Liberian football legend and former president George Weah has revealed that billionaire Elon Musk once offered to buy his Ballon d’Or for a staggering $1 billion, but he refused without a second thought.
George Weah, the only African player ever to win the prestigious award, made it clear that no amount of money could make him part off his historic achievement.
“My Ballon d’Or isn’t just my greatest football accomplishment; it’s the only one in Africa. Even if the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, offered me more than $1 billion, I would tell him no,” Weah stated firmly.
For Weah, the Ballon d’Or is more than a trophy—it is a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and pride for the entire African continent.
He also disclosed that he has instructed his children never to sell it, no matter their financial situation. “I’ve told my children never to sell my Ballon d’Or, even if they go broke. Some things are worth more than silver and gold, and my Ballon d’Or is one of them—not just for me, but for Africa.”
Weah’s journey from the streets of Monrovia to becoming the world’s best footballer in 1995 was a testament to determination and resilience. He sees his Ballon d’Or as a legacy for future generations, a reminder that Africa can produce the very best in the world. “I worked very hard for my Ballon d’Or, and I want generations upon generations to see it,” he said.
He further stated that wealth and fame are fleeting, but history and legacy endure. “A good name and legacy are worth more than silver and gold,” he emphasized.
By rejecting Musk’s jaw-dropping offer, Weah has reinforced the idea that some achievements are beyond price especially when they hold deep cultural and historical significance.
