George Weah scored one of football’s most iconic solo goals for AC Milan 20 years ago today
Liberian wonder launched himself into folklore with run from ow box through entire pitch against Verona on Sept 8, 1996
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IT’S 20 years since African superstar George Weah launched himself into football folklore with one of the most sensational solo goals of all time.
On September 8, 1996, the Liberian wonder ensured his name would always be mentioned when discussing the game’s greatest-ever goals.
Weah picked up a misplaced Verona corner inside his own box and ran the entire length of the pitch to put AC Milan 3-1 ahead.
He was already the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and Fifa World Footballer Year — the first-ever African victor of either — but this was surely his career highlight.
The powerful Weah caught Verona unprepared for a one-man counter-attack and bulldozed his way through two defenders as he passes the halfway line with a pirouette.
Despite facing a flock of defenders, he just casually passed the ball past one before running on to his knock on and beating the goalkeeper.
It remains one of the game’s most iconic goals.
Weah was brought to Europe by Arsene Wenger, who signed him for Monaco in 1988.
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After impressing in the principality, he joined Paris Saint-Germain where he started making waves — and it was in the French capital where his form catapulted him to the status of being crowned the planet’s best footballer in 1995.
But he received the award while at Milan, after Fabio Capello brought him to the San Siro to form a stunning striker partnership with Roberto Baggio.
In 1996, Weah received the Fifa Fair Play Award despite receiving a six-match European ban for elbowing Porto’s Jorge Costa following alleged racist insults.
Three years later, he moved to Chelsea on loan — and helped the West London club with the FA Cup.
In 2001, he joined newly-promoted Manchester City, but fellow out of favour with Joe Royle.
He then moved to Marseille before finishing his career with Al-Jazira.