No Comeback: Outgoing Liberian President Weah States Clear Position Against Future Presidential Run

Speaking to congregants at the church he attends outside the capital Monrovia on Sunday, Weah addressed his future plans, noting his age at the next presidential vote in 2029, according to a recording of his remarks to which AFP had access.

“I am 57 now, and our retirement age is 65, and six years from now, I will be 63, and I cannot work for two years,” he said.

“You are not going to drag me to politics until I reach 90 years.”

“I became a president, so I say thank you, Liberians, that I became president whether it was one time or 50 times, but I can guarantee you that it’s one time,” he added.

Weah did not disclose his specific future plans but mentioned a commitment to working for peace and prosperity in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Weah garnered praise for conceding defeat and advocating for a peaceful transition in a region historically plagued by coups.

Prior to his political career, Weah was the only African to win football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or, during his tenure as a striker for top-flight European teams.