral defeat in 2023, at the hands of Boakai.
Corriere della Sera also on Whatsapp. Simply click here to subscribe to the channel and always be updated.
November 18, 2023 (modified November 18, 2023 | 12:06)
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2023-11-18 18:11:52
#story #incredible #life #Corriere.it
