WATCH: Ali Dia – The Sunday League Player Who Bluffed His Way Into The Premier League

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Posted by Rowan Meegan follow @rowanmeegan

Aly Dia (born 20 August 1965), commonly known as Ali Dia, is a Senegalese former professional footballer who played as a striker.

In November 1996, Dia convinced then-manager of Southampton, Graeme Souness, that he was the cousin of FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, which led to him signing a one-month contract with Southampton days later.

Dia played only one match in his short spell at the club. He came on as a substitute in a league game, but was then himself substituted. He was subsequently released, 14 days into his contract.

After leaving Southampton Dia briefly played for non-league Gateshead, before leaving in February 1997. He only played eight games for the North East outfit, including scoring on his debut in a 5–0 win over Bath City…what a hero!

Matt Le Tissier recounts the Ali Dia saga:

Posted by Rowan Meegan follow @rowanmeegan

 

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