Former Liberian President and Ballon d’Or winner George Manneh Weah has been appointed honorary captain of FIFA’s newly launched Players’ Voice Panel, a high-profile initiative aimed at tackling racism and discrimination across football.
The 16-member task force, officially unveiled under FIFA’s Global Stand Against Racism campaign, brings together legendary footballers who have not only made their mark on the pitch but have also used their platforms to champion social justice. Among the panelists are Ivorian icon Didier Drogba, Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor, U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry, and Brazilian midfielder Formiga. Collectively, the panel will advise FIFA on strategies to combat racism, promote diversity, and foster inclusivity in the global game.
Weah’s appointment as honorary captain is deeply symbolic. As the first and only African to win the Ballon d’Or, Weah has long been a trailblazer in breaking racial and continental barriers in world football. His playing career, which took him from the streets of Monrovia to the grand stadiums of Europe, has been a source of pride and inspiration for generations of Africans. Beyond football, his six-year presidency in Liberia demonstrated his commitment to governance, peace, and development, further amplifying his global stature.
In accepting the role, Weah emphasized both the unifying power of football and the responsibility it carries in confronting inequality: “Football brings unity and development. It also enhances humanity. I will always exert all efforts, as I have done in the past and continue to do, to promote the sport because football is life. I am honoured to serve in this role.”
The Players’ Voice Panel will be tasked with a comprehensive mandate, which includes: Monitoring and advising FIFA on anti-racism measures across leagues, federations, and grassroots programs. Designing and participating in educational campaigns to raise awareness among players, coaches, and fans. Advocating for policy reforms to ensure accountability for acts of discrimination on and off the pitch. Shaping cultural change within football institutions to promote inclusivity, fairness, and respect.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino underscored the significance of the initiative, describing it as a turning point in global football governance: “Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong—they are crimes. These panel members will help ensure that measures to counter racism are not just talked about, but actioned. With voices like George Weah leading the charge, this panel has the power to influence real and lasting change.”
The initiative comes at a time when football continues to grapple with repeated incidents of racial abuse in stadiums across Europe, South America, and beyond. Despite campaigns and sanctions, players of African, Latin American, and Asian descent continue to face hostility, prompting calls for stronger and more coordinated interventions.
Weah’s leadership is expected to be a driving force in bridging cultural divides and reinforcing football’s role as a platform for unity. His unique combination of athletic excellence, political leadership, and moral authority positions him as an influential figure capable of rallying both policymakers and fans behind the cause.
The panel’s creation has already sparked optimism among anti-racism campaigners and football organizations worldwide, who see it as an opportunity to transform symbolic gestures into meaningful progress. For young players in Africa and other regions where Weah remains a revered figure, his new role offers a powerful message: that the fight against racism is as integral to football’s future as the goals scored on the pitch.
With the honorary captaincy, George Weah’s journey comes full circle—from a footballer breaking barriers on the field, to a head of state navigating the challenges of governance, and now to a global leader spearheading the fight against racism within the world’s most beloved sport.
