Timothy Weah: Born into Greatness.

Being the son of a Ballon d’Or winner brings its own pressures to any young footballer. Timothy Weah, son of former AC Milan striker George Weah, is dealing with those pressures immaculately during the early stages of his career. The teenager is currently signed to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, representing their Under-19s. Also starring for the US at youth level, scoring a hat-trick in their 5-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Timothy is the youngest of George Weah’s children, and the second to break into professional football. Older brother George Weah Jr had his career tarnished with injuries before turning 20, slimming his chances of following in his father’s footsteps. Showing signs of quality early on in his development, the 17-year-old Timothy was a hot property regardless of his famous father. After growing up in New York, Timothy signed for the New York Red Bull’s youth system at 13. Just 12 months later some of the top dogs of European football were sniffing around the young attacker, and after a trial with Chelsea, he signed an apprentice contract with PSG.

Impressing for the Under-17s right from the off, scoring a hat-trick during the early stage of his time with the youth team. He went on to score five during an Al Kass cup fixture, drawing the attention of the board; and in July 2017, Weah signed his first professional contract.

Despite the temptation to follow his father in representing Liberia at international level – Weah was called up to the US youth system in early 2017. Featuring in the CONCACAF U17 Championships. During his six appearances in the competition, Weah registered two goals and two assists, thriving on the international stage. Displaying incredible confidence when on the ball, Timothy appeared incredibly comfortable during his first outings for the US. And as previously mentioned, Weah is currently participating in the U17 FIFA World Cup.

His hat-trick against Paraguay showed glimpses of his father’s striker instinct – a trait he seems to have inherited. Comfortable on either side, Weah cut in from the left and curled a beautifully placed shot into the top right corner with his right foot.

Timothy said in an interview after the game, also discussing his desire to impress PSG boss Unai Emery. Weah appeared optimistic but acknowledged that the road ahead is long. Commenting on PSG’s plethora of attacking power, and a desire to emulate them one day.

“When I am ready, and when the coach (Unai Emery) sees that I’m ready, hopefully, I will be given a call-up to the first team.

Often asked about how he feels, dealing with the pressure of being the son of George Weah. Timothy insists it is only ever positive.

“I Just use it as an advantage. My Father was a great player – and it’s up to me to be the best that I can be.”

“I’m still going to try and be one of the best players to play the game. Following in my father’s footsteps is not a big deal to me.”

Drawing striking resembles to his father whenever he takes to the pitch however, Weah’s class and composure on the ball fill the other players around him with confidence. A quickness that will make him the favourite in any foot race on the pitch, Timothy posses many of the traits of the perfect modern day attacker. Named by the Guardian in its annual list of top footballing prospects, it’s easy to see why going off of his development this year alone.

Armed with a strong personality and even stronger work ethic, Weah has earned high praise from US U17 head coach John Hackworth. Stating how impressed he was with Weah’s work rate, drawing more comparisons to his legendary father. Hackworth also noted how Timothy has a strong desire to use every possible opportunity to improve. It appears both physically and mentally Tim Weah has all of the tools to achieve whatever he sets out to achieve.

Fast, strong and technically sound, Weah has the opportunity to make huge strides in the footballing world. And using the U17 FIFA World Cup as a springboard, his development trajectory indicates it won’t be long before he’s warming up alongside Neymar in the PSG first team. With a bloodline of a legend, and the future of a nation on his back. The youngest Weah has the world at his feet.