Timothy Weah, the son of Liberian legend George, says he is not overawed by the prospect of following in his famous father’s footsteps and that he can only profit from the situation.
Weah has been starring for the United States at the ongoing Under-17 World Cup in India, where the striker scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Paraguay in the last 16 on Monday.
Instead of feeling pressure about emulating his father, the only Fifa World Footballer of the Year to come from Africa, Timothy insists it can be a positive.
“I just use it as an advantage,” he told BBC Sport.
“My dad was a great player and it’s up to me to be the best that I can be – even if I don’t make it to that extent.
“I’m still going to try to be one of the best players to play the game. Following in my father’s footsteps is not a big deal to me.”
For the moment, the footsteps Timothy is aiming to emulate are those that relate to football rather than any political desires.
During a prolific career in Europe with AS Monaco, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, George became – in 1995 – the sole African to ever be crowned Fifa World Footballer of the Year.
Since his retirement, the 51-year-old has focused on politics and next month will contest a Liberian presidential election run-off against Joseph Boakai.
After nearly all the results from last week’s poll were counted, Weah led with 39% while Boakai, a reigning vice-president, took 29%. A candidate needed more than 50% of the votes for victory in the first round.