Timothy Tarpeh Weah (Brooklyn, 2000) will always be, for many, the son of George, the only African Ballon d’Or winner in history. In fact, he tried to follow in his footsteps at Paris Saint-Germain
In 2023, after spells with Celtic and Lille, he moved to Italy, just like his father. Unlike George, who joined Milan in 1995, Tim joined Juventus. In fact, just a month ago, he scored in a Juve-Milan (2-0) match… 25 years and 254 days after his father did for the Rossoneri.
However, the reasonable similarities between the two have gradually dissipated. Tim, raised as a forward/winger, has been dropping back. First as a wing-back – on both flanks – and now he has been converted into a right-back under Thiago Motta.
The United States international – his father represented Liberia – shone again as a right-back in the: he came close to scoring with a great run in the 4th minute and set up a cross for Mbangula in the 51st minute – after a great slalom – that Flamingo cleared off the line
“Motta has helped him tactically and in terms of personality”
He has only played four games as a ‘terzino’ (full-back), but he already assisted in the 4-1 win against Empoli. “I feel good as a full-back. If I can help the team I want to do it. I can also be a goalkeeper if the coach asks me,” said Weah Jr, who, curiously, was on the verge of joining RB Leipzig in the winter transfer window
I feel good as a full-back. I can also be a goalkeeper if the coach asks me to
Timothy Weah
Motta seems convinced by his experiment: “I gave him the example [of versatility] of Koopmeiners and McKennie.Now it’s Timothy’s turn. I spoke to him first. The players have to be convinced first.”
“We are all very happy and proud of his decisions,” says George Weah Sr. “I have always recommended my son to have discipline and patience. If you work, your time will come,” he continues.
I have always recommended my son to have discipline and patience
George Weah
Weah underlines, above all, the importance that Motta has had in his progression: “He has helped him tactically and personality-wise. I like fantasy players, but you always have to respect the rules. Timothy is still young and has room for improvement. I know he has faith in his coach”.