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	1.88 m
Playing position	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)
National team
2002–2014	Ivory Coast	105	(65)
Honours Men's football Representing  Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up 2006 Egypt Runner-up 2012 Equatorial Guinea–Gabon
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Didier Yves Drogba Tébily (born 11 March 1978) is a famous Ivorian former professional footballer. He played as a striker, which means he was a goal scorer. Drogba is the all-time top scorer and former captain for the Ivory Coast national team.

He is best known for his amazing time at Chelsea, where he scored more goals than any other foreign player. He is also the club's fourth highest goal scorer ever. In 2012, Chelsea fans voted him the greatest player in the club's history! People often say he is one of the best African players of all time. He was known for his speed, how good he was at heading the ball, and his powerful shots. Drogba won the African Footballer of the Year award twice, in 2006 and 2009.

He started his professional career at age 21 with Ligue 2 club Le Mans. After a great season with En Avant Guingamp, he moved to Olympique de Marseille. There, he scored 19 goals and helped the team reach the 2004 UEFA Cup Final.

In 2004, Drogba joined Premier League club Chelsea. He helped Chelsea win their first league title in 50 years. He also won another Premier League title the next year. In 2012, he became the first African player to score 100 Premier League goals. He also scored in Chelsea's 2012 FA Cup Final win, becoming the first player to score in four FA Cup finals. He scored the tying goal and the winning penalty in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. After playing for clubs in China and Turkey, Drogba returned to Chelsea in 2014. He is known as the "ultimate big game player" because he scored 10 goals in 10 finals. He retired from playing football in 2018 at age 40. In 2022, he was added to the Premier League Hall of Fame.

Drogba also played a big role in helping his home country, Ivory Coast. In 2007, he became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. He worked to bring peace and help people in Africa.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

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

He loved playing football every day in a car park. But soon, his parents lost their jobs, and he went back to live with his uncle in France. In 1991, his parents also moved to France. When Didier was 15, he joined them and started playing team football more often. He joined a local youth team and later a semi-professional club called Levallois. He became known for scoring many goals and having a professional attitude.

Club Career Highlights

Starting Out in France

When Drogba finished school, he moved to Le Mans to study and joined Ligue 2 club Le Mans. His first two years were tough because of injuries. He found it hard to keep up with the training. One of his old coaches said it took Didier four years to be ready to train and play every week. He had never been to a football academy, so he started daily training as an adult.

By age 21, Drogba knew he had to become a professional player soon. He made his first team debut for Le Mans and signed his first professional contract in 1999. He scored seven goals in his first season. The next season was harder due to injuries, but he came back strong, scoring five goals in 21 games.

Moving to Guingamp and Marseille

In the middle of the 2001–02 season, Ligue 1 club Guingamp bought Drogba for £80,000. He played 11 games and scored three goals, helping the team avoid being moved to a lower league. The next season, he really shined, scoring 17 goals in 34 games. This helped Guingamp finish seventh, their best league finish ever. He said his teammates, especially his friend Florent Malouda, helped him score so many goals. His great performance caught the eye of bigger clubs.

At the end of the season, he moved to Olympique de Marseille for £3.3 million. He continued to score many goals, getting 19 in the league. He also scored five goals in the UEFA Champions League and six in the UEFA Cup. He won the UNFP Player of the Year award. His jersey from his time at Marseille is even displayed in a church there!

Becoming a Chelsea Legend

First Years and Titles (2004–2006)

In July 2004, Drogba joined Premier League club Chelsea for £24 million. This made him the most expensive Ivorian player at the time. He scored in his third game for the club. His first season was interrupted by an injury, but he still helped Chelsea win their first league title in 50 years. They also won the League Cup, where Drogba scored in extra time against Liverpool. He scored 16 goals in 40 games in his first season.

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

Golden Boot Winner (2006–2007)

Drogba changed his shirt number to 11. He had an amazing 2006–07 season, scoring 33 goals in all competitions. This was 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 1984–85 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 2–1 League Cup final win against Arsenal. He scored two hat-tricks that season. In his last game, he scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley Stadium. This made him the only player to score in and win both English domestic finals in the same season. In January 2007, he was named Ivorian Player of the Year. In March, he won his first African Footballer of the Year award.

Challenges and Champions League Final (2007–2008)

The 2007–08 season started tough for Drogba. He was sad when manager José Mourinho left. He later said he was fully committed to Chelsea. Drogba continued to score goals but had knee surgery, which kept him out for a month. He returned and scored in the 2008 Football League Cup Final, becoming the all-time leading scorer in League Cup Finals with four goals. However, Chelsea lost to Tottenham Hotspur. He scored two goals in a big win against Arsenal, helping Chelsea catch up to Manchester United in points.

Drogba scored two goals in the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, helping Chelsea reach their first Champions League Final. He became Chelsea's top scorer in European competitions with 17 goals. In the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United, Drogba was sent off late in the game. Chelsea then lost the final in a penalty shootout.

FA Cup Success and New Coach (2008–2009)

Drogba had some injuries at the start of the 2008–09 season. He missed games due to knee problems. He also received a three-match ban for throwing a coin back into the stands during a League Cup game. He worked hard to get back his starting spot.

When Guus Hiddink became the new manager, Drogba started scoring goals again. He scored four goals in five games, including important goals in the Champions League against Juventus and Liverpool. He also scored a late goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. In the 2009 FA Cup Final, Drogba scored Chelsea's first goal, helping them win 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)

Known for his powerful and accurate strikes, Drogba in action against Fulham in the Premier League, December 2009

Drogba had a fantastic 2009–10 season. He scored twice in the first league game against Hull City. He scored his 100th goal for Chelsea in a game against Wigan Athletic. He also assisted both goals in a 2–0 win over Liverpool. He continued his great form, scoring many goals, including a free-kick against Arsenal.

On 9 May, Drogba helped Chelsea win the Premier League by scoring a hat-trick in an 8–0 win over Wigan Athletic. He won his third league winner's medal and also the Premier League Golden Boot for the second time, 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.

Dealing with Illness (2010–2011)

Drogba (back centre) preparing for a corner kick against Newcastle United on 28 November 2010

Drogba started the Premier League season strongly, scoring a hat-trick in a 6–0 win against West Bromwich Albion. In the next game, he made three assists in another 6–0 win against Wigan Athletic. Later, it was discovered that he had been suffering from malaria for about a month. After being diagnosed, Chelsea said he would recover quickly.

Champions League Glory (2011–2012)

Drogba with Chelsea after the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final where he scored the winner

In August 2011, Drogba got a concussion in a game against Norwich City. After missing two games, he returned and scored his first goal of the season. On 31 December 2011, Drogba scored his 150th goal for Chelsea, putting him among the club's top scorers. He scored his 100th Premier League goal for Chelsea on 10 March 2012, becoming the first African player to reach this milestone.

Drogba scored his seventh goal at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, helping Chelsea win 5–1. Three days later, he scored a crucial goal as Chelsea beat Barcelona 1–0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Semi-final. Drogba became the first player to score in four different FA Cup Finals, scoring the winner in Chelsea's 2–1 victory over Liverpool on 5 May. He also holds the record for most goals scored at the new Wembley Stadium with eight.

In the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final on 19 May 2012, Drogba scored the tying goal in the 88th minute from a corner, sending the game into extra time. He then scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Bayern Munich, leading Chelsea to their first Champions League title! Many people, including Sir Alex Ferguson, said Drogba won the Champions League for Chelsea. In November 2012, Chelsea fans voted him the club's greatest ever player.

Adventures Abroad

Shanghai Shenhua (2012)

On 22 May 2012, Chelsea announced that Drogba would leave the club. On 19 June, Drogba joined Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, reuniting with his former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka. He reportedly signed a two-and-a-half-year deal. He made his debut on 22 July and assisted a goal. On 4 August, he scored his first two goals for Shanghai Shenhua in a 5–1 win.

Galatasaray (2013–2014)

On 28 January 2013, Drogba agreed to join Turkish team Galatasaray. He scored his debut goal for Galatasaray just five minutes after coming on as a substitute on 15 February. On 9 April, Drogba scored his first Champions League goal for Galatasaray against Real Madrid. He won his first title with Galatasaray on 5 May, with a 4–2 win over Sivasspor. On 11 August, he scored the only goal in the 2013 Turkish Super Cup against Fenerbahçe.

Back to Chelsea (2014–2015)

Drogba (far right) playing for Chelsea in November 2014

On 25 July 2014, Chelsea announced that Drogba was returning to the club on a free transfer for one year. Manager Mourinho said Drogba was one of the best strikers in Europe and was coming back to make more history. Drogba wore the number 11 shirt again.

He made his Premier League return on 18 August. On 21 October, he scored his first goal in his second spell, a penalty in a 6–0 win over Maribor in the Champions League. Five days later, he started against Manchester United, making his 350th appearance for Chelsea. He headed in his first Premier League goal of his second spell. He scored his 50th goal in European football against Schalke 04.

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

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

Montreal Impact (2015–2016)

On 27 July 2015, Drogba signed with Major League Soccer team Montreal Impact. He made his debut on 23 August. On 5 September, Drogba scored a hat-trick in his first MLS start, becoming the first player to do so in the league's history. It was a "perfect hat-trick," with one goal scored with each foot and one with his head. He was named MLS Player of the Month for September after scoring 7 goals in his first 5 games.

Drogba during the 2016 MLS All-Star Game

Drogba finished the 2015 MLS regular season with 11 goals in 11 games. He scored two goals in a playoff game against Toronto FC, helping Montreal advance. He was a finalist for the 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award. In 2016, he scored 10 goals in 22 games as Montreal reached the Conference Final of the playoffs.

Phoenix Rising and Retirement (2017–2018)

On 12 April 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 debuted on 10 June 2017, scoring a goal and an assist in a 2–1 victory. In July 2017, Drogba scored an amazing last-minute free kick to tie a game. In November 2018, at age 40, Drogba scored as Phoenix won the USL Western Conference. Phoenix lost the USL Championship game 1–0. Drogba retired later that month but continued to work with the club.

International Career for Ivory Coast

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

Drogba was a key player for the Ivory Coast. He helped them qualify for their first ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. After they won a game to qualify, Drogba made an important speech on TV, asking people in his country to stop fighting. This led to a ceasefire after five years of civil war. He even helped move a football match to a city that had been affected by the war, which helped the peace process. Because of his work for peace, Time magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential people in 2010.

In February 2006, Drogba captained Ivory Coast to their second Africa Cup of Nations final. He scored the only goal in their semi-final win. However, they lost the final to Egypt in a penalty shootout.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Drogba scored the first World Cup goal in Ivory Coast's history. They were in a tough group and were eliminated after two games.

In the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Drogba scored two goals in the group stage. He scored again in the quarter-finals. But Ivory Coast lost to Egypt in the semi-finals.

Drogba scored six goals in five qualification games to help Ivory Coast qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, he scored one goal. Ivory Coast reached the quarter-finals but lost to Algeria. In March 2010, he won his second African Footballer of the Year award.

On 4 June 2010, Drogba got injured in a friendly match. He fractured his arm but had surgery quickly to try and play in the World Cup. FIFA allowed him to play with a protective cast. He became the first African player to score against Brazil in a World Cup match. Ivory Coast was eliminated despite winning their final group game.

In the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, Drogba scored the first goal for his team. He scored twice in the quarter-finals. In the final against Zambia, he missed a penalty kick, and Ivory Coast lost in a penalty shootout again.

In June 2014, Drogba was part of Ivory Coast's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He played his 100th international game before the tournament. In Ivory Coast's first match, he came on as a substitute when they were losing to Japan. Within five minutes of him joining the game, Ivory Coast scored twice and won 2–1! On 8 August 2014, Drogba announced his retirement from international football. He scored 65 goals in 105 games for his country.

Playing Style and Impact

Drogba holding off a Bayern Munich midfielder during the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final

Drogba started his professional football career a bit later than some players. He was known for his amazing physical strength, speed, and how good he was at heading the ball. He also had powerful and accurate shots. He could hold the ball well with his back to the goal, making him a great "target man" for his team. Experts say his strong playing style helped change how teams played in the Premier League.

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

Drogba was famous for performing well in big games. He scored 10 goals in 10 cup finals for his clubs, winning 10 trophies! If a game was important, Drogba seemed to get even better. He was also good at helping his teammates score goals, providing many assists throughout his career.

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

He was also known for his powerful free kicks. He would hit the ball with great speed. His famous goal celebration involved sliding on his knees with an arm pump and a salute to the fans. This celebration even appears in the FIFA video game series!

Many people consider Drogba one of the greatest African players ever, often ranking him with George Weah and Samuel Eto'o. Many defenders have said he was one of the toughest strikers they ever faced.

Life Outside Football

Family and Personal Life

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

Didier Drogba was married to Lalla Diakité, and they had three children. His oldest son, Isaac, also played football in the Chelsea academy system and later for French club Guingamp. Didier has two younger brothers who are also footballers. He is a Roman Catholic. His uncle, Michel Goba, was a professional footballer.

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

Drogba is famous for helping bring peace to his home country, Ivory Coast. After Ivory Coast qualified for the 2006 World Cup, Drogba made a powerful speech asking people to stop fighting. This led to a ceasefire in the civil war. He helped organize a football match in a city affected by the war, which further helped the peace process. In 2007, he became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

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

In 2009, Drogba 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." He wanted to build the hospital after seeing the need for better healthcare. He also worked with sportswear company Nike and musician Bono to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Africa.

In 2014, Drogba joined FIFA's "11 against Ebola" campaign with other top players to raise awareness about the disease. In 2018, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss sports development in Africa.

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 played in the annual Match Against Poverty with stars like Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. His first amateur club, Levallois Sporting Club, used money from his transfer fees to improve their stadium and facilities for the local community. They even renamed their new stadium Stade Didier Drogba after him!

In 2018, Drogba became Vice President of Peace and Sport, an organization that works to bring people together in different parts of the world. In 2021, he received an honorary degree for his contributions to football and peace.

Media Appearances

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

Career Statistics

Club

International

Source:

Honours and Achievements

Drogba holding the European Cup following Chelsea's penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich

Drogba banner made by Chelsea's fans

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; runner-up: 2007–08
• 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
• Barclays Spirit of the Game Award: 2015
• BBC African Footballer of the Year: 2009
• BBC Goal of the Month: October 2009
• CAF Team of the Year: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012
• Chelsea Players' Player of the Year: 2007
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 2010
• ESM Team of the Year: 2006–07
• FA Community Shield Man of the Match: 2005
• FA Cup Final Man of the Match: 2010
• FIFPro World XI: 2007
• FWA Tribute Award: 2015
• Globe Soccer Awards Off the Pitch Award: 2022
• Golden Foot: 2013
• GQ Sportsman of the Year: 2012
• IFFHS All-time Africa Men's Dream Team: 2021
• Ivory Coast Player of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2012
• Ligue 1 Goal of the Year: 2003–04
• Ligue 1 Player of the Month: January 2004, May 2004
• Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2003–04
• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2003–04
• MLS All-Star: 2016
• MLS Player of the Month: September 2015, October 2015
• Montreal Impact Top Scorer: 2015
• Onze d'Or: 2004
• Onze de Bronze: 2007
• Premier League Golden Boot: 2006–07, 2009–10
• Premier League Hall of Fame: 2022
• Premier League Most Assists: 2005–06
• PFA Team of the Year: 2006–07 Premier League, 2009–10 Premier League
• Time Top 100: 2010
• Turkish Footballer of the Year: 2013
• UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 2012
• UEFA Cup Top Scorer: 2003–04
• UEFA President's Award: 2020
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2007
• UNFP Trophy of Honour: 2019
• 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).
• Most Premier League away goals scored in a season: 15 in 2009–10.
• Most goals in all competitions in a season by a foreign player: 37 goals in 2009–10.
• First player to score a Champions League hat-trick.
• Oldest player to score in the Champions League: 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.
• One of seven players to score an opening weekend Premier League hat-trick.
• One of six players to score a hat-trick in consecutive Premier League games.
• 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.
• Oldest African goal scorer in the Champions League: 36 years and 259 days old.
• Most appearances in Champions League by an African player: 94 matches.
• Most goals scored for an English team in the Champions League: 36 goals with Chelsea.
• One of eleven players to score hat-tricks for multiple clubs in the Champions League.
• Ivory Coast national team all-time top scorer: 65 goals.

See also

In Spanish: Didier Drogba para niños

• List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals
• List of footballers with 100 or more caps