Why Did Tim Weah Chose to Play for USA Instead of Liberia Despite His Father Being President of the African Nation?

Soon to be 23, USMNT forward Tim Weah opted to play for the US despite having four nationalities. His father, George Weah, is the President of Liberia and has played international soccer there. Everyone was expecting Tim to follow suit, but he decided against it. 

Tim has represented the US at U-15, U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels before making his debut for the senior team. USMNT forward was born in New York and started his soccer journey in the city itself. After spending one season at the New York Red Bulls academy, the player went to PSG in 2014. The France Football Federation persuaded Tim after the U-17 World Cup in 2017, but the player was clear: he only wanted the US.

It was a straightforward decision for Timothy Weah to play for USMNT

The son of a former Ballon d’Or winner thinks of New York as a vital part of his soccer journey. He believes his soccer roots are in New York, and despite having multiple passports, it was a straightforward decision to opt to play for USMNT.

Tim Weah, speaking to the Spanish publication Marca, said, “I wasn’t thinking about anything else. Obviously, my roots will always be my roots, but I grew up in the United States. I’ve lived here my whole life. My family and friends are here. I started playing with the national team when I was 12 years old, so I never had to pick a side. I didn’t really have to make a decision.”

Lille forward was eligible to play for the US, France, Liberia, and Jamaica. The French Federation also persuaded the 22-year-old to play for France as his performance in the U-17 World Cup caught their eye.

Qatar FIFA World Cup was a dream come true for the USMNT forward

Tim opted to play for USMNT over three other nations and was delighted with his selection for the Qatar World Cup. He was proud and felt honored and excited to represent his family at the biggest soccer tournament. 

Read More: USMNT Starlet Tim Weah, Son of President of Liberia, Linked With a Sensational Move Amidst Interest From European Clubs 

His father, George Weah, never played in the World Cup and the closest he came to representing Liberia in the tournament was in 2002. Liberia missed out on qualification by a solitary point. However, his son made him proud by playing and scoring an all-important goal in the opener against Wales.

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Tim Weah is currently playing with the French club Lille. He wants to make a name for himself and is striving hard for the same. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, expectations are high from USMNT. US Soccer fans can hope Timothy Weah and his teammates live up to those expectations.