Moreover, Drogba has endorsed carbonated soft drink manufacturer Pepsi in 2012. In three years my life has changed. Didier has won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League. After missing the first three Champions League matches for Chelsea with a ban for being unsportsmanlike,[84] Drogba started the fourth game against Spanish side Atltico Madrid. The Walking Dead cast salary 2023: Who is the highest-paid per episode? Most Premier League goals in a season: 29 goals in 200910. A lot of celebrities do not know what to do with their money anymore in 2022. The18 Recommends For You 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. The loved-up pair cut a happy duo as they posed for pictures on the red carpet. Didier had a successful career, playing both at international and club levels. In addition, it is estimated that Didier Drogba earns $5 million per year from his endorsement deals. [90], 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 31 loss. The football player is married to Diakit Lalla, his starsign is Pisces and he is now 44 years of age. On 11-3-1978 Didier Drogba (nickname: Titto) was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Married, dating and sexuality, List of female ABC news anchors you should watch in 2022, Chinese phone makers emerge from Huawei's shadow, Social Media Influencer Nana Raises Over KSh 140k in Support of Bright Needy Girl Who Passed Exams, Nairobi Graduate Washing Clothes for A Living Pleads for Job to Help Her Fend for Sick Mother, Karangu Muraya Shutsdown People Calling to Ask About His Health: "Walinipangia Mabaya". Having diagnosed the problem, Chelsea insisted that he would make a full recovery within days. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Family photo of the football player, married to Diakit Lalla, famous for captain and all-time leading scorer of the Cte d`Ivoire national football team. They have been blessed with three children. [56] He scored both goals in a key 21 victory against Arsenal on 23 March 2008, bringing Chelsea equal on points with leaders Manchester United. His performance in the qualifying matches for the 2006 World Cup was key to Drogbas winning that years African Footballer of the Year award, as his nine goals in eight preliminary matches catapulted the Ivorians into the World Cup for the first time. Drogba, who rejoined Chelsea in 2014 after two years in China and Turkey, is regarded so highly in his homeland he successfully called a ceasefire during civil war - and has had a local beer. Drogba was born in 1978 in Abidjan, the capital of Cote D'Ivoire. I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with Jos Mourinho again. He returned a few years later but was sent back when his parent lost their jobs. [156] 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. He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team. 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. At age 15, Drogba became an apprentice with second-division Levallois, and then in 1997 - 98, he moved to Le Mans FC. After eight years with Chelsea where he scored 157 goals in 341 appearances and helped them win 10 titles including their 2012 Champions League trophy, the Ivory Coast Striker . [79] This was his sixth goal in a major cup final in England. On April 21, 2022, he was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. He played football every day in a car park in the city but his return to the Ivory Coast was short-lived. But his first two seasons were an adjustment period, as his goal tally jumped from 16 in both . All that is missing now is that M.L.S. [21], Drogba is a member of the Bt people[22] He was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and at the age of five was sent to France by his parents to live with his uncle, Michel Goba, a professional footballer. She'll infect me by biting me!. He grew into his new responsibilities, later stating: "Isaac's birth was a turning point in my life, it straightened me out". Nonetheless, it has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a separate room to keep his trophies. [92] In Chelsea's next game against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium, Drogba made three assists in another 60 win. [32] Drogba was sent off in the 117th minute of the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United for slapping defender Vidi,[63] 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. Drogba and his family do charity work. Talisman Drogba addressed the nation and helped bring peace to a country at war. Didier Drogba Pulse Ghana. He is known for his powerful and accurate kicks. Mr. Drogba, from Cte d'Ivoire, will promote WHO 's top tips on how physical activity can lead to a healthier and happier life, and also highlight the value of sports, particularly . [6][7] He is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time and was noted for his physical strength, speed, ability in the air, powerful and accurate strikes, and ball retention. Mourinho also commented on the transfer, saying: "He's coming because he's one of the best strikers in Europe. Drogba lived in the property with his Malian wifeLalla Diakite, who he separated from in 2020. Further, he signed an endorsement deal with the famous sports brand Nike after the hype season with Chelsea in 2005. Even at the latter of his career, he earned $3.5 million with the Montreal Impact during his 18-month MLS tenure. Chelsea desperately needs a leader. In a game where everything is so unpredictable and varying, this'll be a fantastic opportunity to recreate that very moment for Chelsea fans. [180], On 4 June 2010, Drogba was injured in a friendly match with Japan. [47], 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. Drogba's style is about beating the goalkeeper with speed and depth. Contribute Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba was among the stars to wish Eriksen well. However, despite his second stint at Stamford Bridge ending in 2015, the Ivorian has continued to own a house on the esteemed Crown Estate in Oxshott - located close to Chelsea's Cobham training ground. Get the news that matters from one of the leading news sites in Kenya, MPs Breathe Fire, Unleash Vocabularies as LGTBQ Debate Lands in Parliament: "Abominable, Obnoxious", Kenyans Recall Sad Memories of Being Hosted by Rich Relatives: "Couldn't Put on TV Until Afike", Eskom: South Africa's fallen energy giant, Francis Wangusi: Former Communications Authority of Kenya Director General Is Dead, Regional Body Commends IEBC for Job Well Done: "Transparent and Impartial", List of internet service providers in Kenya and their rates 2023, 15 Best movie download sites for maximum entertainment in 2023, Who is Chris Isaak's wife? [118][119] He would earn a sign-on fee of 4 million plus basic wage of 4 million per season, 2 million for the remaining 201213 Sper Lig and 15,000 per match. $75,000,000. Shortly thereafter Drogba announced that he was retiring from international play. The former Ivory Coast international was seen bare-chested in bed with a mysterious woman in December last year and came under severe criticism from his native in West Africa. Oldest African goal scorer in the Champions League: 36 years and 259 days old. He has appeared in the 2012 and 2015 games. [3]dolo do Chelsea, ganhou importantes ttulos pela equipe como a Liga dos Campees da UEFA. Says it was mutual accord and together would look after their children. On June 16, Didier Drogba will headline the 2019 Soccer Aid for Unicef, hosted at Stamford Bridge. [5] He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team. [209] Drogba has two younger brothers who are also footballers: Jol and Freddy Drogba. He has made his fortune from lucrative contracts which began at Chelsea. His eldest son, Isaac, was born in France in 1999, grew up in England and has played in the Chelsea academy system. However, Drogba soon became homesick and returned to Abidjan after three years. Im delighted that my foundation and Unicef are planning a project together in Cote DIvoire. 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 20 up and give him a chance of winning the golden boot. Former Ivory Coast international and Chelsea star Didier Drogba tells CNN about his best World Cup memory: helping his country heal from a civil war in the early 2000s by dramatically. After the 2014 FIFA World Cup, The goal machine Drogba declared his retirement from international football. [71] 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. Graham Potter's side have . [11][12] With a career record of scoring 10 goals in 10 finals winning 10 trophies at club level, Drogba has been referred to as the "ultimate big game player". Drogba experienced poverty first-hand, growing up poor in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast striker, 40, had two spells at Chelsea, scoring 164 goals in 381 games and . [73][74] 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. [224] Drogba said, "It's a big honour and pleasure for me to be linked with Bono and try to help him save some lives. He is best known for his career at Chelsea, for whom he has scored more goals than any other foreign player and is currently the clubs fourth highest goal scorer of all time. Didier Drogba, Actor: Africa 2010. 13:34 GMT 02 Sep 2022 Both parents worked in a bank. They created the Didier Drogba Foundation in 2007. [72], 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. [182] The match ended in a goalless draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with Drogba coming on in the 65th minute. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Bentez claimed to have compiled a four-year dossier of Drogba's "diving" antics but Drogba hit back at Bentez in an interview. ", "Chelsea Players' Player of the Year: Eden Hazard", "Didier Drogba wins FA Cup but Champions League is Chelsea's goal", "Palmars Trophes UNFP Oscars du football "Le plus beau but de Ligue 1" (vote du public)", "Palmars Trophes UNFP Oscars du football Meilleur joueur de Ligue 1", "Palmars Trophes UNFP Oscars du football Equipe-type de Ligue 1", "Didier Drogba wins MLS Player of the Month", "MLS 2015 Montreal Impact Top goal scorers", "Ronaldo, Suarez, Salah & all the Premier League Golden Boot winners", "Six new inductees voted into Premier League Hall of Fame", "Player Rater Top Player Didier Drogba", "Didier Drogba to receive UEFA President's Award", "Didier Drogba reoit le trophe d'honneur UNFP", "Hazard hat-trick sees Chelsea star join legends in exclusive club", "Hall of Fame 2022 nominee: Didier Drogba", "Who is the oldest player to score in the Champions League? View our online Press Pack. [105] Drogba became the first player to score in four different FA Cup Finals, as he netted the winner in Chelsea's 21 triumph over Liverpool on 5 May. He is the aw-time tap scorer an umwhile captain o the Ivory Coast naitional team. When he was young, he shuffled between Ivory Coast and France before finally settling down in France. He helped the Blues win back-to-back Premier League titles in his first two seasons and stayed until 2012 - his final act was to score the winning penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich. [28] 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 3.3million. It also deals with the construction of hospitals in the Ivory Coast and other African countries. Drogba, from Cte d'Ivoire, will support WHO to promote the Organization's guidance on the benefits of physical activity and other healthy lifestyles, and highlight the value of sports, particularly for youth. [1][19], Given his relatively late breakthrough into professional football, Drogba has often been described as a late bloomer, having signed his first professional contract with Le Mans at the age of 21. 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. The marksman did not only spearhead Chelsea's growth into a European elite during his Stamford Bridge reign but he also remarkably united a nation. Drogba enjoyed two spells at Chelsea, first arriving at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho in 2004 and embarking on an epic eight-year spell in the capital. In July 2004, Drogba moved to Premier League club Chelsea for a club record 24million fee, making him the most expensive Ivorian player in history. [30] However, the next season he rewarded his coaches' patience, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances and helping Guingamp finish seventh, a record league finish. postseason for the first time. Didier Drogba's stats are quite impressive, both for his clubs and the national team. In March 2012, he became the first African player to score 100 Premier League goals. [121], 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. Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has confirmed his retirement from playing, ending "an amazing 20 years". [85] 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. "[201] Bleacher Report states he adopted the "knuckle ball" technique developed by Juninho Pernambucano where the ball has almost no spinning motion during flight. Drogba moved to Englands Chelsea FC in 2004 in a trade from Marseille. However, his first two years there were marred by injuries and he was physically struggling to cope with the training and match schedule. [41] 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. One of seven players to score an opening weekend Premier League hat-trick. [233][234], Drogba is often ranked one of the top three greatest African strikers, with, Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 00:48, National Union of Professional Footballers, List of international goals scored by Didier Drogba, List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals, List of footballers with 100 or more caps, "Didier Yves Drogba Tbily Century of International Appearances", "Didier Drogba retires with defeat in USL Cup final", "Top Drog: Chelsea fans pick Euro hero Didier as club's greatest ever player", "Chelsea Team of the Decade the Supporters' Choice Unveiled", "Frank Lampard urges Chelsea to offer Didier Drogba new contract", "Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea this summer", "Didier Drogba: Chelsea re-sign club legend on free transfer", "Didier Drogba broke another record with his goal against Schalke last night.. here's five more! He is best known for his career at Chelsea, for whom he has scored more goals than any other foreign player and is currently the club's fourth highest goal scorer of all time. So, what happened to Didier Drogba? [38] Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time. Didier Drogba with his sons Isaac Drogba and Kieran Drogba He has played for his national team for a long time, earning his 105 Caps to date before hanging his boots in 2014. Didier Yves Drogba Tbily (French pronunciation:[didje dba]; born 11 March 1978) is an Ivorian retired professional footballer who played as a striker. Here are some of the best highlights of Didier Drogbas career: Most Barcelona fans are kids who have watched football for the first time yesterday Didier Drogba, Everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Messi, not only me but for some, its hard to recognize that. Didier Drogba, I have won many trophies in my time, but nothing will ever top helping win the battle for peace in my country. Didier Drogba, When I arrived in France, I cried every day. [44] 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. Drogba became a playerowner for Phoenix Rising of the United Soccer League in 2017, and retired a year later at the age of 40. Didier returned to Chelsea on a one-year contract in July 2014 before moving to Major League Soccer's Montreal Impact. Most Premier League hat-tricks: 3 hat-tricks (shared-record). He will also be joined by England's own Jamie and Harry Redknapp as well as Olympic legend. The following year Chelsea won both the FA Cup and the Premier League title, with Drogba leading the league in goals29 for the season. During his early days at Chelsea, he had a Mini Cooper car worth $23,400. [158][159] 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Retired Professional Footballer, Philanthropist, Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact, & Phoenix Rising, African Footballer of the Year: 2006, 2009, Cte dIvoire Player of the Year: 2007, 2012, Premier League in 2004/05, 2005/06, & 2009/10, F.A Cup in 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2011/12. Moreover, Drogbas excellent level of performance in crucial matches is a major part of his reputation. [229], 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 across the world where communities have become estranged from one another. Its now official, #African football legend, @didierdrogba Didier Drogba finally tells th world that he has separated with wife, Lalla after 20 years of marriage. 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. DIDER DROGBA attended last night's Ballon d'Or ceremony alongside new girlfriend Gabrielle Lemaire. The 41-year-old has been out of the game for just a year. [218] 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 cease fire after five years of civil war. "I'm not in the habit of . This friendly football player originating from Abidjan, Ivory Coast has a athletic body & oval face type. During the heyday of his Chelsea career, Didier Drogba earned $15 million a year. Didier Yves Drogba was born on the 11th of March, 1978, in Abidjan, Cte dIvoire. Most assists in the Premier League by an African player: 54 assists. Nonetheless, Drogba truly came to his true potential during the 2006-07 season, when he scored 33 goals in 38 league games. He was appointed the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador in . The listing on Fine & Country reads:'On the ground floor, five primary reception rooms are centered around a grand reception hall with sweeping staircase leading to all floors. " At about 11 a.m. Nonetheless, it has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a separate room to keep his trophies. However, his paycheque became even bigger when he joined the Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua. [188] He won his 100th international cap in a pre-tournament friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, scoring a penalty kick in his side's 21 loss on 2 June. 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. Most Premier League away goals scored in a season: 15 in 200910. players and Premier League players. Alternate titles: Didier Yves Drogba Tbily, Jack Rollin is a writer and freelance journalist. Further, he owns a gorgeous Mercedes SL65-AMG that has an estimated price of $222,000. [101] Drogba scored his 99th Premier League goal for Chelsea on 25 February 2012, in a 30 win over Bolton Wanderers. [125] On 9 April, Drogba scored his first goal for Galatasaray in the Champions League quarter-final game, against Real Madrid. On June 16, Didier Drogba will headline the 2019 Soccer Aid for Unicef, hosted at Stamford Bridge. [214][215] His uncle, Michel Goba, is also a professional footballer and Ivorian international, and his cousin Kvin Goba (Michel's son) is a professional footballer who played in the lower leagues of France. He then speaks to her in French about being bitten, and appears to say: She's positive! Further, He also guided the club to the African Cup of Nations final that year. I think this is the best year of my life. Didier Drogba. Didier Drogba celebrates scoring in World Cup 2006 qualification for Ivory Coast Al-Merrikh Stadium, in Sudan's second largest city of Omdurman, is not one of the world's great gladiatorial. Drogba helped lead Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final, where he once again earned fan ire by slapping an opposing player and getting sent off in a match that Chelsea ultimately lost to Manchester United by one penalty kick. Didier Drogba Net Worth 2018. [27], After a switch of coaches, Drogba retained his position in the team, scoring 19 goals and winning the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Player of the Year award. As a result, it should come as no surprise that he was rewarded well for his achievements on the field. "[20] Drogba later helped move an African Cup of Nations qualifier to the rebel stronghold of Bouake, a move that helped confirm the peace process. [187], In June 2014, Drogba was named in the Ivory Coast's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Even in his second season, when Chelseas title was successfully defended, fan appreciation was still muted. 'Set behind electric gates, the property sits on just under one acre of land. [165][203], One of the greatest African players ever, Drogba is usually ranked among the three greatest African strikers, alongside George Weah and Samuel Eto'o. The Stevens inquiry in June 2007 expressed concerns because of the lack of co-operation from agents Pinhas Zahavi and Barry Silkman. 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. There was discussion whether Drogba had the intention or not to injure his rival. FENERBAHE A.. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Didier-Drogba. Carl Anka for the BBC, Didier Drogba was the 'clutch' centre-forward who united a nation. However, he resolved to regain his position in the squad. The ban then was reduced by one match after an appeal by Chelsea. Most goals and assists combined for with another player in the Premier League: 36 with. Since the reports came out, there have been mixed reactions on social media before the Ivorian came out to deny changing religion. Drogba wrote on Instagram: I'm not in the habit of discussing my private life. [198] He provided 71 assists to teammates over the course of his entire career at Chelsea until May 2012, showing that he is also a team player. Evidently, This drew the interest of Olympique de Marseille, who signed him for a price of $4 million. "[12] 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. [23] 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". Didier Drogbas net worth is estimated to be $90 Million. [25] It was here that he began playing team football more frequently, joining a local youth side. As of 2021, he is 43 years old. Although Drogbas a stubborn attitude in the field, he is one of the pure and kind souls in real life. In a statement post on Instagram, Drogba confirmed their divorce with wife of almost two decades Lala, adding that it was a mutual agreement between himself and his Lalla. Something is broken with Chelsea, The damage is big in the dressing room". Didier Drogba Having a stadium in France named after a footballer from the Ivory Coast, even if I'm proud of my France-Ivory Coast background, is a great proof of integration. In the intervening years, it. Even if you win two, three, four, five it stays. He assisted Cao Yunding's equaliser in the 67th minute. [5], 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. The Ivorian scored 177 goals in total for the Blues, but most impressive was that he almost always stepped up when it mattered most, scoring nine goals in 10 cup finals. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. ", "Will Chelsea Ever Find Another Player Like Didier Drogba? Additionally, in May 2012, he scored the game-winning penalty kick against Bayern Munich to help Chelsea win their first-ever UEFA Champions League. What religion is Drogba? He has played for Le Mans FC, Guingamp, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasary, Montreal Impact, and Phoenix Rising. [132] 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. 'To the rear is a south facing landscaped garden, with manicured lawns stretching out from a terrace area off the main house - a fabulous spot for relaxation and entertaining.'. [1][17] He led the Ivory Coast to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament, and also scored their first goal. After three years he returned home, only to go back to France after three more years in Cte dIvoire. Who did Didier Drogba play for? [135] He scored his first goal in his second spell at Stamford Bridge on 21 October, converting a penalty kick in a 60 win over Maribor in the Champions League. [23] He signed for French club Guingamp in February 2018.

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