Liberia President George Weah send shock waves through the footballing world when he donned the national team jersey and played against Nigeria for 79 minutes.
Liberia had arranged the friendly to retire the No. 14 jersey made famous by Weah but fans were in for a shock when, 16 years after his last international appearance, the former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan striker led the national team onto the pitch wearing it instead.
All of the Liberia players — including Weah’s former teammate, 48-year-old James Debbah — wore shirts bearing the message “Thank you King George” on the front.
Weah, who led the attack and showed glimpses of the class that made him a global star, received a standing ovation from fans when he was substituted with 11 minutes remaining.
Interestingly, Weah’s son Timothy Weah also played for the USA in an international friendly against Mexico making it the first time in history son and dad have played international football for different teams on the same night.
Here is what people are saying.
Check out Liberia President George Weah on the pitch in a friendly against Nigeria Super Eagles.
Legend Weah dusted off his boots to play at age 51 making one final game in his no 14 jersey.(China Acheru?) pic.twitter.com/zLOKWq4Leh
— Collins Okinyo (@bedjosessien) September 12, 2018
With George Weah playing for Liberia today and Timothy Weah suiting up for the USA, this has to be the first time in history that a father and son were capped for different countries on the same day, right?
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 12, 2018
George Weah 51 year old Ran around the field for 79minutes
When some can’t last more than 2minutes ??— Doma.G?? (@thegaawa) September 11, 2018
Liberia president George Weah (51 years old) started for the Liberia national team today vs Nigeria. His son Tim Weah (18 years old) is currently starting for USA vs Mexico. A father and son both playing international footy on the same day. pic.twitter.com/faH6sLS1ri
— Walid Bylka (@bylka613_) September 12, 2018