The Liberian Legend, a true icon amongst many African ballers, is the first black African man to win a Ballon d’Or. His prints will forever be left engraved in football history. From growing up in the capital of Liberia, Monrovia, in the Clara Town slums, his journey was one built on immense determination, having to play with homemade balls in the harshest conditions. A man, the great Thierry Henry, grew up idolising him, which puts into perspective the type of player George Weah was.

The African striker was someone who changed the play style of a typical number 9 in football. He played like a man out to prove his worth, no matter what, combining power with elegance and composure with hunger.

Weah wasn’t simply a striker who waited for the ball constantly demanded service from his teammates. He took the responsibility of carrying teams to victories, a one-man army. Defenders saw him and were frightened by his sheer power, combined with his technique; he repeatedly turned defence into attack, imposing himself every time the ball was at his feet. At a time when African footballers were fighting for their respect in Europe, Weah made it his mission to force them to acknowledge and respect what African football is.