Football icon and former FIFA World Best Player George Weah has conceded defeat in Liberia’s 2023 presidential election. Weah who is the current president of his country is said to have called his challenger, Joseph Boakai, acknowledging his victory. Boakai secured a lead of 28,000 votes in almost all ballots counted. In his address to the country, Weah expressed respect for the democratic process and the voice of the Liberian people. 
Liberia’s President George Weah – Getty image He said, “the Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice.” Weah had been in power since 2018 and will step down from the presidency after the inauguration of the new president in January. Weah’s presidency which was initially met with excitement, especially from younger voters, faced criticism for perceived failures in addressing corruption, rising price of commodities, and economic challenges. Despite winning the election in 2018 against Boakai with a large margin, Weah’s popularity dropped drastically during his tenure. Boakai, at 78 years old, secured 50.89% of the votes, while Weah received 49.11%, according to the electoral commission. Weah who is the first footballer to become a country’s president, accepted the result of the close race, stating the need for unity in Liberia, “Unity is paramount for mama Liberia.”
Timothy Weah waves as he arrives for fitness tests at the Italian soccer club Juventus F.C. in Turin, Italy. Source: AP He was signed from Ligue 1 side Lille for an initial fee of 10.3 million euros ($11.2 million). Juve said the fee can increase by a total of 3.1 million euros in bonuses based on sporting goals met as the club looks to replace the long-serving Colombian Juan Cuadrado, who left at the end of his contract. Confirming the move to the Italian club, he said; “Honored & Blessed to finally be Bianconeri. None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my wonderful family. Thank you to everyone at Juventus for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to represent this legendary club. “GRAZIE (thank you) to all the supporters for all the love they’ve shown me since day one and I can’t wait to meet you all very soon.” 