The Unsettling Reality: Experiencing Racial Hatred Solely Based on Skin Color
Juventus duo shed light on the enduring pain caused by racial discrimination, as American soccer star Timothy Weah reflects on a heartbreaking incident that remains vivid in his memory even after a decade
American soccer star Timothy Weah expressed his deep sorrow when recalling a moment from 10 years ago that still haunts him. In January 2013, Ghanaian forward Kevin-Prince Boateng bravely led his AC Milan teammates in walking off the pitch during a friendly match due to racist abuse from opposition fans.
At 12 years old, Weah, son of the legendary Liberian soccer great George Weah, experienced racism in sports for the first time.
"That was a moment that really shook me as a young man," the 23-year-old Weah tells CNN Senior Sport Analyst Darren Lewis. "To see that people really hate us just because of the color of our skin. I feel like he did the right thing walking off the field."
"I believe that if we ever find ourselves in a situation like that, there's no point in continuing to play. If we are not accepted here, there's no reason to keep playing. End of story."
The topic of players walking off the field in response to racial abuse is still being discussed, and Weah and his Juventus teammate Samuel Iling-Junior emphasize that racial abuse is just one of the numerous ways in which the mental health of young players is being affected.
The pair, two of Europe's most promising young players, spoke with CNN Sport about mental health and the support available to players on the Juventus "Stories of Strength" podcast. They emphasized the importance of being open about feelings and emotions to effectively deal with any difficulties they are facing. In addition to the club therapist, they also mentioned the value of sharing their thoughts with teammates.
Samuel Iling-Junior is one of the best youth prospects in Europe.
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"I see these guys every day," Weah says. "Im with Sam every day, so hes someone that I can definitely confide in and speak to in a personal way.
The podcast was a fantastic experience. As I age, I firmly believe in the importance of expressing emotions and sharing feelings in order to progress in life. Despite the growing conversations about mental health, certain stigmas persist. The belief that showing vulnerability or asking for help is a sign of weakness may stem from the intense competition within the soccer industry.
Weah acknowledges that his family is deeply connected to their emotions, but he recognizes the importance of further conversations about mental health. He explains, "My mom always encouraged me to share my feelings. The open communication in my home was truly exceptional."
"It has always been positive, but I believe it is an area that requires attention within our community, particularly among Africans.
"I think we often don't see our parents, particularly our fathers, openly express their emotions, so it's an aspect I believe we can address," Weah remarks, speaking more broadly about Black male masculinity.
Illing-Junior, 20, also comes from a family that has always encouraged and supported open and honest expression of emotions. "I've been fortunate to come from a background and culture where communication has always been valued," he tells CNN Sport.
Weah and Iling-Junior both acknowledge that spending limited time with family presents a significant challenge for young soccer players, particularly for those who relocate overseas, as they themselves have experienced. Despite growing up in tight-knit families, both players admitted to facing difficulties in adapting after leaving home.
Weah, a member of the US Men's National Team who relocated to Paris Saint-Germain at the age of 14, laments missing out on important milestones in his younger cousins' lives. "They're all adults now and I've missed out on so much - family gatherings, birthdays," he says.
Weah says he can confide in teammate Iling-Junior.
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"We feel a sense of detachment from everything. But overall, Sam and I are driven by a bigger purpose - we're fighting every day for our families. That's the real beauty of it."
Iling-Junior rose through the ranks of Chelsea's youth program before transferring to Juventus in Turin, Italy in 2020. He believes that the demanding schedule of professional football makes it challenging for players to spend time with their families. "I left my home in London and now I'm in Turin. As a Londoner, I do my best to visit my family whenever I can. It's all about finding a routine that allows me to make it work," he explains.
Weah emphasizes that despite being viewed as heroes and idols, soccer players are simply human. He states that having a "beautiful lifestyle" or a "beautiful car" does not guarantee happiness.
Weah highlights the potential for discovering interesting facts about players as you get to know them better. Each person leads a distinct and individual life, with their own unique needs. Weah emphasizes the importance of understanding this, especially in the context of mental health, predicting that more footballers will come forward to speak about their mental health in the future.
"Obviously, people when they see us, they see the moneys good, the lifestyle is good, but for some of us we dont value the money as the most important aspect of our lives."
