Football
Associated Press 8y

George Weah to run for president of Liberia for second time

Former Ballon d'Or winner George Weah will make a second bid to become president of Liberia when current leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's final term ends next year.

Ex-AC Milan striker Weah told supporters on Thursday he was formally declaring that he would stand as a candidate in the 2017 election.

Weah has long held political ambitions in his West African homeland, and formed the Congress for Democratic Change party.

He lost to Sirleaf in the 2005 election and failed in a bid to become the vice president in 2011. He is currently a senator.

Weah won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995 and is one of Africa's best-ever players.

A three-time African player of the year, he won two league titles with Milan and also played in France and England.

Declaring his intention to stand for president again, Weah said he sympathised with the plight of many poor Liberians.

"Like many of you, I have been a victim of poverty," he added. "There were times I didn't have school fees. I continued to strive with the hope that one day life will get better."

Although he is Liberia's most famous player, the 49-year-old has been criticised for being an ineffective politician with little experience to support his attempt to become president.

Weah is likely to face Sirleaf's vice president, Joseph Boakai, in the election next year.

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