Didier Drogba, born on 11 March 1978, is a former Ivorian footballer who retired from active football. He is arguably one of the best black footballers that have ever lived. Drogba had a playing career of well over two decades and he enriched the clubs he was a part of with great performances and impact.Drogba started his career at Le Mans FC in France and then transferred to Guingamp FC; this was the time he rose to prominence due to his goal kicking capabilities. But it was at the Chelsea FC in the English premier league that Drogba blossomed into world class footballer and international celebrity.
From 2004 until 2012, he was one of Chelsea’s star players. He perhaps has the most significant contribution in the club’s record UEFA champions league win in the season 2011/12 when he scored the equalizing goal in the final and was later instrumental in the penalty shootout that gave Chelsea the trophy against Bayern Munich. Drogba also scored important goals and played well in important matches which also made him a big match player.
While with the Blues, Drogba, won four English Premier League championships, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and two Football League Community Shields. For his efforts he moved to fourth on Chelsea all time highest scorer list with 164 goals in all competitions. Drogba was a tremendous target man and aerial presence he had the knack of scoring goals and was a match winner.
Apart from Chelsea Drogba had successful stint at other clubs too Being an excellent dribbler and having good speed he was always a charm for the fans. He had a stint with the Chinese side of Shanghai Shenhua, the Turkish giants of Galatasaray and played for the Montreal Impact football club of the Major League Soccer. The Ivorian international was even more productive in the final years, giving glimpse of what qualities made him a leader upfront.
Moreover, Drogba was a very important player of the Ivory Coast senior national team as well as the club level. He marked his country in several Africa Cup of Nations and played an important role in the qualification process of the FIFA world cup 2006 in Germany which was the first qualification ever.
Didier Drogba’s key achievements as a footballer include: Didier Drogba’s key achievements as a footballer include:
UEFA Champions League Winner: Drogba has been instrumental in Chelsea, the UEFA champions League cup in 2012 to be specific. He gave the equalizer in the final and also netted the winning penalty in the penalty shoot out against Bayern Munich.
Premier League Titles: Drogba was able to claim the Premier League three times for Chelsea whereas he clinched the title for the fourth time in the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10 and 2014-15 seasons. Their run in those campaigns was made a reality by his input to the team.
FA Cup Triumphs: Drogba won the FA Cup in 2006-2007 season, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2011/2012 seasons hence he won it four times while playing for Chelsea. He had to net important goals in FA Cup finals, that should prove his worth on a big match.
League Cup Victories: Drogba having been at Chelsea was part of his team’s League Cup-winning runs in the seasons; 2004-2005, 2006-2007 and 2014-2015 thus was awarded three League Cup titles.
African Footballer of the Year: It is noteworthy that Drogba was awarded the title of the best African footballer in 2006 and 2009 only. This recognition brought out his aspect as one of the African’s best soccer prodigal.
Ivory Coast National Team: Drogba has played for Ivory Coast national team at various time for more than a decade playing an important part in his team. He assisted the team to its first ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup in the 2006 and has participated in many Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelsea’s All-Time Fourth-Highest Goal Scorer: Currently, Drogba is ranked in the Chelsea ‘s list of the top goal scorers with a total of 164 goals in all the competitions. That is why the achievements by the master of scoring and a significant contribution to the club can be considered immortal.
Philanthropic Work: The off field activities of the team is also a great contribution of Drogba. In his philanthropic activities especially in his home country Ivory Coast he has received a lot of acknowledgement. Some of the causes he has associated himself with are on peace, education and health.
All these achievements point to the score of Didier Drogba as a very successful and well – respected footballer. Achievements on the field reflected on both club and interstellar levels, charitable activities have made him one of the most prominent figures in the sphere of the football.
What wages Didier Drogba could receive during his Prime Years and what is the feet Net worth today?
Drogba penned long term deals with Chelsea severally during his two tenures with the West London club. However, be a key player and one of the Chelsea’s most important forwards, it can be assumed that he was earning a rather high salary adequating to his importance to the team.
As for his net wealth, given certain assumptions, he can have more or less and such numbers can be different eventually. The latest estimate of Didier Drogba’s net worth is between seventy-five million to ninety million dollars and he is definitely one of the richest present day African football players.
What Sponsorships and Endorsement deals did Didier Drogba have?
Over the years, Didier Drogba has signed several endorsement deals in his playing years. Some of the endorsements he has been associated with include:
1. Pepsi: Pepsi, a global firm in the production of beverages endorsed Drogba for use of the brand on his personal belongings. He featured in the Pepsi commercials and in the advertisement section during major football events.
2. Nike: Nike was a known kit partner of Drogba for many years. During his playing years, he was involved in Nike advertisements and was spotted with Nike football boots.
3. Samsung: He had a specific sponsorship contract with Samsung the global technology company. He used to model Samsung products through commercials and other related marketing communications.
4. Konami: The Ivorian also graced the cover and became a spokesperson for Football video console game series; Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) by Konami. He participated or spearheaded advertising campaigns of the game and new features to be incorporated.
5. Santander: Drogba who was a model of Santander; a banking group. He did adverts for the Santander Bank, and most specifically in the capacity of their sponsorship of football events and or competitions.
6. MTN Group: As for matter of fact Drogba was involved with MTN Group a telecommunications company in Africa. He was involved in companies’ commercials including those of MTN to make use of his fame and authority within the African continent.
The following are activities that Didier Drogba has been engaging in up to this years;
The football star Didier Drogba has been also engaged in charitable activities some of them are through the Didier Drogba Foundation. The established organization of the foundation is oriented to the provision of healthcare and educational projects in Ivory Coast and other African states.
Enterpreneurship has also been witnessed in Drogba where he has embraced business. He has participated in a number of activities such as entering into the fashion business by designing a clothing line as well as entering into property market by funding property projects.
The Ivorian has also represented some organizations and cause related campaigns. He has served for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as its goodwill ambassador and has actively participated in the promotion of football and other social causes all over the world.
Drogba has also done commentary and analysis on several media houses as a football pundit. He has further offered his opinions on football match and tournaments.
Didier Drogba Childhood, Marriage and Children
The Ivorian footballer’s wife was Lalla Diakité until 2021, when the couple divorce. It was urged that the two love birds got married in year 2011.
He is in a relationship with, Gabrielle Lemaire who is a businesswoman now. Before this time, Drogba sort of came out in the open with his relationship status when he was with Gabrielle Lemaire in Saudi Arabia during a Formula E race event early in the year.
Lalla Diakité is the ex-wife of Didier Drogba, these couple has three children named Isaac, Kieran, and Imam.
