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Profile: George Weah

George Weah

27/01/2018

BBC Radio 4 - Profile, George Weah

Edward Stourton profiles the football legend who has become president of Liberia.

Edward Stourton profiles the football legend turned politician and charts his remarkable rise from the slums of Monrovia to president of Liberia.

The remarkable story of George Weah, footballing legend turned politician, on his journey from the slums of Monrovia to inauguration this week as president of Liberia. Spotted by Arsene Wenger at a young age, Weah became a star striker in the '90s for Paris St Germain, AC Milan and Chelsea. In 1995 he won the Ballon d'Or as the world's best player, the only African ever to win the honour. Back home, Weah became an inspiration to a generation of Liberians. When he retired from football, he returned to a country devastated by two civil wars and the outbreak of Ebola, with the aim of becoming president. Two decades and two attempts later he has made it. But has he got the experience to succeed in government? Edward Stourton talks to his cousin, Arsenal legend Chris Wreh, along with friends and colleagues about his extraordinary determination and asks whether he can meet the expectations of a generation.
Producer: Ben Carter
Researcher: Siobhan O'Connell.

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