The friendly was initially scheduled to retire Weah’s famous No.14 shirt but he instead took to the field wearing it
Former World Footballer of the Year George Weah made a shock return for Liberia on Tuesday night…at the tender age of 51.
Liberia took on Nigeria in a friendly in Monrovia, that had been initially scheduled to retire Weah’s famous No.14 shirt.
But a full 16 years after his last international appearance, president Weah led the team out onto the pitch instead and played in the match.

Media reports said Weah, who led the attack and showed glimpses of the class that made him a household name around the world, received a standing ovation from fans when he was substituted on 79 minutes.

Goals from Henry Onyekuru and Simeon Nwankwo helped Nigeria to a 2-0 lead before the hosts pulled one back through a Kpah Sherman penalty late in the game.

Weah enjoyed a career in Europe spanning nearly a decade and a half that saw him play for Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille in France, AC Milan in Italy and English sides Manchester City and Chelsea .

As well as being named the 1995 World Footballer of the Year, he also won the Ballon d’Or in the same year and remains the only African to win either award.

Weah’s popularity from his playing career saw him secure a landslide run-off win last December in Liberia’s presidential elections.