Didier Drogba facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Didier Drogba

Drogba in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Didier Yves Drogba Tébily
Date of birth	(1978-03-11) 11 March 1978 (age 47)
Place of birth	Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Height	1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)	Striker
Youth career
	Dunkerque
1988–1989	Tourcoing
1989–1991	Abbeville
1991–1993	Vannes
1993–1997	Levallois
1997–1998	Le Mans
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1998–2002	Le Mans	64	(12)
2002–2003	Guingamp	45	(20)
2003–2004	Marseille	35	(19)
2004–2012	Chelsea	226	(100)
2012–2013	Shanghai Shenhua	11	(8)
2013–2014	Galatasaray	37	(15)
2014–2015	Chelsea	28	(4)
2015–2016	Montreal Impact	33	(21)
2017–2018	Phoenix Rising	21	(13)
Total		500	(212)
International career
2002–2014	Ivory Coast	105	(65)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up 2006 Egypt Runner-up 2012 Equatorial Guinea–Gabon
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Didier Drogba (born 11 March 1978) is a famous Ivorian former professional footballer. He played as a striker, scoring many goals. Drogba is the all-time top scorer and former captain for the Ivory Coast national team.

He is best known for his time at Chelsea, where he became the club's top foreign goalscorer. He is also Chelsea's fourth highest goalscorer of all time. Many people consider him one of the greatest African players ever. He was known for his speed, great heading ability, and powerful shots. Drogba won the African Footballer of the Year award twice, in 2006 and 2009.

After playing in youth teams, Drogba started his professional career at age 21 with Ligue 2 club Le Mans. He later moved to Olympique de Marseille, where he scored many goals. In 2004, Drogba joined Premier League club Chelsea. He helped Chelsea win their first league title in 50 years. He also scored in Chelsea's 2012 FA Cup Final win and the winning penalty in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final.

Drogba also played for clubs like Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact, and Phoenix Rising. He retired from playing in 2018 at age 40. In 2022, he was added to the Premier League Hall of Fame.

Drogba also played a big part in helping his home country. In 2007, he became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Didier Drogba was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. When he was five, he moved to France to live with his uncle, Michel Goba, who was also a professional footballer. Didier missed his family and returned to Abidjan after three years. His mother called him "Tito" after a famous leader.

He played football every day in a car park. But his time back in Ivory Coast was short. His parents lost their jobs, and he went back to live with his uncle in France. In 1991, his parents also moved to France. At age 15, Drogba joined a local youth team. He then played for the semi-professional club Levallois. He became known for scoring many goals and having a great attitude.

Club Career Highlights

Starting Professional Football

After finishing school, Drogba moved to Le Mans to study and joined the Ligue 2 club Le Mans. His first two years were tough due to injuries. He found it hard to keep up with the training. A former coach said it took Didier four years to be ready for daily training and weekly games. Drogba had not been to a football academy, so he started daily training later than most.

By age 21, Drogba knew he needed to become a professional player soon. He made his first team debut for Le Mans and signed his first professional contract in 1999. He later said that the birth of his first child, Isaac, helped him focus. In his first season, he scored seven goals in 30 games.

Moving to Guingamp

In 2002, Ligue 1 club Guingamp signed Drogba for £80,000. In his first half-season, he played 11 games and scored three goals. This helped the club avoid being moved to a lower league.

The next season, he scored 17 goals in 34 games. This helped Guingamp finish seventh in the league, which was a club record. He gave credit to his teammates, especially his friend winger Florent Malouda. His great goal-scoring attracted bigger clubs.

Success at Marseille

Olympique de Marseille signed Didier Drogba on 30 June 2003. He played his first game for them on 2 August 2003 against his old club, Guingamp. Drogba had an amazing season, becoming one of Europe's top scorers. He scored 19 league goals and won the Player of the Year award in France. He also scored 11 goals in European competitions.

At the end of the season, Chelsea coach José Mourinho wanted Drogba. Chelsea bought him for £24 million, which was a record for the club at the time.

Becoming a Chelsea Legend

First Years and Titles (2004–2006)

Drogba joined Chelsea in July 2004. He scored in his third game for the club against Crystal Palace. His first season was interrupted by a stomach muscle injury. However, Chelsea won their first league title in 50 years. They also won the League Cup, with Drogba scoring in the final against Liverpool. He scored 16 goals in 40 games in his first season.

Drogba started the 2005–06 season by scoring two goals against Arsenal in the Community Shield. Chelsea won the league title again, becoming only the second club to win back-to-back Premier League titles. Drogba finished with 16 goals that season.

Golden Boot Winner (2006–2007)

Drogba playing for Chelsea in 2007.

Drogba had an incredible 2006–07 season. He scored 33 goals in all competitions, more than his previous two seasons combined. He scored 20 goals in the Premier League to win the Premier League Golden Boot. He was the first Chelsea player since 1985 to score 30 goals in a season.

He scored winning goals against Liverpool, Everton, and Barcelona. He also scored both of Chelsea's goals in their League Cup final win against Arsenal. Drogba scored two hat-tricks that season. In his last game of the season, he scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley Stadium. He became the only player to score in both English domestic finals in the same season and win both.

In 2007, Drogba was named the Ivorian Player of the Year and African Footballer of the Year.

Champions League Final (2007–2008)

Drogba training with Chelsea in 2007.

The 2007–08 season started with Drogba feeling sad about manager José Mourinho leaving. He later said he was 100% committed to Chelsea. Drogba continued to score goals but had knee surgery. He returned to score in the 2008 League Cup Final, becoming the all-time leading scorer in League Cup Finals with four goals.

He scored two goals in a big 2–1 win against Arsenal, helping Chelsea catch up to Manchester United in points. Drogba scored two goals in the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool. Chelsea won 3–2, reaching their first Champions League Final. Drogba became Chelsea's top scorer in European competitions. In the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United, Drogba was sent off. Chelsea lost the final on penalties.

FA Cup Glory (2008–2009)

Drogba playing for Chelsea in 2008.

Drogba had injuries early in the 2008–09 season. He also faced a three-match ban for throwing a coin back into the stands. He scored his first Premier League goal of the season in December 2008. When Guus Hiddink became manager, Drogba's form improved. He scored four goals in five games.

He scored twice against Bolton Wanderers and four times in Champions League matches. Drogba scored a late goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. In the 2009 FA Cup Final, Drogba scored Chelsea's first goal as they won 2–1. This was his sixth goal in a major English cup final. He decided to stay with Chelsea under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Double Winners (2009–2010)

Drogba in action against Fulham in 2009.

Drogba started the 2009–10 season very well. He scored twice against Hull City. He scored his 100th goal for Chelsea in a match against Wigan Athletic. Drogba was key in a 2–0 win over Liverpool, assisting both goals. He scored a header against Blackburn, bringing his total to eight goals in eleven games.

He scored two goals against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. On 29 November, Drogba scored two goals against Arsenal. By 24 March, he had scored his 30th goal of the season.

Drogba (front, second from left) celebrating with Chelsea after winning the league and cup double in 2010.

On 9 May, Drogba helped Chelsea win the Premier League by scoring a hat-trick in an 8–0 win over Wigan Athletic. This gave him his third league winner's medal and his second Premier League Golden Boot with 29 league goals. The next week, Drogba scored the only goal in the 2010 FA Cup Final against Portsmouth from a free-kick. This kept his record of scoring in all six English cup finals he played in.

Final Chelsea Spell (2010–2012, 2014–2015)

Drogba preparing for a corner kick against Newcastle United in 2010.

Drogba started the 2010–11 season with a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion. He also made three assists in another 6–0 win against Wigan Athletic. In November 2010, it was found that he had been suffering from malaria.

Drogba scored the equalizer and the winning penalty in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final.

In the 2011–12 season, Drogba scored his 150th goal for Chelsea against Aston Villa. On 10 March 2012, he scored his 100th Premier League goal for Chelsea, becoming the first African player to reach this milestone.

Drogba scored his seventh goal at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup Final against Liverpool, which Chelsea won 2–1. He holds the record for most goals scored at the new Wembley Stadium with eight. In the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, Drogba scored the equalizer in the 88th minute. He then scored the winning penalty in the shootout, giving Chelsea their first Champions League trophy. Many people, including Sir Alex Ferguson, said Drogba won the Champions League for Chelsea.

Drogba playing for Chelsea in 2014.

On 25 July 2014, Drogba returned to Chelsea for a second time. He said it was an easy decision to work with José Mourinho again. He made his Premier League return on 18 August 2014. He scored his first goal back at Chelsea on 21 October, a penalty in a 6–0 win. He also scored his 50th goal in European football.

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

On 24 May 2015, Drogba announced that the final game of the season would be his last for Chelsea. He started as captain and was carried off by his teammates in a 3–1 win. His 104 Premier League goals were the most by an African player until 2021.

Playing in China and Turkey

Drogba (left) playing for Shanghai Shenhua in 2012.

After leaving Chelsea in 2012, Drogba joined Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. He played with his former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka. He scored his first two goals for Shanghai Shenhua on 4 August in a 5–1 win.

On 28 January 2013, Drogba signed with Turkish team Galatasaray. He scored his first goal for Galatasaray just five minutes after coming on as a substitute. He also scored his first Champions League goal for Galatasaray against Real Madrid. He won his first title with Galatasaray on 5 May. On 11 August, he scored the only goal in the 2013 Turkish Super Cup.

Later Career in North America

Drogba during the 2016 MLS All-Star Game.

On 27 July 2015, Drogba signed with Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact in Canada. On 5 September, he scored a hat-trick in his first MLS start. He was named MLS Player of the Month for September after scoring 7 goals in his first 5 games. Drogba finished the 2015 MLS regular season with 11 goals in 11 games.

In 2017, Drogba signed with USL side Phoenix Rising FC. He also became a part-owner of the club, making him the first player-owner in football history. He scored a goal and an assist in his debut for the club. In November 2018, at age 40, Drogba scored as Phoenix won the USL Western Conference. He retired later that month.

International Career for Ivory Coast

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

Drogba helped the Ivory Coast qualify for their first ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. After they qualified, Drogba made an emotional speech asking for peace in his country, which helped lead to a ceasefire in the Ivorian civil war.

In 2006, Drogba captained the Ivory Coast to their second Africa Cup of Nations final. He scored in the semi-final and the deciding penalty in the quarter-final shootout. However, they lost in the final to Egypt on penalties.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Drogba scored his country's first World Cup goal against Argentina. In the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Drogba scored two goals in the group stage. The Ivory Coast reached the semi-finals but lost to Egypt.

Drogba scored six goals to help the Ivory Coast qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was injured before the tournament but was cleared to play with a protective cast. He became the first African player to score against Brazil in a World Cup match.

In the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, Drogba scored three goals. The Ivory Coast reached the final but lost on penalties for the second time. In June 2014, Drogba played in his 100th international game. On 8 August 2014, Drogba announced his retirement from international football. He finished with a record of 65 goals in 105 games.

Playing Style

Drogba holding against Bayern Munich during the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final.

Drogba started playing professional football later than most, at age 21. He was known for his amazing physical strength, ability to head the ball, speed, and powerful, accurate shots. He often played as a centre-forward and was called a "target man". His strong style made it very hard for defenders to stop him.

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

Drogba was famous for performing well in big games. He scored 10 goals in 10 finals and won 10 trophies. If a game was important, Drogba played even better. He was also good at assisting his teammates, providing 71 assists during his time at Chelsea.

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

Drogba was also known for taking powerful free kicks. Experts said he hit the ball very straight and hard, trying to beat the goalkeeper with speed. His famous goal celebration involved sliding on his knees with an arm pump and a salute to fans. Many defenders found Drogba to be one of the toughest strikers to play against. He is considered one of the three greatest African strikers, along with George Weah and Samuel Eto'o.

Life Outside Football

Family Life

Drogba signing a football at a press conference in Moscow in 2018.

Didier Drogba has three children. His oldest son, Isaac, was born in France in 1999 and played in the Chelsea youth system. He later signed for French club Guingamp in 2018. Didier also has two younger brothers who are footballers, Joël and Freddy. His uncle, Michel Goba, was also a professional footballer.

Helping Others

Drogba is known for helping to bring peace to his home country. After Ivory Coast qualified for the 2006 World Cup, Drogba made a powerful speech on TV. He asked everyone fighting to stop, and a ceasefire happened after five years of civil war. He helped move an African Cup of Nations match to a stadium in Bouake, which further helped the peace process.

In 2007, Drogba was chosen as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. They were impressed by his charity work and believed he could help raise awareness about issues in Africa. Time magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential people in 2010.

Drogba supported an AIDS charity with Nike and U2 frontman Bono.

Drogba's charity work continued. In 2009, he announced he would donate £3 million from a Pepsi endorsement to build a hospital in his hometown of Abidjan. This was done through his "Didier Drogba Foundation." Chelsea also donated money to the project. Drogba decided to build the hospital after seeing other hospitals in the capital. He said he wanted to give people basic healthcare.

In 2014, Drogba appeared in FIFA's "11 against Ebola" campaign. He joined other top footballers to raise awareness about the disease. In 2018, Drogba became Vice President of Peace and Sport, an organization that works to bring people together. In 2021, he received an honorary degree for his contributions to football and peace in his country.

Drogba (left) interviewed during the Peace and Sport international forum in 2017.

The amateur club where Drogba started, Levallois Sporting Club, used money from his transfer fees to improve their stadium. They renamed the new stadium Stade Didier Drogba in his honor.

Media Appearances

On 2 December 2019, Drogba co-hosted the 2019 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. He also co-hosted the 2021, 2023, and 2024 ceremonies.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

International Appearances and Goals

Source:

Trophies and Awards

Drogba holding the European Cup after Chelsea's win in 2012.

A banner made by Chelsea fans for Drogba.

Marseille

• UEFA Cup runner-up: 2003–04

Chelsea

• Premier League: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15
• FA Cup: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12
• Football League Cup: 2004–05, 2006–07, 2014–15
• FA Community Shield: 2005, 2009
• UEFA Champions League: 2011–12

Galatasaray

• Süper Lig: 2012–13
• Turkish Cup: 2013–14
• Turkish Super Cup: 2013

Phoenix Rising

• Western Conference (USL): 2018

Ivory Coast

• Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2006, 2012

Individual Awards

• Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2006, 2008, 2012
• Africa Cup of Nations Top Scorer: 2012
• African Footballer of the Year: 2006, 2009
• Alan Hardaker Trophy: 2007
• BBC African Footballer of the Year: 2009
• CAF Team of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012
• Chelsea Players' Player of the Year: 2007
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 2010
• FIFPro World XI: 2007
• Golden Foot: 2013
• Ivory Coast Player of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2012
• Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2003–04
• Premier League Golden Boot: 2006–07, 2009–10
• Premier League Hall of Fame: 2022
• PFA Team of the Year: 2006–07, 2009–10
• Time Top 100: 2010
• UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2012
• UEFA Cup Top Scorer: 2003–04
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2007
• West African Footballer of the Year: 2010

Records

Chelsea Records

• Most goals scored by a non-English player: 164 goals.
• Most goals scored in Cup Finals: 9 goals.
• Most goals scored in European club competitions: 36 goals.
• Most Premier League hat-tricks: 3 hat-tricks (shared record).
• Most Premier League goals in a season: 29 goals in 2009–10.
• Most Premier League Golden Boot wins: 2 (2006–07 and 2009–10).
• First player to score a Champions League hat-trick for Chelsea.
• Oldest player to score in the Champions League for Chelsea: 36 years, 8 months, 14 days.

Other Notable Records

• Most goals and assists combined with another player in the Premier League: 36 with Frank Lampard.
• The only player to score in and win both English domestic cup finals in the same season.
• The only player to score in three League Cup finals.
• The only player to score in four FA Cup finals.
• Most goals scored at the New Wembley Stadium: 8 goals.
• Most goals scored in UEFA club competitions by an African player: 50 goals.
• Most goals scored in the Champions League by an African player: 44 goals.
• Most appearances in Champions League by an African player: 94 matches.
• Ivory Coast national team all-time top scorer: 65 goals.

See also

In Spanish: Didier Drogba para niños