Guiding light: player, coach, and financier, George Weah means everything to Liberian soccer—and Liberia means everything to Weah - Cover Story - Statistical Data Included

Soccer Digest, Jan, 2002 by Michael Lewis

Weah actually called it quits after a grueling and disappointing loss to Ghana in July. Many Liberians were upset. A visibly stunned Weah was taken aback by public insults. "I was angry," he admits. "They made a lot of sarcastic remarks. They insulted my mother. She's very precious to me. I told them I quit and I was serious."

Several days later Weah made a dramatic about-face. "One million market women came to beg me," he said. "They said, `If you leave, there will be no interest in sports.' They are mothers, too. I reconsidered."

It was a good thing he did return. Weah came off the bench in the second half to score the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone to keep Liberia's hopes alive.

Even though he turned 35 in October, Weah claims that he is far from retirement. In late fall he was considering offers from six clubs, including Liverpool (England) and Monaco (France).

Regardless of what happens in the rest of his club career, Weah has enjoyed a sparkling career with Monaco, Paris St. Germain (France), Marseille (France), AC Milan (Italy), and Chelsea (England). He also was the first African to win the prestigious Golden Ball, which is given to the best player in Europe. "I still have a lot to give to the national team--one or two more years," says Weah. "I think I owe a lot to the Liberian people. The talent is mine, but I feel I should play for them and enjoy it."

One possible stop before retirement for Weah could be the MetroStars in MLS. There has been talk, speculation, and rumors that Weah would play in the U.S. someday. "I'm a good friend of the MetroStars," he says with a smile. "We can discuss the situation. I would love to play in New York.

"Eventually, I'll move to the United States. You pray for the best."

Weah has five really good reasons why to play in New York. His wife, Clar, a Brooklyn native, and four children reside in Queens. They lived in Staten Island for years and he had a restaurant, The Flaky Crust, in Brooklyn.

When he visits New York City Weah will play pick-up soccer games with friends in a park. Sometimes he is recognized, sometimes he is not. "It happens everywhere," he says. "Someone will ask me, `Are you George Weah?' I say, `Yes.' They say, `Oh, you're lying.'"

As it turns out, his oldest son and daughter seem to be chips off the old block, acquitting themselves well for their respective Rosedale Rockets SC. teams in the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

Martha is the only girl who performs for the Rosedale All-Stars as one of the best players of the Boys Under-15 Division Four team. George Jr., 11, plays for the Boys U-12 Rosedale Super Eagles team.

Like his sister, George, Jr. is proud of his father. "I love everything he does," he says. "His heart is so kind. No other player in the world has come back to help his country like my dad has.

"I speak with him everyday on the telephone, and what I love most about him is that he is a family man. He is always there for us and others."

There is no disputing that.

Let's face it. George Weah has two families to feed--the one in New York and the entire country of Liberia.