When George Weah’s name comes up, people often forget about his time at Chelsea.
His successes at Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan stick in peoples memories but often forget the impact he made during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Weah signed for the Blues at the age of 34 and as a player who’s pace was a key asset, he potential success was doubted.
Signed by Gianluca Vialli on the 12th January 2000, the 1995 Ballon D’or winner had an immediate impact.
Chelsea played bitter rivals Tottenham on the day he signed and Weah was given permission to play.
And the Liberian President immediately endeared himself to the fans as he scored the only goal of the game with three minutes left.
Chelsea didn’t lose until mid-April after Weah joined, as he scored goals in games against Wimbledon and Liverpool.
But Weah’s biggest impact came in the FA Cup.
He netted vital goals against Leicester and Wimbledon as the Blues’ marched to the final.
And Weah started the final against Aston Villa – the last final at the Old Wembley – as Chelsea won 1-0.
Although he wasn’t at the club for too long, he scored some vital goals for the Blues:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY0mph-6zvI
Clearly not at the peak of his powers, he turned out to be a canny signing by Vialli.
And post-football, Weah has led an interesting life.
He ran unsuccessfully to become President of Liberia twice but finally won in 2017.
And since coming President, Weah became the oldest international footballer at the age of 51.