Didier Drogba
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Didier Yves Drogba Tébily (French pronunciation: [didje iv dʁɔɡba tebili]; born 11 March 1978) is an Ivorian former professional footballer who played as a striker.[5] He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team. He is known for his career at Chelsea, where he is the club’s top goalscorer as a foreign player and is currently the club's fourth highest goalscorer of all time. Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, he was known for his pace, aerial abilities, and powerful and accurate strikes. Drogba was named African Footballer of the Year twice (2006 and 2009). He ranks fourth for the all-time African men's top goalscorers in international football, and the highest for an African player from the 21st century, with 65 goals.

Key Information

After playing in youth teams, Drogba made his debut into football at the age of 21 for Ligue 2 club Le Mans. After finishing the 2002–03 season with 17 goals in 34 appearances for Ligue 1 side Guingamp, he moved to Olympique de Marseille, where he finished as the third highest goalscorer in the 2003–04 season with 19 goals and helped the club reach the 2004 UEFA Cup Final.

In July 2004, Drogba moved to Premier League club Chelsea for £24 million, making him the most expensive Ivorian player of all time. In his debut season, he helped Chelsea win their first league title in 50 years along with another Premier League title a year later. He was named in the 2007 FIFA World XI. In March 2012, he became the first African player to score 100 Premier League goals.[6] Two months later, he scored in Chelsea's 2012 FA Cup Final win over Liverpool to become the first player to score in four FA Cup finals.[7] He also played in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, where he scored an 88th-minute equaliser and the winning penalty in the penalty shootout against Bayern Munich.[8] After spending six months with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, he moved to Turkish club Galatasaray, where he scored the winning goal in the final of the 2013 Turkish Super Cup. Drogba returned to Chelsea in July 2014.[9][10] With a record of scoring 10 goals in 10 finals, Drogba is referred to as the "ultimate big game player".[11][12] He joined Canadian club Montreal Impact in 2015 as a designated player and played 41 matches over two seasons, scoring 23 goals. Drogba became a player and owner of Phoenix Rising in the United Soccer League in 2017 and retired a year later at the age of 40. On 21 April 2022, he was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.[13][14]

Drogba made his debut for Ivory Coast in 2002 and became the captain in 2006. He is the nation's all-time top goalscorer with 65 goals in 105 appearances.[1][15] He led the Ivory Coast to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament, and scored their first goal. He captained Ivory Coast at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.[16] He led Ivory Coast to two Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2006 and 2012, though they lost on penalties on both occasions. On 8 August 2014, he announced his retirement from international football.[17]

Drogba played a vital role in solving issues in his home country and in Africa.[18] In 2007, he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. In December 2018, he became Vice President of the international organization Peace and Sport.[19]

Early life

[edit]

Drogba is a member of the Bété people.[20] He was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and at age five was sent to France by his parents to live with his uncle, Michel Goba, a professional footballer. However, Drogba became homesick and returned to Abidjan after three years.[21] His mother nicknamed him "Tito", after president Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, whom she admired greatly.[22] He played football every day in a car park in the city, but his return to the Ivory Coast was short lived. Both of his parents lost their jobs and he again returned to live with his uncle.[21] In 1991, his parents also travelled to France, first to Vannes and then in 1993 settling in Antony in the Paris suburbs, at which point the 15-year-old Drogba returned to live with them and his siblings.[23] It was here he began playing team football more frequently, joining a local youth side. Drogba then joined the semi-professional club Levallois, gaining a reputation as a prolific scorer in the youth team and impressing the coach with his professional attitude. His performances earned him a place in the senior squad but despite scoring in his debut, the 18-year-old Ivorian failed to make an impression on Jacques Loncar, the first-team coach.[24]

Club career

[edit]

Le Mans

[edit]

When Drogba finished school he moved to the city Le Mans to study accountancy at university and changed clubs, becoming an apprentice at Ligue 2 club Le Mans. However, his first two years there were marred by injuries and he was physically struggling to cope with the training and match schedule.[21] Former Le Mans coach Marc Westerloppe later remarked that "it took Didier four years to be capable of training every day and playing every week". Furthermore, Drogba had never attended a football academy and only began daily football training as an adult.[25]

By age 21, Drogba realised that he had to establish himself as a player soon or else he would have little chance of becoming a professional footballer.[26] He made his first team debut for Le Mans soon thereafter and signed his first professional contract in 1999. The same year, he and his Malian wife Alla had their first child, Isaac. He grew into his new responsibilities, later stating: "Isaac's birth was a turning point in my life, it straightened me out".[21] His first season, in which he scored seven goals in thirty games, boded well for the future, but during the following season he did not live up to expectations. Drogba lost his place to Daniel Cousin due to injury, then upon his return, he failed to score throughout the remainder of the season. However, he returned to form the following season, scoring five goals in 21 appearances.[27]

Guingamp

[edit]

Halfway through the 2001–02 season Ligue 1 club Guingamp consolidated months of interest with a transfer offer and Drogba left Le Mans for a fee of £80,000.[21] The second half of the 2001–02 season saw Drogba make 11 appearances and score three goals for Guingamp. While his contributions helped the club avoid relegation, the coaching staff remained unconvinced of their new young striker.[28] However, the next season he rewarded his coaches' patience, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances and helping Guingamp finish seventh, a record league finish.[21] He credited his teammates for his impressive season, highlighting the contributions of winger Florent Malouda, a long time friend of Drogba, as a key factor in his goalscoring prolificity that season.[26] His strong goal scoring record attracted interest from larger clubs and at the end of the season, he moved to Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille for a fee of £3.3 million.[25]

Marseille

[edit]

Olympique de Marseille completed the signing of Didier Drogba on 30 June 2003.[29] The Ivorian striker played his first match in his new colours on 2 August 2003, during the first matchday of the 2003–2004 season against his former club, Guingamp. Drogba had a season in which he emerged as one of the highest European scorers. He has notably scored 19 league goals, winning the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Player of the Year award. He also scored 11 goals in European competitions, five goals in UEFA Champions League and six in the UEFA Cup.[30]

At the end of the season, Drogba was a transfer priority of newly endorsed Chelsea coach José Mourinho,[31] and was bought as the club's then record signing of £24 million.[26] His shirt from his only season at Marseille is also framed in the basilica of the city, Notre-Dame de la Garde, which he presented to the church before the 2004 UEFA Cup Final.[32]

Chelsea

[edit]

2004–06

[edit]

Signing for Chelsea in July 2004 for £24 million,[33] he became the club's record signing and the most expensive striker in English domestic football.[34] Drogba scored in his third game for the club with a header against Crystal Palace.[35] His season was interrupted when he pulled a stomach muscle against Liverpool which kept him out of action for over two months.[36] Chelsea won the Premier League, only their second English top-flight championship and their first in 50 years,[37] and the League Cup. Later, Drogba scored in extra time in a 3–2 final win against Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. Drogba scored a somewhat disappointing 16 goals in a total of 40 games for Chelsea in his first season: ten in the Premier League, five in the Champions League and one in the League Cup final.[38]

Drogba started the 2005–06 season by scoring two goals in a Community Shield win over Arsenal. His reputation was marred amidst accusations of cheating during Chelsea's 2–0 win over Manchester City. Replays showed that he had used his hand to control the ball before scoring the second of his two goals.[39] This occurred just a week after a similar incident against Fulham where the goal was disallowed.[40] Chelsea went on to retain the league title with two games to play, becoming only the second club to win back-to-back English titles in the Premier League era.[41] Again Drogba finished with 16 goals for the season, 12 in the Premier League, two in the Community Shield, one in the Champions League and one in the FA Cup.[42]

2006–07

[edit]
Drogba with Chelsea in February 2007 prior to a UEFA Champions League game with FC Porto

After the departure of Damien Duff to Newcastle United, Drogba switched from the number 15 shirt he had worn for Chelsea since 2004 to the number 11 shirt vacated by Duff.[43] Drogba scored 33 goals in all competitions during the season (more than his tally in the previous two seasons combined), including 20 in the Premier League to win the Golden Boot.[44] In doing so, he became the first Chelsea player since Kerry Dixon in 1984–85 to reach 30 goals in a season, scoring 20 in the Premier League, six in the Champions League, three in the FA Cup and four in the League Cup.

Among the highlights were scoring game-winners from outside the penalty area against Liverpool, Everton (from 35 yards out) and Barcelona, a 93rd-minute equaliser against Barcelona at the Camp Nou and both Chelsea's goals in their 2–1 League Cup final win over Arsenal.[44][45] His goal against Liverpool saw him control the ball on his chest with his back to goal, before hitting a 20-yard half-volley on the turn. Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher who was closely marking Drogba said, "There's not a lot you can do in certain situations because they were that good."[44] He also completed two hat-tricks; one against Watford and the other against Levski Sofia in the Champions League, Chelsea's first hat-trick in European competition since Gianluca Vialli in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1997.[46] In his last competitive game that season, he scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley Stadium.[47] This also meant he became the only player to score in both English domestic finals in the same season and win both.[18]

In January 2007, Drogba was named the Ivorian Player of the Year, ahead of Kader Keïta, Aruna Dindane, and Kolo Touré. In March, he was named African Footballer of the Year for the first time, ahead of Samuel Eto'o and Chelsea teammate Michael Essien.[48] His performances during the season saw him named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year and runner-up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the PFA Player of the Year awards.[49]

Drogba faced problems off the pitch during the end of the season as his transfer from Marseille to Chelsea in July 2004 came under scrutiny. The Stevens inquiry in June 2007 expressed concerns because of the lack of co-operation from agents Pinhas Zahavi and Barry Silkman.[50]

2007–08

[edit]
Drogba training with Chelsea in October 2007

The 2007–08 season began badly for Drogba as he expressed his doubts about the departure of manager José Mourinho. He was reportedly in tears when Mourinho told him he was leaving the club, and said "Mourinho's departure destroys a certain familiarity we had at the club. Many of us used to play first and foremost for the manager. Now we need to forget those feelings and find another source of motivation".[51] Following these claims, Drogba told France Football magazine "I want to leave Chelsea. Something is broken with Chelsea, The damage is big in the dressing room".[52] Despite having signed a four-year contract with the club in 2006, Drogba reportedly pointed out several favoured clubs in the interview, identifying Barcelona, Real Madrid, A.C. Milan or Inter Milan as possible future destinations,[53] he later admitted he regretted this and was 100% committed to Chelsea.[52] Drogba made it up to the fans by scoring in Chelsea's 2–0 victory over Middlesbrough on 20 October 2007, against Schalke 04 in the Champions League four days later, and two goals against Manchester City. In December 2007, Drogba was voted fourth (after Kaká, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo) for the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year.[54][55]

Drogba continued scoring goals but suffered an injury at the training ground and decided to have an operation on his knee. He was unable to play for four weeks and missed key games against Valencia, Arsenal and Liverpool.[56] Drogba returned from injury to play in an FA Cup third round match against Queens Park Rangers and wore the captain's armband for the last 30 minutes he was on the pitch, but that was his last performance for Chelsea before international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.[57] Upon his return, Drogba scored a goal in the 2008 League Cup Final, making him the all-time leading scorer in League Cup Finals with four goals, but could not help prevent Chelsea fall to a 2–1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.[58] He scored both goals in a key 2–1 victory against Arsenal on 23 March 2008, bringing Chelsea equal on points with leaders Manchester United.[59][60]

Drogba and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie in March 2008

On 26 April 2008, Drogba faced controversy after a clash with Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić. The Serbian centre-back had to have stitches under his lip after losing a tooth in the clash. There was discussion whether Drogba had the intention or not to injure his rival. The debate also called into question an earlier incident on 26 November 2006 where Drogba elbowed Vidić. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expressed concerns over elbowing in the Premier League.[61] Despite media speculation, Drogba's yellow card for the clash was deemed adequate punishment by the Football Association.[62]

Controversy still dogged the player as before the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Liverpool, Drogba was accused of diving by Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez. Benítez claimed to have compiled a four-year dossier of Drogba's "diving" antics but Drogba hit back at Benítez in an interview.[63] On 30 April 2008, Drogba scored two goals in the second leg of the semi-final against Liverpool, which Chelsea won 3–2 at Stamford Bridge.[64] This was the first time Chelsea had beaten Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Champions League, having lost their previous two meetings to Liverpool. This also led to Chelsea reaching their first Champions League Final. Drogba became Chelsea's top scorer in European competition, the two goals he scored put his total at 17, surpassing Peter Osgood's record of 16.[33] Drogba was sent off in the 117th minute of the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United for slapping defender Vidić,[65] becoming only the second player to be sent off in a European Cup final – after Jens Lehmann in 2006 – and the first for violent conduct.[66] Chelsea went on to lose 6–5 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in extra time. Chelsea assistant boss Henk ten Cate revealed Drogba was due to take the decisive fifth spot-kick in the shootout. Team captain John Terry took his place but missed after slipping whilst taking the penalty.[67]

2008–09

[edit]
Drogba with Chelsea prior to a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in May 2008

Drogba suffered a string of injuries early on in the 2008–09 season and struggled to regain fitness, missing games from August to November due to knee problems.[68][69] He scored his first goal of the season in mid-November but there was little reason to celebrate: he incurred disciplinary action and a three-match ban for throwing a coin back into the stands and Chelsea suffered a League Cup defeat against Burnley.[70][71] Drogba scored his second goal of the season in a 2–1 victory against CFR Cluj in the UEFA Champions League,[72] while his first Premier League goal of the season came in a 2–0 win against West Bromwich Albion in late December 2008.[73] Having missed many games through injury and suspension, Drogba had lost his first team place and manager Scolari favoured playing Nicolas Anelka as a lone striker rather than pairing the two. However, he resolved to regain his position in the squad.[74]

Upon the temporary appointment of Guus Hiddink in early February following the sacking of Scolari, Drogba enjoyed a rejuvenation of sorts, returning to his goal-scoring form with four goals in five games after the new manager took over.[75][76] His revival in form saw him net twice against Bolton Wanderers, and four times in four Champions League matches, one in each leg of the last sixteen and quarter-final of the competition against Juventus and Liverpool respectively, with these goals ensuring Chelsea's passage into the semi-finals. Just four days after his Champions League games, Drogba scored a late goal in the FA Cup semi-final match against Arsenal after Frank Lampard's pass found Drogba and he carefully rounded Arsenal goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański before passing the ball into Arsenal's empty net.[77] Drogba also caused controversy after Chelsea's Champions League semi-final defeat at the hands of Barcelona. Feeling that many decisions had gone against Chelsea, substituted Drogba confronted referee Tom Henning Øvrebø after the final whistle. He received a yellow card in the process and was recorded shouting "It's a fucking disgrace"[78] into a live television camera.[79] On 17 June 2009, UEFA subsequently handed him a six-game European ban with the final two games suspended. The ban then was reduced by one match after an appeal by Chelsea.[80] In the 2009 FA Cup Final, Drogba scored Chelsea's first and equalising goal as they went on to win 2–1.[81] This was his sixth goal in a major cup final in England. Although Drogba had previously expressed his desire to switch clubs, he decided to remain with the Blues under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and signed a new contract.[82]

2009–10

[edit]
Drogba in action against Fulham in the Premier League, December 2009

Drogba began the 2009–10 season in fine form for Chelsea, netting a penalty during a shoot-out win in the Community Shield over Manchester United, before scoring twice in a 2–1 victory over Hull City. Drogba earned himself an assist when he was fouled in the penalty box to give Chelsea a penalty, which Frank Lampard converted, in a 3–1 victory over Sunderland. In Chelsea's third game of the season against West-London rivals Fulham, Drogba scored his third goal of the season. Drogba scored his fourth goal of the season, against Stoke City; Chelsea ended winning the game 2–1 with a late strike from Malouda.[83] He added a fifth at home against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 20 September.[84]

He scored his 100th goal for Chelsea in a 3–1 defeat against Wigan Athletic. Drogba was again important in the 2–0 win over title rivals Liverpool on 4 October. He assisted both goals, setting up Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda.[85] He then scored a glancing header against Blackburn on 24 October 2009, bringing his tally to eight goals in eleven appearances, scoring his third goal in as many games. Drogba continued his fine form scoring a header against Bolton Wanderers in a 4–0 win in the League Cup, Drogba went on to score a goal in the same week with another 4–0 win against Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League.

After missing the first three Champions League matches for Chelsea with a ban for being unsportsmanlike,[86] Drogba started the fourth game against Spanish side Atlético Madrid. He scored two goals in the last ten minutes and the match ended 2–2.[87] On 29 November, Drogba scored a goal against London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, the second of which a free kick from outside the box.[88] It brought his tally for the season to 14 goals in 16 games. On 12 December, Drogba continued his performance with two goals in 3–3 draw against Everton.[89] Between 3 and 30 January Drogba was on Africa Cup of Nations duty and came back on 2 February against Hull City where he scored a 40th-minute equaliser to tie the game 1–1.[90] On 24 March, Drogba scored his 30th goal of the season in an away game against Portsmouth.

Drogba (front, second from left) on a street parade with Chelsea after winning the league and cup double in May 2010

On 9 May, Drogba helped Chelsea to win the Premier League by scoring a hat-trick in an 8–0 win over Wigan Athletic. In doing so, he not only collected his third League winner's medal but also won the Golden Boot for the season, his second time doing so, by topping the chart with 29 league goals, beating Wayne Rooney to the title who remained on 26 goals. Both players had the same number of goals (26) before the start of their respective matches. However, during the game, Drogba appeared to be clearly angry with teammate and regular penalty taker Frank Lampard, after Lampard refused to let Drogba take a penalty which would lead Chelsea to go 2–0 up and give him a chance of winning the golden boot. Lampard scored the penalty, but Drogba did not celebrate with his teammates. Later on in the game though Ashley Cole was tripped in the box when Chelsea were already 5–0 up, and this time Lampard allowed Drogba to take the penalty, which he scored to go two goals clear of Rooney.[91]

The following week, Drogba scored the only goal of the 2010 FA Cup Final against Portsmouth from a free-kick, keeping up his record of having scored in all six English cup finals (FA Cup and League Cup) in which he has played.[92]

2010–11

[edit]
Drogba (back centre) preparing for a corner kick against Newcastle United in November 2010

Drogba came on as a substitute for Anelka against Manchester United in the Community Shield, but could not help prevent Chelsea from succumbing to a 3–1 loss.[93] However, he started the Premier League season in fine form, continuing from where he left off on the last day of the previous campaign as he scored a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion in a 6–0 victory.[94] In Chelsea's next game against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium, Drogba made three assists in another 6–0 win.[95]

Drogba played the next game at home against Stoke City where he lasted the whole 90 minutes and scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season when he kicked home a penalty after Nicolas Anelka was brought down by Thomas Sørensen inside the box.[96] On 7 November 2010, Drogba missed the first half of Chelsea's 2–0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield.[97] It was later revealed that he had been suffering from malaria for at least a month. He had first complained of feeling unwell before the October 2010 international break but the illness was only diagnosed on 8 November 2010. Having diagnosed the problem, Chelsea insisted that he would make a full recovery within days.[98]

2011–12

[edit]
Drogba scored the equaliser and the match-winning penalty to win the 2012 UEFA Champions League

While playing against Norwich City on 27 August 2011, Drogba suffered a concussion in a collision with Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy.[99] After missing two games, Drogba made his return to the Chelsea squad on 24 September against Swansea City. Drogba went on scoring his first goal of the season in a 4–1 win.[100][101] On 29 November, Drogba rejected a new deal with Chelsea and was set to sign for the highest bidder.[102] On 31 December 2011, Drogba scored his 150th goal for Chelsea against Aston Villa, putting him level with Peter Osgood and Roy Bentley in terms of the club's top scorers of all time. Even though, Chelsea was leading with the penalty scored by Drobga, the game ended in a 3–1 loss for Chelsea.[103] Drogba scored his 99th Premier League goal for Chelsea on 25 February 2012, in a 3–0 win over Bolton Wanderers.[104] Drogba scored his 100th Premier League goal for Chelsea on 10 March 2012, in a 1–0 win over Stoke City. He is the first African player to reach that landmark.[105]

In the dressing room before a big game, it was a different Didier, he was like an animal. His preparation, the intensity in his eyes, and then he always produced.

—Teammate Frank Lampard on Drogba (who scored nine goals in nine finals for Chelsea) delivering in big games.[18]

Drogba scored his seventh goal at Wembley Stadium against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 15 April, blasting the ball past former teammate Carlo Cudicini as Chelsea became 5–1 winners and secured a place in the FA Cup Final against Liverpool.[106] Three days later, he scored a vital goal as Chelsea beat Barcelona 1–0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Semi-final clash.[107] Drogba became the first player to score in four different FA Cup Finals, as he netted the winner in Chelsea's 2–1 triumph over Liverpool on 5 May.[108] Drogba also holds the record for most goals scored at the new Wembley Stadium with eight.[109]

In the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on 19 May 2012, with Chelsea finding themselves 1–0 down, Drogba scored the equaliser from Juan Mata's corner in the 88th minute, taking the game into extra time, where he then gave away a penalty for Bayern after fouling Franck Ribéry in the box; former teammate Arjen Robben's shot was saved by Petr Čech. The game went to a penalty shootout, where he scored the winning penalty to give Chelsea their first Champions League trophy.[110] Sir Alex Ferguson remarked: "As far as I was concerned, he [Drogba] won the Champions League for Chelsea."[111] Drogba's headed effort marked his ninth goal in nine cup final appearances for Chelsea, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola spoke after the match about Drogba's ability in big games: "In all their very important matches he has put a stamp on it."[112] In November 2012, Drogba was named Chelsea's greatest ever player in a poll of 20,000 fans conducted by Chelsea FC Magazine.[113]

Shanghai Shenhua

[edit]
Drogba (left) playing for Shanghai Shenhua in July 2012

On 22 May 2012, Chelsea released a note on their official website announcing that Drogba would leave the club when his contract expired at the end of June 2012.[114][115] On 19 June 2012, Drogba declared he would be joining Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, linking up with his former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka. It was reported that he signed a two-and-a-half-year deal where he would earn £200,000 a week.[116][117] On 22 July, Drogba made his debut for Shanghai Shenhua in a 1–1 away draw against Guangzhou R&F, coming on as a substitute for Brazilian defender Moisés in the second half. He assisted Cao Yunding's equaliser in the 67th minute. On 4 August, he scored his first two goals in a 5–1 win against Hangzhou Greentown.[118] He scored two more goals on 25 August, both set up by Anelka, as Shenhua drew 3–3 with Shandong Luneng.[119][120]

Galatasaray

[edit]

On 28 January 2013, Drogba agreed to a one-and-a-half-year deal with Süper Lig team Galatasaray.[121][122] He would earn a sign-on fee of €4 million plus basic wage of €4 million per season, €2 million for the remaining 2012–13 Süper Lig and €15,000 per match.[123] However, on 30 January 2013, Shenhua released a press release that Drogba would unilaterally breach his contract if he were to join Galatasaray.[124]

Drogba playing in the UEFA Champions League last 16 for Galatasaray in March 2014

Drogba argued that he had not been paid his wages by the club and asked FIFA, the sport's governing body, to invalidate his contract. In February 2013, FIFA granted a temporary license for him to play for Galatasaray pending the outcome of the contract dispute.[125][126][127]

On 15 February, Drogba scored his debut goal for Galatasaray just five minutes after coming off the bench against Akhisar Belediyespor in a match that ended 2–1.[128] On 9 April, Drogba scored his first goal for Galatasaray in the Champions League quarter-final game, against Real Madrid. On 20 April, Drogba scored twice in a match against Elazigspor that ended 3–1.[129]

He won his first title with Galatasaray on 5 May, with a 4–2 win over Sivasspor.[130] In Galatasary's derby match against Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe on 12 May, Drogba and his Ivorian teammate Emmanuel Eboue were subjects of racist chants from opposing fans in the team's 2–1 loss, but no fine or bans were handed down to the supporters or the club.[131] On 11 August, he scored the only goal in the 2013 Turkish Super Cup against the same opponents,[132] and he scored two second-half goals in a 2–1 away win against fellow city rivals Beşiktaş on 22 September, although the match was abandoned due to hooliganism from fans of the opponents.[133]

Return to Chelsea

[edit]
Drogba (far right) playing for Chelsea in November 2014

On 25 July 2014, Chelsea announced on their official website that Drogba completed his return to the club on a free transfer, and signed a one-year contract.[9] Speaking on his move back to the club, Drogba said:

It was an easy decision. I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with José Mourinho again. Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me.

Mourinho also commented on the transfer, saying: "He's coming because he's one of the best strikers in Europe. I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he's not protected by history or what he's done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history."[10] On 28 July 2014, Chelsea announced that Drogba would wear the number 15 shirt which he wore when he first signed for the club in 2004.[134] Mohamed Salah, who wore the number during the 2013–14 season, took over the number 17 shirt vacated by Eden Hazard.[135] On 15 August, however, it was announced that Drogba had been given back the number 11 shirt he previously wore at the club, with its previous occupant Oscar taking over the number 8 jersey vacated by Frank Lampard.[136]

Drogba and John Terry holding the Premier League trophy in May 2015

Drogba made his Premier League return for Chelsea in a 3–1 win away to Burnley, replacing winger Eden Hazard in the 84th minute at Turf Moor on 18 August 2014.[137] On 17 September he made the first start of his second spell, in a 1–1 home draw against Schalke 04 in Chelsea's first game of the Champions League group stage.[138] He scored his first goal in his second spell at Stamford Bridge on 21 October, converting a penalty kick in a 6–0 win over Maribor in the Champions League.[139] Five days later, with Chelsea's attack limited by injuries to Diego Costa and Loïc Rémy, Drogba started against Manchester United at Old Trafford, making his 350th appearance for the club. Early in the second-half, he headed in the first Premier League goal of his second spell although Robin van Persie equalised in added time.[140] He scored his 50th goal in European football against Schalke 04.[141]

On 24 May 2015, Drogba announced that Chelsea's final game of the season against Sunderland would be his last as a Chelsea player.[142] He started the game as captain and was substituted with injury after half an hour, being carried off by his teammates in an eventual 3–1 win.[143] Drogba's final total of 104 goals was the most by an African in Premier League history until it was surpassed by Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah in 2021.[144]

Montreal Impact

[edit]

On 27 July 2015, Drogba signed a Designated Player contract with Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact, believed to be 18 months in length.[145][146] On 23 August, he made his debut in a 0–1 home loss against the Philadelphia Union, coming on as a substitute for Dilly Duka in the second half. On 5 September, Drogba scored a hat-trick on his first MLS start, the first player to do so in the league's history. Additionally, it was considered a "perfect hat-trick", with one goal scored with either foot and one with the head.[147] He was September's MLS Player of the Month after scoring 7 goals in his first 5 games in the league.[148]

Drogba during the 2016 MLS All-Star Game

On 25 October, he scored both of the Impact's goals from back heels as the team came from behind to defeat Toronto FC 2–1 at home in the Canadian Classique; the win gave Montreal the home advantage for their knock-out fixture against Toronto in the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs. Drogba finished the 2015 MLS regular season with 11 goals in 11 games.[149] On 29 October, Drogba scored Montreal's third goal in a 3–0 home win over Toronto in the knock-out round of the Playoffs, to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals for the first time in the club's history;[150] they were eliminated by Columbus Crew SC.[151] He was named one of the three finalists for the 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.[152]

During the MLS offseason, recently appointed Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink revealed interest in bringing on Drogba in a short-term coaching capacity after Drogba made a visit to Stamford Bridge to watch a Chelsea match with Hiddink and owner Roman Abramovich.[153] Montreal then reiterated their intent for Drogba to finish his contract with the club,[154] but were left uncertain until Drogba publicly confirmed his intent to play with Montreal for the 2016 MLS season on 3 March 2016.[155][156] After beginning his preseason training in Qatar away from the club, Drogba joined the Impact for the second half of their preseason training in St. Petersburg, Florida.[157] On 3 March, club technical director Adam Braz announced that Drogba would not play matches on artificial turf to begin the season due to possible implications on his knee.[156]

In July 2016, Drogba was included in the roster for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game,[158] scoring in a 2–1 defeat to Arsenal on 28 July.[159] On 14 October, following his exclusion from the starting lineup of a match against Toronto FC by manager Mauro Biello, Drogba refused to play for the team that night, removing his name from the squad.[160] With both his fitness, due to a lingering back injury, and his role in the team in question, Drogba did not travel with the team to, although he was in attendance at, their first postseason match at D.C. United, a 4–2 victory on 27 October.[161][162] Drogba did not experience the same level of success in his second regular season compared to the first, but still scored 10 goals while appearing in only 22 games, as Montreal reached the Conference Final of the 2016 Playoffs.

Phoenix Rising

[edit]

On 12 April 2017, after nearly four months as a free agent and declining a move to Brazilian side Corinthians,[163] Drogba signed for USL side Phoenix Rising FC. He also became a minority owner of the club, making him the first player-owner in football history.[164][165]

He made his debut for the club on 10 June 2017, and scored a goal and an assist, leading the team to a 2–1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.[166] In July 2017 Drogba attracted attention after scoring an impressive last-minute free kick in a game against Orange County to tie the game.[167] On 7 August, he scored with a powerful 40-yard free kick against LA Galaxy reserve side which was followed by his classic knee-slide goal celebration in front of the bench.[168] In November 2018, at the age of 40, Drogba scored against Orange County as Phoenix won the USL Western Conference.[169] On 8 November, Phoenix lost the USL Championship game 1–0 at Louisville City FC. Drogba retired later that month at the age of 40,[170] but remained with his final club to work on their bid to join MLS.[5]

International career

[edit]
Drogba (pictured playing for the Ivory Coast in 2012) was named captain in 2006.

As the talisman of the team Drogba contributed to the Ivory Coast qualifying for its first ever FIFA World Cup, held in Germany in 2006.[171] Following the victory over Sudan that clinched World Cup qualification he also played a pivotal role in helping to end the Ivorian civil war by making an impassioned speech to the camera which resulted in a cease fire.[18]

In February 2006, Drogba captained the Ivory Coast to their second Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring the only goal in their semi-final match with Nigeria and putting away the deciding spot-kick in their record-tying 12–11 penalty shootout quarter-final win over Cameroon. However, they lost in the final to Egypt 4–2 on penalty kicks after a 0–0 draw, with Drogba's shot being stopped by Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.[172]

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Ivory Coast were drawn in a "group of death" with Serbia and Montenegro, the Netherlands and Argentina.[173] On 10 June 2006, Drogba scored the first World Cup goal of his career and of his country's history in the opening game against Argentina, but his team lost 2–1.[174] The Ivory Coast were eliminated from the World Cup after their next game, a 2–1 defeat to the Netherlands, but came from 0–2 down to win against Serbia and Montenegro 3–2 in their final group game, with Drogba watching from the sidelines following suspension after picking up a yellow card in the previous two games.[175]

In the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast were drawn in a group with Nigeria, Mali and underdogs Benin. Drogba scored two goals in the group stage, opening the scoring in the 4–1 win over Benin,[176] as well as in the 3–0 win over Mali.[177] In the quarter-finals, Drogba was on the score sheet once again in the 5–0 win over Guinea with the last four goals coming in the final twenty minutes.[178] The semi-final was a rematch of the 2006 final against Egypt, but it was to be the end of the road for Drogba and the Ivory Coast, losing 4–1 to the eventual champions.[179] On 9 February, Drogba lost 4–2 to hosts Ghana and thus ended their run in the playoffs.[180]

Drogba scored six goals in five qualification games to help the Ivory Coast qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations Drogba scored one goal in the 3–1 victory against Ghana in the group stage. The Ivory Coast reached the quarter-finals but lost 2–3 to Algeria.[181][182] In March 2010, he was named as the 2009 African Footballer of the Year, his second time winning the award in his career.[183]

On 4 June 2010, Drogba was injured in a friendly match with Japan. He received the injury in a high challenge from defender Túlio Tanaka. He fractured the ulna in his right arm and had an operation the next day in the hope of making the finals.[184] On 15 June 2010, Drogba was cleared by FIFA to play in the Ivory Coast's first group game against Portugal wearing a protective cast on his broken arm.[185] The match ended in a goalless draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with Drogba coming on in the 65th minute.[186] On 20 June 2010, Drogba became the first player from an African nation to score against Brazil in a World Cup match, scoring with a header in the 78th minute as the Ivory Coast were defeated 1–3.[187][188] On 25 June 2010, the Ivory Coast went out of the competition despite winning 3–0 against North Korea in their final match.[189]

In the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast were drawn in a group with Sudan, Angola and Burkina Faso. Drogba scored the first goal for his team in the tournament against Sudan and his only goal in the group stage. In the quarter-finals, Drogba scored twice in the 3–0 win over Equatorial Guinea but he missed a penalty kick where he could have scored hat-trick in the match and tournament. He did not score in the semi-final in which the Ivory Coast beat Mali 1–0. In the final against Zambia, Drogba missed a penalty kick in the last 15 minutes of the game, which ended with their loss for the second time by penalty shootout.[190]

In June 2014, Drogba was named in the Ivory Coast's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[191] He won his 100th international cap in a pre-tournament friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, scoring a penalty kick in his side's 2–1 loss on 2 June.[192] In the Ivory Coast's opening match, he appeared as a second-half substitute with the team trailing 1–0 to Japan. Within five minutes of Drogba's arrival, Les Éléphants scored twice to win the match 2–1.[193] On 8 August 2014, Drogba announced his retirement from international football with a record of 65 goals in 105 appearances.[1][17]

Style of play

[edit]
Drogba holding against Bayern Munich during the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final

Drogba made his debut into football at the age of 21, much later than most footballers.[194] He was known for his physical strength, aerial abilities, pace, and most notably, his powerful and accurate strikes.[195][196] He played as a right-back in his youth due to his ability to hold the ball with his back to goal. He often played as a centre-forward throughout his professional career and is referred to as a "target man" by Martin Li of Bleacher Report.[197][198][199] Richard Beech of the Daily Mirror says that his "powerful and intrusive approach made him the lone striker José Mourinho grew to admire, and made it nearly impossible for opposing teams to isolate him and freeze him out of the game."[200] Carl Anka of the BBC writes, "Drogba's robust playing style was so effective that he spearheaded the movement of the Premier League from the 4–4–2 era to a time where [sic] the 4–3–2–1 formation was king."[18]

Drogba in 2011 with Chelsea. He wore the number 11 jersey for most of his club and international career.

Drogba is known for performing in big games, with a record of 10 goals in 10 finals and winning 10 trophies.[11][12] Carl Anka writes, "Local derbies, top four six-pointers, title challenges or cup finals — if the game was big, Drogba got bigger".[18] Drogba was also capable of assisting his teammates. Between the 2009–10 and 2011–12 seasons, he provided 24 assists in the Premier League, with a successful pass rate of 61.4%.[201] He provided a total of 71 assists during his Chelsea tenure.[202]

Drogba is often ranked one of the top three greatest African strikers, with George Weah (left) and Samuel Eto'o (right).[196][203]

Drogba was known for taking free kicks. Dr. Ken Bray of the University of Bath has referred to him as a free kick specialist and said that, "he really just passes the ball very hard". He adds, "He hits it [the ball] very straight and appears to hit the ball with a very powerful side-foot action, almost like the technique used in a side-foot pass. Drogba's style is about beating the goalkeeper with speed and depth."[204] Bleacher Report states that he used the "knuckleball" technique developed by Juninho Pernambucano.[205] Drogba's trademark goal celebration saw him slide on his knees accompanied with an arm pump and a salute to fans – his celebration appears in EA Sports' FIFA video game.[168][206]

Drogba is widely regarded as one of the three greatest African strikers alongside George Weah and Samuel Eto'o.[196][203] Drogba's robust playing style has made him the toughest striker to face for many defenders, including Gerard Piqué,[207] Carles Puyol,[208] Chris Smalling,[209] Nemanja Vidić,[210] and Laurent Koscielny.[211]

Outside football

[edit]

Personal and family life

[edit]
Drogba signing a football at a press conference in Moscow, July 2018

Drogba was married to Lalla Diakité, a Malian woman whom he met in Paris, and the couple had three children together. His eldest son, Isaac, was born in France in 1999, grew up in England, and played in the Chelsea academy system.[21] He signed for French club Guingamp in February 2018.[212] Drogba has two younger brothers who are also footballers: Joël and Freddy Drogba. Freddy, born in 1992, played in French Ligue 1 side Dijon FCO.[213][214][215][216] He is a devout Roman Catholic.[217][218] His uncle Michel Goba was a professional footballer and Ivorian international. His cousin Kévin Goba (Michel's son) was also a professional footballer who played in the lower leagues of France.[219] In a statement posted on Instagram in January 2021, Drogba confirmed his divorce with his wife Lalla, stating that they had a mutual agreement. “I'm not in the habit of discussing my private life. But because of speculation in the media today, I can confirm that sadly, after 20 years together, Lalla and I took the difficult decision to separate last year... We remain very close and our main priorities have been to protect our children and our family's private life. May God bless you.”[220]

Philanthropy

[edit]

Some players win trophies. Others inspire people. It is not hyperbole to say Didier Drogba did both and helped to end a civil war.

—Carl Anka for the BBC, Didier Drogba was the 'clutch' centre-forward who united a nation.[18]

Drogba is credited with helping bring peace to his country.[221] After the Ivory Coast qualified for the 2006 World Cup by defeating Sudan on 8 October 2005, Drogba made a desperate plea to the combatants, asking them to lay down their arms, a plea which was answered with a ceasefire after five years of civil war.[18] Carl Anka writes, "torn by religious and political tensions, Drogba seized a unifying moment for his country and invited TV cameras into the Elephants changing room where he made a speech to the camera. The man spoke and a nation listened — the elections went off without bloodshed."[18] Drogba helped move an African Cup of Nations qualifier match to the stadium of Bouake, a move that helped confirm the peace process.[222] On 24 January 2007, Drogba was appointed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Goodwill Ambassador. The UNDP were impressed with his charity work and believed that he would help raise awareness on African issues.[223] His involvement in the peace process led to Time magazine naming Drogba one of the world's 100 most influential people for 2010.[224]

Sponsored by Nike and sporting their Nike Mercurial Vapor boots, Drogba teamed up with Nike and U2 frontman Bono to support an AIDS charity.

Drogba's charity work continued when, in late 2009, he announced he would be donating the £3 million signing on fee for his endorsement of Pepsi for the construction of a hospital in his hometown of Abidjan.[225] This work was done through Drogba's recently created "Didier Drogba Foundation" and Chelsea announced they too would donate the fee for the deal toward the Foundation's project. Drogba decided on building the hospital after a recent trip to the Ivorian capital's other hospitals, saying "I decided the Foundation's first project should be to build and fund a hospital giving people basic healthcare and a chance just to stay alive."[225] The same year, Drogba teamed up with sportswear company Nike (whom he is sponsored by) and U2 frontman Bono on the eve of World AIDS Day to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.[226] Drogba said, "It's a big honour and pleasure for me to be linked with Bono and try to help him save some lives. AIDS and HIV is something that really destroyed Africa, and people don't really realise how easy it is to save lives — only two pills a day, which is 40 cents."[226]

In November 2014, Drogba appeared in FIFA's "11 against Ebola" campaign with a selection of top football players from around the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Gareth Bale and Xavi.[227] Under the slogan "Together, we can beat Ebola", FIFA's campaign was done in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football and health experts, with the players holding up eleven messages to raise awareness of the disease and ways to combat it.[227] On 22 February 2018, Drogba, former AC Milan striker and current Liberia President George Weah, and teenage French prodigy Kylian Mbappé had a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Élysée Palace in Paris that focused on a sports development project in Africa.[228][229]

Drogba (left) interviewed during the Peace and Sport international forum in 2017. He was appointed Vice President of the organisation the following year.

As a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Drogba has taken part in the annual Match Against Poverty alongside Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. He has appeared in the 2012 and 2015 games.[230] Levallois Sporting Club, the amateur club where Drogba began his career, used their percentage of his transfer fees  including £600,000 out of the £24 million paid when he joined Chelsea – first to ensure the club's survival, and then to improve their stadium to incorporate modern sports facilities for the benefit of the local community. They renamed the new stadium Stade Didier Drogba after him.[231]

In 2018, Drogba was appointed Vice President of Peace and Sport, an independent organisation based in Monaco and under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco that works in areas around the world where people are estranged from one another.[232] In June 2021, he received an honorary degree from RUSTA, due to his contributions to football and to the restoration of peace to his country.[233]

Media

[edit]

On 2 December 2019, Drogba co-hosted the 2019 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris alongside journalist Sandy Heribert.[234] On 29 November 2021, the duo co-hosted the next ceremony in 2021 which saw Lionel Messi receive the men's award for a record seventh time whilst Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d'Or Féminin.[235][236] Drogba and Heribert would also host the 2023 and 2024 editions of the award.[237]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[citation needed]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Others Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Le Mans 1998–99 French Division 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 — — 2 0
1999–2000 French Division 2 30 7 0 0 2 0 — — 32 7
2000–01 French Division 2 11 0 3 1 0 0 — — 14 1
2001–02 French Division 2 21 5 1 1 2 1 — — 24 7
Total 64 12 4 2 4 1 — — 72 15
Guingamp 2001–02 French Division 1 11 3 0 0 0 0 — — 11 3
2002–03 Ligue 1 34 17 3 4 2 0 — — 39 21
Total 45 20 3 4 2 0 — — 50 24
Marseille 2003–04 Ligue 1 35 19 2 1 2 1 16[c] 11 — 55 32
Chelsea 2004–05 Premier League 26 10 2 0 4 1 9[d] 5 0 0 41 16
2005–06 Premier League 29 12 3 1 1 0 7[d] 1 1[e] 2 41 16
2006–07 Premier League 36 20 6 3 5 4 12[d] 6 1[e] 0 60 33
2007–08 Premier League 19 8 1 0 1 1 11[d] 6 0 0 32 15
2008–09 Premier League 24 5 6 3 2 1 10[d] 5 0 0 42 14
2009–10 Premier League 32 29 4 3 2 2 5[d] 3 1[e] 0 44 37
2010–11 Premier League 36 11 2 0 0 0 7[d] 2 1[e] 0 46 13
2011–12 Premier League 24 5 3 2 0 0 8[d] 6 0 0 35 13
Total 226 100 27 12 15 9 69 34 4 2 341 157
Shanghai Shenhua 2012 Chinese Super League 11 8 0 0 — — — 11 8
Galatasaray 2012–13 Süper Lig 13 5 0 0 — 4[d] 1 0 0 17 6
2013–14 Süper Lig 24 10 3 1 — 8[d] 2 1[f] 1 36 14
Total 37 15 3 1 — 12 3 1 1 53 20
Chelsea 2014–15 Premier League 28 4 2 0 5 1 5[d] 2 0 0 40 7
Montreal Impact 2015 MLS 11 11 0 0 — 0 0 3[g] 1 14 12
2016 MLS 22 10 2 1 — 0 0 3[g] 0 27 11
Total 33 21 2 1 — 0 0 6 1 41 23
Phoenix Rising 2017 USL 13 9 0 0 — — 1[h] 1 14 10
2018 USL 8 4 0 0 — — 4[h] 3 12 7
Total 21 13 0 0 — — 5 4 26 17
Career total 500 212 43 21 28 12 102 50 16 8 689 303
  1. ^ Includes Coupe de France, FA Cup, Turkish Cup, Canadian Championship
  2. ^ Includes Coupe de la Ligue, Football League Cup
  3. ^ Eight appearances and five goals in UEFA Champions League, eight appearances and six goals in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ a b c d Appearance in FA Community Shield
  6. ^ Appearance in Turkish Super Cup
  7. ^ a b Appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs
  8. ^ a b Appearance(s) in USL Playoffs

International

[edit]
See also: List of international goals scored by Didier Drogba
Source:[1]
National Team Year Friendlies International
Competition 		Total
App Goals App Goals App Goals
Ivory Coast 2002 0 0 1 0 1 0
2003 4 1 3 3 7 4
2004 3 3 4 3 7 6
2005 3 1 5 6 8 7
2006 7 4 8 4 15 8
2007 6 3 2 1 8 4
2008 2 1 6 3 8 4
2009 1 1 5 6 6 7
2010 5 2 6 2 11 4
2011 2 1 3 4 5 5
2012 4 2 10 7 14 9
2013 2 1 7 3 9 4
2014 3 3 3 0 6 3
Total 42 23 63 42 105 65

Honours

[edit]
Drogba holding the European Cup following Chelsea's penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich
Drogba banner made by Chelsea's fans

Marseille

Chelsea

Galatasaray

Phoenix Rising

Ivory Coast

Individual

Records

[edit]

Chelsea

[edit]
  • Most goals scored by a non-English player: 164 goals.[302]
  • Most goals scored in Cup Finals: 9 goals.[303]
  • Most goals scored in European club competitions: 36 goals.[304][305]
  • Most Premier League hat-tricks: 3 hat-tricks (shared-record).[306]
  • Most Premier League goals in a season: 29 goals in 2009–10.[307]
  • Most Premier League Golden Boot wins: 2 (2006–07 and 2009–10).
  • Most Premier League away goals scored in a season: 15 in 2009–10.[308]
  • Most goals in all competitions in a season by a foreign player: 37 goals in 2009–10.[309]
  • First player to score a Champions League hat-trick.[310]
  • Oldest player to score in the Champions League: 36 years, 8 months, 14 days.[311]

Other

[edit]
  • Most goals and assists combined for with another player in the Premier League: 36 with Frank Lampard.[312]
  • One of seven players to score an opening weekend Premier League hat-trick.[313]
  • One of six players to score a hat-trick in consecutive Premier League games.[314]
  • The only player score in and win both English domestic cup finals in the same season.[315]
  • The only player to score in three League Cup finals.[316]
  • The only player to score in four FA Cup finals.[317]
  • Most goals scored at the New Wembley Stadium: 8 goals.[318]
  • Oldest African goalscorer in the Champions League: 36 years and 259 days old.[319]
  • Most appearances in the Champions League by an African player: 94 matches.[320]
  • One of eleven players to score hat-tricks for multiple clubs in the Champions League.[321]
  • Ivory Coast national team all-time top scorer: 65 goals.[322]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Didier Drogba

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Didier Yves Drogba Tébily (born 11 March 1978) is a retired Ivorian professional footballer who played predominantly as a striker.[1][2] He rose to prominence during his tenure with Chelsea FC from 2004 to 2012 and briefly in 2014–2015, where he scored 164 goals in 381 appearances, becoming the club's highest-scoring overseas player, and secured four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and the 2012 UEFA Champions League—capping the latter triumph with the equalizing goal and decisive penalty in the final against Bayern Munich.[3][4] As captain of the Ivory Coast national team, Drogba holds the record for most international goals with 65 in 105 caps, leading the side to three FIFA World Cup appearances and two Africa Cup of Nations finals.[5][6] Beyond football, he advocated for national unity during Ivory Coast's civil conflict, notably delivering a televised plea for peace following qualification for the 2006 World Cup that contributed to a temporary ceasefire.[7] Twice named African Footballer of the Year (2006 and 2009), Drogba's physical prowess, aerial ability, and clutch performances in high-stakes matches defined his legacy as one of Africa's most accomplished exports to European football.[4]

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Didier Yves Drogba Tébily was born on March 11, 1978, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to parents Albert and Clotilde Drogba, both employed in banking.[8][9] His family resided in the Ébrié Lagoon area of the capital, where economic challenges were prevalent in the household during his early years.[1] Known as "Tito" among family and friends in childhood, Drogba grew up in a large family as one of at least seven siblings, including six older brothers and sisters and younger brothers such as Joël, Freddy, and Jo.[9][10] At age five, Drogba was sent to live with his uncle, Michel Goba, a professional footballer, in the Paris suburb of Antony, France, amid his parents' financial struggles in Ivory Coast.[11][12] This arrangement separated him from his immediate family for a decade, during which he adapted to life in a modest apartment with his uncle's family, sharing a room and facing typical immigrant hardships in suburban France. Drogba returned briefly to Ivory Coast around age 15 but rejoined his extended family in 1991 when his parents and six older siblings relocated from Abidjan to France, settling together in the country.[9] His Ivorian heritage remained central, influencing his identity despite the formative years spent abroad.[1]

Youth Development and Early Moves

Drogba's introduction to organized football occurred relatively late, as he began playing team football more consistently around the age of 15 after initial casual involvement influenced by his uncle, a professional player in Brest, France. Having moved from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to France at age five to live with family, he initially prioritized education over sport, attending school while sporadically participating in local youth games. His early development lacked the structured academy pathways common to many elite prospects, instead featuring stints with smaller clubs such as SC Abbeville and Vannes OC before settling at Levallois SC, a semi-professional outfit, from 1993 to 1997.[13][12][14] At Levallois, Drogba honed his physical attributes and hold-up play as a forward, though opportunities remained limited amid his balancing of amateur football with studies. In 1997, at age 19, he transferred to Le Mans UC 72, initially joining their youth and reserve setup while pursuing accountancy at university, reflecting a pragmatic approach to career stability over immediate athletic commitment. This period marked a transition from unstructured play to more rigorous training, where he gradually earned senior minutes, scoring in lower-tier matches and attracting scout interest despite not debuting professionally until later.[15][16][12] Drogba signed his first professional contract with Le Mans in 1999 at age 21, making his Ligue 2 debut shortly thereafter and appearing in 64 matches over four seasons, netting 20 goals. This breakthrough validated his self-taught resilience, as he had navigated amateur leagues without the backing of major academies like those at Paris Saint-Germain or Lyon, underscoring a path driven by persistence rather than early elite exposure. His performances at Le Mans, including consistent goal contributions in the 2001–02 season, paved the way for a loan to Guingamp in 2002, signaling the end of his formative phase and entry into higher competitive levels.[1][14]

Club Career

Early Professional Stints in France

Drogba signed his first professional contract with Le Mans in 1999 at age 21, having previously appeared twice for the senior team during his apprenticeship in the 1998–99 Ligue 2 season.[17] In the 1999–2000 campaign, he featured in 30 league matches, scoring seven goals while accumulating 1,454 minutes of play, and added appearances in the Coupe de la Ligue.[13] Over his four seasons at the club through 2002, Drogba recorded 12 goals in 64 league appearances, gradually establishing himself as a physical and promising forward despite the team's mid-table status in the second tier.[18] In January 2002, Drogba transferred to Ligue 1 side Guingamp for a fee of approximately £80,000, marking his step up to top-flight football midway through the 2001–02 season.[19] During the full 2002–03 season, he excelled as the team's focal point, netting 17 goals in 34 league outings and contributing to Guingamp's survival in the division despite their modest resources.[20] His aerial prowess and finishing ability drew attention from larger clubs, with 24 goals across all competitions that year highlighting his breakthrough.[21] On 30 June 2003, Olympique de Marseille acquired Drogba from Guingamp for a reported €6 million (£3.3 million), positioning him as a key signing for their UEFA Champions League campaign.[22] In the 2003–04 Ligue 1 season, he scored 18 goals in 35 appearances, including notable strikes in European competition where he netted five times across six group stage matches against teams like Real Madrid and Porto.[20] Overall, Drogba tallied 32 goals in 55 games for Marseille, demonstrating clinical finishing and physical dominance that propelled the club to a competitive standing before his departure.[6]

Tenure at Chelsea

Didier Drogba transferred to Chelsea from Olympique de Marseille on 20 July 2004 for a club-record fee of £24 million, signing a four-year contract.[23] [24] Over his initial eight-year spell from 2004 to 2012, he appeared in 341 matches and scored 157 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a prolific striker and key figure in the club's success.[3] His contributions included four Premier League titles (three during this period), four FA Cups, three League Cups, and the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League, with notable performances in domestic and European fixtures.[18] In the Premier League alone, Drogba recorded 104 goals in 254 appearances.[25]

2004–2007: Adaptation and Domestic Success

Drogba's early years at Chelsea under manager José Mourinho involved adjusting to the Premier League's intensity, where he initially faced criticism for inconsistent finishing but quickly proved his worth through physical presence and aerial ability.[26] In the 2004–05 season, he contributed to Chelsea's first Premier League title in 50 years, scoring 10 league goals alongside triumphs in the League Cup.[18] The following 2005–06 campaign saw Chelsea retain the Premier League, with Drogba netting 12 league goals, demonstrating improved adaptation. By 2006–07, despite Mourinho's departure, Drogba helped secure the FA Cup, scoring in the final against Manchester United on 19 May 2007, though Chelsea lost on penalties; his overall output included consistent double-digit goal tallies in league play.[4] These seasons highlighted his role in domestic dominance, amassing multiple titles and earning recognition as Chelsea's primary goal threat.[3]

2007–2012: European Triumphs and Peak Performance

Following Mourinho's exit, Drogba navigated transitions under subsequent managers including Luiz Felipe Scolari, Carlo Ancelotti, and André Villas-Boas, maintaining high productivity with 33 Premier League goals in 2009–10, aiding another title win. His tenure peaked in the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League, where Chelsea, managed by Roberto Di Matteo, overcame deficits including Drogba's vital away goal in the quarter-final against Napoli and contributions against Barcelona in the semi-finals.[4] In the final against Bayern Munich on 19 May 2012 at the Allianz Arena, Drogba scored a header in the 88th minute to equalize at 1–1, forcing extra time, before converting the decisive penalty in a 4–3 shootout victory, securing Chelsea's first Champions League title.[3] This performance underscored his clutch scoring ability, with Drogba finishing the competition's knockout stages prominently.[27]

2004–2007: Adaptation and Domestic Success

Didier Drogba transferred to Chelsea from Olympique de Marseille on 20 July 2004 for a fee of £24 million, marking the most expensive signing by the club at the time.[24] [23] He made his competitive debut for Chelsea on 10 August 2004 in a 1–0 away win over Manchester City in the Premier League, entering as a substitute.[28] Initial adaptation proved challenging, with Drogba facing language barriers and dissatisfaction with the club's training facilities, leading to a bumpy integration into the squad under manager José Mourinho.[29] Despite early struggles, Drogba contributed significantly to Chelsea's domestic dominance, scoring 10 goals in 26 Premier League appearances during the 2004–05 season as the team secured their first league title in 50 years.[30] His physical presence and aerial ability complemented the midfield creativity of players like Frank Lampard, aiding Chelsea's record-breaking defensive campaign with only 15 goals conceded in the league.[3] In the subsequent 2005–06 season, Drogba improved his output, forming a key part of the attack that clinched back-to-back Premier League titles, the first such feat in the competition's history.[3] By the 2006–07 season, Drogba had fully adapted, emerging as Chelsea's primary striker and topping the Premier League scoring charts with 20 goals, earning the Golden Boot award.[31] His contributions extended to cup competitions, including a goal in the 2007 FA Cup Final victory over Manchester United, though the team finished as league runners-up that year. Overall, Drogba's early Chelsea years solidified his role as a prolific goalscorer, with 33 goals across all competitions in 2006–07 alone, underpinning the club's sustained domestic success.[31]

2007–2012: European Triumphs and Peak Performance

Drogba's tenure from 2007 to 2012 marked a period of sustained excellence at Chelsea, highlighted by major European and domestic successes despite intermittent injuries. In the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League, he scored six goals, including decisive strikes in the semi-final against Liverpool that propelled Chelsea to the final versus Manchester United on 21 May 2008 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The match ended 1–1 after extra time, with Chelsea losing 6–5 on penalties; Drogba was red-carded in the 117th minute for slapping Nemanja Vidić, depriving his team of a potential equalizer opportunity.[32][4] In the Premier League that season, he netted eight goals in 24 appearances.[33] The 2009–10 campaign under manager Carlo Ancelotti represented Drogba's zenith, as he tallied 29 Premier League goals—earning the Golden Boot—and contributed to Chelsea's first domestic double, clinching the title with a record 103 points and defeating Portsmouth 1–0 in the FA Cup final on 15 May 2010, where he scored the winner.[34][35] His overall goal contributions reached 39 across competitions, underscoring his physical dominance and aerial prowess.[35] The following season saw reduced output due to a season-ending ankle injury in October 2010, limiting him to six league goals.[33] Chelsea's 2011–12 season culminated in historic European glory, with Drogba pivotal in the UEFA Champions League triumph. On 19 May 2012, in the final against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, he headed the 88th-minute equalizer to draw 1–1 and force extra time, then scored the clinching penalty in the 4–3 shootout victory, delivering Chelsea's first Champions League title.[36] He also netted the winner in the FA Cup final against Liverpool on 5 May 2012, securing a domestic trophy amid a third-place Premier League finish where he scored five goals.[18] Across 10 finals in this era, Drogba scored nine goals, establishing his reputation as a clutch performer.[37]

Ventures Abroad and Return

Following his triumphant contribution to Chelsea's 2012 UEFA Champions League victory, Drogba signed a two-year contract with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua on June 20, 2012, reuniting with former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka.[38] In his brief stint, he appeared in 11 matches across all competitions, scoring 8 goals, but expressed dissatisfaction with the league's competitive level and logistical challenges.[39] Contract disputes arose when Shanghai Shenhua demanded a substantial transfer fee for a potential loan return to Europe, leading Drogba to terminate his deal in January 2013 after only six months.[39] Drogba then transferred to Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray on January 28, 2013, agreeing to an 18-month contract reportedly worth £8.5 million.[40] He quickly integrated, scoring the winning goal in the 2013 Turkish Cup final against Trabzonspor on May 15, 2013, securing a 4-2 victory and earning man-of-the-match honors.[39] Over 53 appearances in the 2013-14 season across league, cup, and European competitions, Drogba contributed 20 goals and 13 assists, helping Galatasaray win the Süper Lig title that year despite disciplinary issues, including multiple red cards for aggressive play.[27] His physical presence and clutch scoring in derbies endeared him to fans, though injuries limited his consistency.[41] On July 25, 2014, Drogba returned to Chelsea on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract at age 36 to serve as a mentor and squad player under manager José Mourinho.[42] He featured in 32 Premier League matches, starting 10, and scored 4 goals, often as a substitute in key fixtures, contributing to Chelsea's 2014-15 Premier League title win—their first since 2010—while providing leadership amid a squad rebuild.[43] Despite offers to extend, Drogba declined, citing family priorities and a desire for new challenges. Drogba joined Major League Soccer's Montreal Impact as a designated player on July 27, 2015, on a free transfer with a contract through 2016, plus a club option for 2017.[44] The move boosted attendance and visibility for the club, with Drogba debuting on August 22, 2015, and immediately impacting play, though turf concerns delayed his full integration.[45]

Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray

In June 2012, following the expiration of his Chelsea contract, Drogba signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua, reportedly worth approximately £220,000 per week.[46] He made his debut on 22 July 2012 as a substitute in a 1–1 draw away to Guangzhou R&F.[39] Over the next six months, Drogba appeared in 11 league matches, scoring 8 goals, though his overall involvement was limited amid reported dissatisfaction with training conditions and team performance.[39] Shenhua finished 12th in the league that season, and Drogba's stint ended prematurely when he sought a return to European football.[47] On 28 January 2013, Drogba transferred to Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray on an 18-month contract, with Shenhua initially resisting the move before agreeing to release him.[39] He debuted on 16 February 2013, scoring after just five minutes in a 2–1 league win over Orduspor and providing an assist for the second goal.[48] In the 2012–13 season, Drogba contributed to Galatasaray's Süper Lig title, scoring 6 league goals in 11 appearances, and netted the decisive goal in the Turkish Cup final against Fenerbahçe on 15 May 2013, securing a 1–0 victory. The following season, 2013–14, he added 10 league goals in 26 matches as Galatasaray defended their Süper Lig crown.[49] Drogba's European impact included Champions League goals, such as his first on 9 April 2013 against Real Madrid and a brace on 20 April 2013 versus Sivasspor.[50] Across all competitions during his 18 months at Galatasaray, he recorded 20 goals in 53 appearances, earning acclaim for revitalizing the team's attack despite his age of 35.[49] His contract expired in July 2014, leading to a free transfer back to Chelsea.[51]

Brief Return to Chelsea and MLS Move

Didier Drogba rejoined Chelsea on 25 July 2014, signing a one-year contract as a free agent after departing Galatasaray.[42] The move reunited him with manager José Mourinho, who had previously coached him during his initial successful tenure at the club from 2004 to 2012.[52] At age 36, Drogba returned primarily as a backup to primary striker Diego Costa, serving in a squad depth and mentorship role.[43] In the 2014–15 season, Drogba appeared in 40 matches across all competitions, starting 20 and substituting in 20, while scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists.[53] His contributions included key substitute roles in Premier League victories and starts in domestic cup ties, aiding Chelsea's successful campaign that secured the Premier League title—their first since 2010—and the League Cup.[18] Drogba's experience proved valuable in high-stakes fixtures, though his minutes were limited due to Costa's dominance and occasional injuries.[54] Following the expiration of his Chelsea contract in June 2015, Drogba transferred to Major League Soccer's Montreal Impact on 27 July 2015 as a free agent, after the club acquired his discovery rights from the Chicago Fire.[45] The 37-year-old signed a deal reportedly worth over $3 million annually, marking his entry into North American professional football and a shift toward a less physically demanding league in the later stages of his career.[55] [56]

Final Playing Years in North America

Drogba signed with the Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer on July 9, 2015, as a designated player, marking his entry into North American professional football after a brief return to Chelsea.[57] In his debut season, he scored 11 goals in 11 regular-season appearances, leading the league with 1.14 goals per 90 minutes and helping the Impact reach the MLS playoffs for the first time since 2013.[13] Over two seasons with Montreal (2015–2016), Drogba recorded 22 goals and 7 assists in 41 matches across all competitions, including playoffs where he contributed to a knockout-round victory before the team was eliminated.[21] Following the 2016 MLS season, Drogba transitioned to the United Soccer League's Phoenix Rising FC in April 2017, acquiring a minority ownership stake alongside his playing role. In 26 appearances over the 2017 and 2018 seasons, he scored 16 goals and provided 5 assists, aiding the team's promotion push in the second-tier league.[21] His tenure included notable playoff contributions, such as goals in postseason matches, though Phoenix did not secure promotion during his involvement.[58] Drogba announced his retirement from professional football on November 22, 2018, at age 40, concluding a 20-year career that spanned Europe, Asia, and North America.[59] His North American stint elevated the profile of MLS and USL clubs, drawing increased attendance and media attention to Montreal and Phoenix.[60]

International Career

Emergence with Ivory Coast National Team

Didier Drogba earned his first senior call-up to the Ivory Coast national team, Les Éléphants, in 2002 while playing club football for Guingamp. He made his debut on 8 September 2002 in a 0–0 draw against South Africa in a qualifier for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Abidjan.[61] His physicality and aerial ability were immediately evident, though he did not score in the match.[62] Drogba registered his first international goal on 11 February 2003, during a 3–0 friendly win over Cameroon in Châteauroux, France, marking the beginning of his prolific scoring record for the national side.[61] This strike came amid a period of transition for Les Éléphants, who were building a "golden generation" of talent including Aruna Dindane and Salomon Kalou, but Drogba's emergence provided a focal point in attack.[7] His breakthrough arrived in World Cup qualifying campaigns, where he demonstrated clinical finishing and leadership. On 8 June 2003, Drogba scored a hat-trick in a 6–1 rout of Burundi in Abidjan, propelling Ivory Coast toward continental contention.[61] Further goals followed, including one in a 2–0 victory over Libya on 6 June 2004, solidifying his role as the team's primary goal threat.[61] Between 2002 and 2005, he recorded 15 goals in 22 appearances, with many in decisive qualifiers that underscored his growing influence.[61] These performances, coupled with his rising club form after transferring to Olympique de Marseille in 2003, transformed Drogba into Les Éléphants' talisman, earning him widespread recognition as the face of Ivorian football by mid-decade.[18] His contributions were instrumental in qualifying Ivory Coast for their debut FIFA World Cup in 2006, highlighting a shift from peripheral involvement to central dominance in the squad's attack.[61][62]

Key Tournaments and Leadership Role

Drogba assumed the role of captain for the Ivory Coast national team in 2006, a leadership position he maintained through his international retirement in 2014, guiding a talented "golden generation" squad that included players like Yaya Touré and Salomon Kalou.[63][64] As skipper, he emphasized team unity and performance in high-stakes competitions, though the Elephants fell short of winning a major trophy despite frequent deep runs.[65] His captaincy coincided with Ivory Coast's emergence as an African powerhouse, qualifying for two FIFA World Cups and reaching two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Drogba led Ivory Coast in their historic debut, the nation's first appearance at the tournament after a 3–1 qualification victory over Sudan on October 8, 2005.[66] The team advanced from a challenging Group C featuring Argentina, the Netherlands, and Serbia and Montenegro, with Drogba scoring in a 3–2 group-stage win over Serbia and Montenegro on June 21, 2006, despite an early injury limiting his participation against Argentina.[7] Ivory Coast exited in the group stage on goal difference, having earned four points from three matches.[67] Drogba's leadership extended to the 2006 AFCON, where he captained Ivory Coast to the final in Egypt, scoring the lone goal in a 2–1 semifinal victory over Nigeria on February 7, 2006.[68] The Elephants lost the final 0–0 (2–4 on penalties) to Egypt on February 10, 2006, denying Drogba an early continental title.[7] Four years later, at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, he again wore the armband in Group G against Brazil, Portugal, and North Korea, contributing a goal in a 3–0 win over North Korea on June 25, 2010, but an arm injury sidelined him for the Brazil match, and the team again bowed out in the group phase with four points.[69] The 2012 AFCON represented another pinnacle under Drogba's captaincy, as Ivory Coast reached the final in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, defeating favorites like Sudan and Equatorial Guinea en route but falling 0–0 (8–11 on penalties) to Zambia on February 12, 2012.[7] Despite these near-misses, Drogba's on-field presence—marked by physicality, aerial prowess, and clutch scoring—defined Ivory Coast's competitive edge in these tournaments, where he tallied key contributions across 24 AFCON appearances.[70] His tenure as captain underscored a era of elevated expectations for African football, though unfulfilled by silverware.[71]

Playing Style

Technical Attributes and Physical Presence

Didier Drogba stood at 1.89 meters tall, possessing a robust physique that enabled him to dominate physical duels on the pitch.[72] His exceptional strength allowed him to outmuscle defenders, hold off challenges while receiving the ball with his back to goal, and maintain possession under pressure, making him a pivotal target man for his teams.[73] [74] This physical presence was particularly evident in his aerial prowess, where his height, leap ability, and timing made him formidable in winning headers both offensively and defensively.[75] [76] Technically, Drogba excelled in hold-up play, using deft first touches and body positioning to link midfielders with attacking runners, often shielding the ball effectively against multiple markers.[77] His shooting was characterized by powerful, accurate strikes from various distances, including volleys and long-range efforts, contributing to his reputation as a clinical finisher capable of scoring in high-stakes situations.[78] Despite his size, Drogba demonstrated surprising pace and agility for bursts, allowing him to exploit spaces behind defenses, though his game relied more on positioning and strength than raw speed.[16] These attributes combined to form a complete forward profile, blending brute force with technical finesse.[79]

Criticisms of Conduct and Simulation

Didier Drogba has been criticized for alleged simulation, particularly during his time at Chelsea, where opponents and managers accused him of exaggerating contact to gain advantages. In a May 2009 Premier League match, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger claimed Drogba dived to win a free-kick that contributed to Chelsea's 4–1 victory, describing the incident as Drogba going down "very easily" under minimal challenge from Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner.[80] Similarly, Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez publicly labeled Drogba a "diving, scheming conman" in February 2013, citing a dossier of video evidence showing multiple instances of what he deemed feigned falls, including during Champions League clashes.[81] These accusations contributed to Drogba's reputation for theatrical appeals, though he maintained in responses that he did not intentionally dive and attributed some perceptions to his physical playing style.[82] Drogba received formal cautions related to simulation early in his Premier League career, such as a yellow card for diving in Chelsea's September 2004 match against Aston Villa, issued by referee Rob Styles for an alleged fall in the penalty area; however, the card was later rescinded upon review, with Styles admitting the decision was incorrect.[83][84] Critics, including Benítez, argued such incidents highlighted a pattern, but Drogba countered claims by noting referees had advised him against over-embellishing, emphasizing his reliance on legitimate strength over deception.[85] Despite these defenses, the simulation allegations persisted, often amplified by rival fans and media, though statistical data on confirmed simulation bookings for Drogba remains limited compared to his overall disciplinary record of 69 yellow cards and 2 reds across major leagues.[86] Regarding conduct, Drogba's most prominent controversy involved his post-match outburst toward referee Tom Henning Øvrebø following Chelsea's 1–1 draw against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg on May 6, 2009, at Stamford Bridge. Frustrated by several denied penalty appeals, Drogba stormed the pitchside camera, shouting "It's a fucking disgrace" and confronting Øvrebø directly, an incident broadcast live and widely condemned for undermining officiating integrity.[87] UEFA charged Drogba with improper conduct for the offensive language, resulting in a formal reprimand and fine after he issued a public apology, while Chelsea imposed an internal four-game ban.[88][89] The episode drew criticism from UEFA officials for setting a poor example, though Drogba later reflected on it as an emotional reaction to perceived injustices rather than deliberate misconduct.[90] Other referee disputes occurred, but none matched the visibility or sanctions of the 2009 incident, which highlighted Drogba's passionate temperament under pressure.

Political and Social Engagement

Role in Ivory Coast Peace Process

On October 8, 2005, following Ivory Coast's 3–1 victory over Sudan that secured qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup—the nation's first appearance at the tournament—Didier Drogba, as captain of the national team Les Éléphants, led a public appeal for peace amid the ongoing First Ivorian Civil War, which had erupted in September 2002 and divided the country between government forces in the south and northern rebels known as the New Forces.[7] In a live televised broadcast from Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Drogba and his teammates knelt before the camera, with Drogba stating, "Ivorians, this joy is yours, this victory is yours. Now you must be united behind us so that this success is not sullied by blood. Let us not self-destruct," urging both President Laurent Gbagbo's government and the rebels to end hostilities and resume peace negotiations.[66] This emotional plea leveraged the unifying power of the team's success, which transcended ethnic divides in a conflict fueled by north-south tensions over power-sharing and identity.[7] The appeal had an immediate impact: nine days later, on October 17, 2005, both sides announced a ceasefire, halting active fighting and facilitating the resumption of stalled peace talks under the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement framework, though full resolution would take years and another outbreak of violence in 2010–2011. Drogba's intervention was credited by observers for humanizing the peace call through his status as a global football icon from the Bété ethnic group in the war-torn west, providing a neutral voice amid polarized media narratives controlled by opposing factions.[7] While not solely attributable to Drogba—the team's collective symbolism and international attention played roles—the timing aligned with diplomatic pressures, and his leadership amplified calls for dialogue that had previously faltered.[91] Drogba continued advocating for reconciliation, including in 2007 after receiving the African Footballer of the Year award, where he publicly urged President Gbagbo to prioritize peace during a ceremony in Abidjan, reinforcing his role as a bridge-builder.[92] His efforts extended to joining peace commissions and using football matches to promote unity, though sustained peace required broader political accords like the 2007 Ouagadougou Agreement.[7] Critics note that while Drogba's actions inspired hope, structural issues such as economic disparities and ethnic grievances persisted, limiting the appeal's long-term causal impact without institutional reforms.[93]

Bids for Football Administration Roles

In November 2019, Drogba formally announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), aiming to leverage his status as a national icon to drive reforms in domestic football governance and development.[94] His platform emphasized improving infrastructure, youth academies, and transparency, drawing on his experiences as Ivory Coast's all-time leading scorer and a two-time African Footballer of the Year.[95] Drogba submitted his formal application on August 2, 2020, as one of four candidates, but the FIF electoral commission rejected it on August 27, citing failure to meet eligibility criteria, including insufficient endorsements from the required number of regional leagues and clubs (specifically, he secured only partial sponsorships after prolonged efforts).[96] [97] [98] He appealed the decision to FIFA, which responded by requesting a suspension of the election process and appointing an oversight committee, resulting in multiple postponements amid disputes over procedural fairness.[99] [100] Elections proceeded on April 23, 2022, after FIFA's intervention cleared Drogba to compete among six candidates.[101] [102] He was eliminated in the first round, receiving fewer votes than frontrunners, while Yacine Idriss Diallo advanced to win in the second round against Sory Diabaté.[103] [104] The outcome sparked controversy, with Drogba's supporters alleging vote-buying and irregularities favoring establishment candidates, though no formal FIFA sanctions followed.[105] [106]

Advocacy for African Self-Reliance

Didier Drogba has publicly advocated for greater African autonomy, emphasizing the need for the continent to reduce dependency on external aid and foster internal development through education, peace, and economic initiatives. In an August 2025 interview, he expressed a vision of "an Africa that no longer extends a hand, but proudly stands up," highlighting the dangers of youth migration across perilous seas in search of opportunities abroad and calling for self-reliance where "peace is the only rule and education the only weapon."[107] This stance aligns with his broader critique of perpetual external reliance, positioning self-sufficiency as essential for sustainable progress rather than short-term handouts. Through the Didier Drogba Foundation, established in 2007, Drogba supports programs aimed at local economic empowerment, including infrastructure for health and education that enable communities to address their own challenges without indefinite foreign intervention. The foundation's mission explicitly targets "local, sub-regional, and continental economic development initiatives," funding projects like hospitals and schools in Ivory Coast to build capacity for independent growth.[108] For instance, it constructed a hospital in Abidjan in 2013, providing accessible medical services to reduce reliance on imported expertise and aid-driven healthcare.[107] Drogba's advocacy extends to warning against exploitative practices that undermine African self-determination, such as fake football agents preying on young talents, which he addressed in a 2023 campaign to protect aspiring players and promote informed, independent career paths within Africa.[109] By leveraging his influence, he encourages intra-African investment and unity, as seen in his support for events like the E1 electric boat series in 2025, aimed at sparking innovation and sustainability among African youth to drive homegrown technological advancement.[110] These efforts underscore a consistent theme: African progress must stem from endogenous resources and resolve, not exogenous dependencies.

Philanthropy and Post-Retirement Pursuits

Establishment of Didier Drogba Foundation

The Didier Drogba Foundation was founded in 2007 by Didier Drogba in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, primarily to provide financial and material aid for health and education initiatives targeting underprivileged populations in Africa, with an emphasis on Drogba's native country.[1] [62] The organization's establishment leveraged Drogba's prominence as a professional footballer to mobilize resources for poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, and improved access to medical care and schooling, reflecting his stated intent to address structural deficiencies in African communities through targeted philanthropy.[111] [112] Initial activities centered on direct interventions, such as distributing school supplies and medical resources to orphaned and impoverished children, alongside broader efforts to construct facilities like schools in rural areas.[112] [113] A United Kingdom affiliate was subsequently registered as a charitable company on March 23, 2010, expanding the foundation's operational scope to include fundraising events and international partnerships while maintaining the core objectives of health advancement and general charitable purposes.[114] This UK entity focused on supporting children, youth, and the broader public through donations for education and medical aid, though early financial reporting drew scrutiny from regulators for limited disbursements relative to funds raised.[114] [115]

Broader Humanitarian and Sustainability Efforts

In addition to his foundation's core programs, Drogba has served as a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador since 2007, advocating for economic development, infrastructure improvements, and social challenges across Africa and globally.[116] His efforts included raising awareness for poverty alleviation and sustainable growth, leveraging his football prominence to highlight infrastructural deficits in regions like Ivory Coast.[117] On October 18, 2021, Drogba was appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Sport and Health, focusing on promoting physical activity, vaccination drives, and health equity, particularly in underserved African communities.[118] He has emphasized sport's role in preventive healthcare and community resilience, including campaigns during global health crises.[119] Drogba also acts as Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International, supporting inclusion programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities through events and advocacy that integrate sport with social development.[120] Drogba extended his philanthropy into sustainability via Team Drogba's participation in the E1 Series, an electric boat racing competition launched in 2023, aimed at addressing ocean pollution, climate impacts, and marine conservation.[110] In May 2024, his foundation partnered with Venezia FC and E1 to promote environmental awareness, targeting plastic waste reduction and sustainable innovation in sports.[121] This initiative received strategic investment from the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) in September 2024 to foster economic and environmental progress in African sports sectors.[122] As UNWTO Ambassador of Responsible Tourism since at least 2022, he has linked sport with eco-friendly tourism to empower youth and build resilient economies.[123]

Business and Media Involvement

Following his retirement from professional football in 2018, Drogba diversified into various business ventures, including co-founding Drogba & Co in 2017, an Africa-focused private equity platform aimed at supporting promising businesses and projects on the continent.[124] He established Clubnote Limited in London in 2006, a personal holding company whose assets grew from £285,000 to £618,000 by 2011, reflecting his early financial management efforts.[125] [126] Drogba has invested in resource extraction and emerging technologies, becoming a shareholder in gold mining operations in Ivory Coast and the blockchain startup 5ireChain, contributing to an estimated personal fortune of €30 million.[126] [124] His portfolio extends to real estate, agriculture, and renewable energy projects across Africa and Europe, with additional stakes in promotional initiatives like Botswana's Zotus City development, a proposed USD 50 billion sustainable urban project announced in October 2025.[127] [128] In sports-related entrepreneurship, Drogba co-owns Team Drogba, the only African entrant in the E1 Series electric boat racing championship, partnering with Lilium Group and securing investment from the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) in September 2024 to promote innovation and sustainability in African sports.[129] [130] He also ventured into fashion with the launch of JAD, a luxury footwear brand in November 2017, produced in Italy's Montegranaro shoe-making hub and stocked at retailers like Selfridges, though the partnership faced legal disputes by 2019 over promotional commitments.[131] [132] [133] Drogba's media involvement includes serving as a television pundit, notably for BBC coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside figures like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, and contributing to French broadcasts with commentators such as Hervé Mathoux.[134] [135] His endorsement deals span global brands, including Pepsi in 2009, Hom Underwear in 2013, Samsung, Adidas, Nike, and Konami, alongside more recent ambassadorships for betting firms like 10bet (2019–2021) and Nairabet (2023).[136] [137] [138]

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Private Life

Didier Drogba met his future wife, Lalla Diakité, a Malian national pursuing education in France, in 1999 while playing for Le Mans FC in Paris. The couple began a long-term relationship that produced three children: sons Isaac and Kieran, and daughter Iman.[139] [136] Their first child, Isaac, was born in 2000.[140] Drogba and Diakité formalized their union in a private ceremony in Monaco on June 24, 2011, after over a decade together.[139] [136] Diakité managed household responsibilities and child-rearing during Drogba's career, prioritizing family amid his professional demands.[140] Drogba has publicly described his family as the core of his life, often crediting Diakité's support for his focus on football.[140] The marriage ended in divorce, announced by Drogba on January 15, 2021, following the leak of an intimate video involving him and an unidentified woman, which strained the relationship after more than 20 years together.[141] [142] [143] As of 2024, Drogba has not remarried.[144] He maintains a low public profile regarding subsequent personal relationships, emphasizing privacy post-separation.[145]

Cultural Impact and Recognition

Drogba's cultural significance in Ivory Coast stems from his pivotal role in leveraging football to foster national unity amid the civil war, exemplified by the Ivory Coast national team's televised plea for peace on 6 November 2005 after qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which prompted a temporary ceasefire and nationwide truce.[7] This event positioned him as a symbol of reconciliation, bridging ethnic divides and demonstrating sport's capacity to influence political outcomes in a fractured society.[91] His leadership as captain of Les Éléphants elevated football's status as a unifying cultural force, inspiring subsequent generations of Ivorian youth and reinforcing the sport's role in identity formation across Africa.[6] Beyond Ivory Coast, Drogba's persona has transcended athletics, cultivating a global following that views him as an exemplar of African resilience and philanthropy, with his narrative often cited in discussions of sports' societal leverage.[14] He was named to Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People list in 2010, primarily for his peace advocacy.[146] In football culture, his physicality, goal-scoring prowess, and clutch performances—such as the equalizing goal in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final—have cemented his archetype as the indomitable African striker, influencing perceptions of the continent's talent in European leagues.[93] Drogba's off-field endeavors have garnered formal accolades, including the inaugural CNN Off the Pitch Award in November 2022, recognizing his foundation's impact on health and education in Africa.[111] In October 2021, he was appointed World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sport and Health, highlighting his promotion of physical activity and well-being.[118] Additional honors include an honorary doctorate from Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in June 2021 for his charitable contributions to peace and development, and roles as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador and former United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador.[147][148][116] He also served as Ballon d'Or Ambassador, underscoring his enduring stature in the sport's global community.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Club and International Stats

Drogba's club career statistics reflect his prolific scoring record across multiple leagues and competitions, with a total of 381 appearances and 164 goals for Chelsea FC alone in all competitions.[27] His overall club totals exceed 700 appearances and 300 goals when aggregating stints at Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact, and brief returns.[149] The following table summarizes his appearances and goals in all competitions by club:
ClubYears ActiveAppearancesGoals
Le Mans UC1998–20027115
Guingamp2002–2003499
Marseille2003–20045532
Chelsea FC (1st spell)2004–2012340160
Galatasaray2012–20135334
Montreal Impact2014–20153321
Chelsea FC (2nd spell)2014–2015404
Phoenix Rising FC201720
Totals derived from match logs across domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions; discrepancies may arise from varying inclusions of friendlies or youth games, but core professional stats align across databases.[27] [149] In the Premier League specifically, Drogba recorded 104 goals in 254 appearances for Chelsea.[150] Internationally, Drogba captained Ivory Coast from 2002 to 2014, accumulating 105 caps and 65 goals, establishing him as the Elephants' all-time leading scorer.[13] [5] Of these, 63 goals came in FIFA-recognized matches across World Cup qualifiers, Africa Cup of Nations, and friendlies, with the remainder in non-FIFA fixtures.[5] His international output included key contributions in three World Cup qualifications (2006, 2010, 2014) and multiple AFCON tournaments, though Ivory Coast reached the final only once under his leadership in 2006.[18]

Major Honours and Individual Records

Drogba won four Premier League titles with Chelsea in the seasons 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, and 2014–15.[151] He also secured four FA Cup victories with the club in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012, alongside three League Cups in 2005, 2007, and 2015.[151] Additionally, Drogba contributed to Chelsea's UEFA Champions League triumph in 2011–12, scoring the equalizing goal in the final against Bayern Munich on 19 May 2012 and converting the decisive penalty in the shootout.[4] With Galatasaray in 2012–13, he helped win the Süper Lig title.[4] Internationally, Drogba captained Ivory Coast to runners-up finishes at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2012, but the team did not secure the title during his tenure.[152] He led the Elephants to qualification for three FIFA World Cups in 2006, 2010, and 2014, though they exited the group stage each time.[18] Among individual accolades, Drogba was named African Footballer of the Year in 2006 and 2009.[4] He claimed the Premier League Golden Boot twice, topping the scoring charts with 20 goals in 2006–07 and 29 in 2009–10.[3] Earlier, with Marseille, he earned Ligue 1 Player of the Year for 2003–04 and was the UEFA Cup top scorer that season with 11 goals.[6] Drogba holds the record as Ivory Coast's all-time leading goalscorer with 65 goals in 105 appearances.[151] At Chelsea, he ranks as the club's fourth-highest goalscorer ever with 164 goals across all competitions.[153]

References

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  2. Didier Drogba - Player profile | Transfermarkt
  3. Didier Drogba | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club
  4. Didier Drogba - Titles & achievements | Transfermarkt
  5. Didier Drogba (Player) | National Football Teams
  6. Didier Drogba: The Ivorian King Who Conquered Football ... - Sportblot
  7. Didier Drogba: How Ivory Coast striker helped to halt civil war in his ...
  8. Didier Drogba Facts, Worksheets, Early Life & Career For Kids
  9. My childhood - DIDIER DROGBA
  10. Meet Jo Drogba - The Chelsea legend's musician brother - All Football
  11. Who is Didier Drogba? - Africa Is a Country
  12. Didier Drogba (1978- ) | BlackPast.org
  13. Didier Drogba | CF Montréal
  14. Didier Drogba Effect: The story of soccer's most infectious personality
  15. Didier Drogba - Transfer history | Transfermarkt
  16. A-Z of the 2000s: Didier Drogba - These Football Times
  17. Le Mans Union Club 72 - DIDIER DROGBA
  18. Didier Drogba Stats, Goals, Records, Assists and more
  19. early life - Didier Drogba
  20. https://www.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/07/19/england.tiago/
  21. DIDIER DROGBA, Senior Career: 1. Le Mans UC 72 (1998-2002 ...
  22. Drogba makes Marseille move | UEFA Champions League 2003/04
  23. Chelsea seal Drogba deal | Soccer - The Guardian
  24. Didier Drogba - Transfer history | Transfermarkt
  25. Didier Drogba Stats With Chelsea | StatMuse
  26. Jose Mourinho Reveals How He Convinced Chelsea to Sign Didier ...
  27. Didier Drogba - Career stats | Transfermarkt
  28. Didier Drogba signs for Chelsea in 2004 - Facebook
  29. Drogba and destiny: From Stamford Bridge boos to Chelsea's greatest
  30. Didier Drogba — 2004/2005 Stats - Tribuna.com
  31. How brilliant was Chelsea's final master Didier Drogba? - UEFA.com
  32. Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea | UEFA Champions League 2007/08 Final
  33. Didier Drogba Career Goals In Premier League - StatMuse
  34. 29 Drogba 'Golden Boot' Goals - Premier League 2009/10 - YouTube
  35. Chelsea: The streets won't forget Didier Drogba's incredible 2009/10
  36. Bayern München 1-1 Chelsea | UEFA Champions League 2011/12 ...
  37. https://shop.mygreatest11.com/blogs/mygreatest11/didier-drogba-chelsea-s-ultimate-big-game-player
  38. Didier Drogba signs with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua - CBC
  39. Didier Drogba: Galatasaray sign striker from Shanghai Shenhua - BBC
  40. Didier Drogba and Galatasaray Agree to Deal - Bleacher Report
  41. How an ageing Didier Drogba went to Galatasaray and became a ...
  42. Didier Drogba rejoins Chelsea on a one-year deal - The Guardian
  43. Didier Drogba returns to Chelsea | UEFA Champions League 2014/15
  44. Didier Drogba completes move to MLS, joins Montreal Impact - ESPN
  45. Didier Drogba: Montreal Impact sign ex-Chelsea striker - BBC Sport
  46. Didier Drogba's Move to Shanghai Shenhua Is About Much ... - NESN
  47. Didier Drogba - Detailed stats | Transfermarkt
  48. Drogba amazes in first game with Galatasaray | Daily Sabah
  49. Didier Drogba - Stats by club | Transfermarkt
  50. Côte d'Ivoire - Didier Drogba - Afrofootball
  51. Didier Drogba Stats - Soccerway
  52. Didier Drogba re-joins Chelsea - ESPN
  53. Didier Drogba Chelsea Forward, Profile & Stats | Premier League
  54. Didier Drogba - Stats 14/15 - Transfermarkt
  55. The Impact acquires striker Didier Drogba | CF Montréal
  56. Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba joins MLS – DW – 07/28/2015
  57. Top Five Didier Drogba moments with Montreal Impact
  58. Didier Drogba career stats, height and weight, age
  59. Former Montreal Impact star Didier Drogba announces retirement
  60. The Impact and Future of Didier Drogba in North American Soccer
  61. Didier Drogba - National team
  62. Didier Drogba | Dates, Career, Country, Biography & Facts | Britannica
  63. Didier Drogba: Côte d'Ivoire's Football Legend - Ongolo
  64. Didier Drogba - Biography - IMDb
  65. Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast mount heavyweight challenge
  66. How Didier Drogba helped end a civil war - CNN
  67. Ivory Coast: Didier Drogba - Sites@Duke Express
  68. DROGBA DIDIER - Dieci Football Entertainment
  69. Didier Drogba | MLSsoccer.com
  70. https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/5aside/articles/5aside-is-didier-drogba-the-greatest-african-footballer-in-history-2025-10-24
  71. Drogba: “This competition will be very important for African teams”
  72. Didier Drogba - Detailed stats | Transfermarkt
  73. Didier Drogba - Futninja
  74. An Illustrated Guide To Playing Center Forward By Didier Drogba
  75. Didier Drogba Football Statistics | WhoScored.com
  76. Didier Drogba: Revisiting a Hard-Won Legacy | OkayAfrica
  77. Tactical Retrospective: Chelsea's one man strike force, Didier Drogba
  78. Drogba stands tall for Chelsea | UEFA Champions League 2004/05
  79. Didier Drogba's Career Path: From France to Glory
  80. Arsène Wenger accuses Didier Drogba of diving in Chelsea rout
  81. DROGBA IS A DIVING, SCHEMING CONMAN AND HERE'S THE ...
  82. Drogba: I don't dive | Football News - Sky Sports
  83. Drogba yellow card withdrawn | Soccer | The Guardian
  84. Drogba's yellow card rescinded
  85. Drogba - Refs tell me not to dive | Football News | Sky Sports
  86. Didier Drogba - Suspensions & absences - Transfermarkt
  87. Drogba given four-game ban for ref outburst - CNN.com
  88. Didier Drogba says sorry in ref row but Uefa chief blasts Chelsea
  89. UEFA charges Chelsea players for insulting ref | CBC Sports
  90. Drogba goes unpunished for referee clash but his Chelsea days ...
  91. Sport For Peace: How Didier Drogba and the Ivory Coast Football ...
  92. Soccer Savior - Didier Drogba - SI Vault - Sports Illustrated
  93. Didier Drogba: a man of peace - These Football Times
  94. Locals hail Didier Drogba's bid for federation's presidency - YouTube
  95. Former Ivory Coast International Footballer Runs for Football ... - VOA
  96. Drogba submits candidacy to become Ivory Coast FA president
  97. Drogba's candidacy for Côte d'Ivoire football federation rejected
  98. Controversy dogs Drogba's top-job attempts - The Mail & Guardian
  99. FIFA 'requests the suspension' of Ivorian federation election ...
  100. FIFA Council appoint committee to assist Ivory Coast football elections
  101. Didier Drogba: Ex-Chelsea star cleared to stand in Ivory Coast polls
  102. FIFA get their man. Drogba eventually cleared to run presidency of ...
  103. Drogba fails in Ivory Coast federation presidential bid - BBC Sport
  104. Drogba loses bid to become Ivorian federation president - Reuters
  105. Didier Drogba loses bid to become Ivorian football federation ...
  106. Didier Drogba thrashed in bid for Ivorian FA presidency - ESPN
  107. Didier Drogba: "I dream of an Africa that no longer extends a hand..."
  108. Our Mission | Didier Drogba Foundation
  109. Didier Drogba's campaign to combat fake football agents - DW
  110. How Didier Drogba And Gabrielle Lemaire Are Using E1 To Spark ...
  111. 'I believe movement is life,' says Didier Drogba, the winner of ... - CNN
  112. Didier Drogba's Charity and Humanitarian work - BORGEN Magazine
  113. Nestlé support Didier Drogba Fnd. to open its first school
  114. DIDIER DROGBA FOUNDATION - 1135123 - Charity Commission
  115. Charity Commission publishes report on Didier Drogba Foundation
  116. Goodwill Ambassador Alumni | United Nations Development ...
  117. Didier Drogba Named WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Sport & Health
  118. Football champion Didier Drogba appointed WHO Ambassador for ...
  119. Didier Drogba appointed Ambassador of the World Health ...
  120. Didier Drogba - Special Olympics
  121. Venezia FC & E1 Develop Sports Social Responsibility Partnership ...
  122. Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) Announces Strategic ...
  123. Didier Drogba Connects Sport and Tourism in Youth Summit ...
  124. Didier Drogba : from soccer to business - Africa News Agency
  125. Didier Drogba Net Worth | TheRichest
  126. DIDIER DROGBA INVESTS IN GOLD IN IVORY COAST - Africa Soccer
  127. Didier Drogba Net Worth: Key Insights
  128. Didier Drogba and Emile Heskey Join Global Partners to Drive ...
  129. Didier Drogba and Lilium Group partner as co-owners of Team Drogba
  130. Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) announces strategic ...
  131. Drogba launches JAD footwear News - Daily Sports Nigeria
  132. Chelsea legend Didier Drogba makes foray into fashion world
  133. Chelsea legend Drogba hits back after being sued for £1m by ...
  134. Didier Drogba - Internet Commentator Database - Football
  135. World Cup 2022 presenters on BBC and ITV: Meet the TV pundits
  136. Didier Drogba's net worth, wife and everything you need to know ...
  137. Drogba signs deal with French underwear brand - SportsPro
  138. 10bet signs Didier Drogba as new Global Brand Ambassador
  139. Didier Drogba's net worth, wife and everything you need to know ...
  140. Didier Drogba, his wife Lalla & his children - Afroculture.net
  141. Didier Drogba and wife say goodbyes after 20 years of marriage
  142. Didier Drogba reveals ten-year marriage is over after Chelsea hero ...
  143. Football Legend Didier Drogba And Wife Divorce After 20 Years
  144. The 'true' story behind clash between Drogba's 'wife' and 'girlfriend ...
  145. Didier Drogba divorce story: Why he separated from Lalla Diakité
  146. When you have a beer named after you - Africa Is a Country
  147. Didier Drogba: Former Chelsea striker awarded honorary degree for ...
  148. Didier Drogba Announced as Global Ambassador - Special Olympics
  149. Didier Drogba Stats, Goals, Records, Assists, Cups and more
  150. Didier Drogba Statistics - Premier League
  151. Didier Drogba | MLSsoccer.com
  152. Didier Drogba - National team | Transfermarkt
  153. Didier Drogba - Special Olympics
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