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Didier Drogba
Delivering Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy with a late equaliser and the winning shootout penalty.
African Footballer of the Year · Champions League final
- Born
- 11 March 1978
- Birthplace
- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
More people
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba is an Ivorian former striker known for strength, hold-up play and goals in important matches.
Early life
Between countries
Moved between Côte d’Ivoire and France during childhood, spending time with his footballer uncle.
Gradual development
Combined education with football before his professional breakthrough.
Career
- 1990s–2003
French clubs
Developed at Le Mans and Guingamp before joining Marseille.
- 2004–2012
Chelsea
Became a central player in the club’s emergence as a major European force.
- 2012–2018
Later career
Played in China, Turkey and North America, with a return to Chelsea.
Achievements
African Footballer of the Year
Received the continental award twice.
Champions League final
Equalised against Bayern Munich and converted the decisive penalty.
Four Premier League titles
Won four English league championships across two Chelsea spells.
Beyond football
Peace appeal
Publicly appealed for peace in Côte d’Ivoire during its civil conflict.
Foundation
Supported health and education projects through his charitable foundation.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Premier League Hall of Fame ↗Photo: Y.Leclercq©. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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