In 1995, George Weah — the first and only African to win the Ballon d’Or and named the best player of his era — returned to the international stage as the Honorary Captain and Chair of FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel on Racism.
The former Liberian president spoke out on discrimination and abuse in football.
Weah, who chairs the panel tasked with advising FIFA on strategies to combat racism, promote equality, and amplify players’ voices in shaping the future of the game, held the panel’s inaugural meeting with his team in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, 8 November 2025.
THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM WILL CONTINUE UNTIL IT IS ELIMINATED
At the meeting, Weah said:
“Our goal is to completely eliminate racism in sports. It is not good for the game. That’s why we must fight it together — universally.”
Describing football as a universal language, Weah emphasized its power to bring people of different nationalities and beliefs together:
“Football brings unity and development. It enhances humanity. Wherever there is a game, you can see individuals from diverse backgrounds united by the same passion.”
Weah concluded his remarks by saying:
“In football, there is always a second encounter. Therefore, we must play with love, respect, and understanding. That is what makes the game beautiful.”
“FOOTBALL IS ABOUT LOVE AND ENJOYMENT”
He also summarized the essence of the game:
“The essence of football is to unite, enjoy, have fun, and love. But racism undermines that spirit. That’s why we must fight it universally. Racism has no place in football.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Weah and emphasized how important his leadership of the panel is for global football.