Didier Drogba, born on March 11, 1978, is a retired professional footballer from Ivory Coast. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. Drogba's playing career spanned over two decades, during which he achieved remarkable success and left a lasting impact on the clubs he represented.
Didier Drogba's Profile Summary
- Full Name: Didier Yves Drogba Tébily
- Nicknames: Tito. The African King. The Drog
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: 11 March 1978
- Place of Birth: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
- Partner: Gabrielle Lemaire
- Children: Isaac, Kieran and Imam
- Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in
- Net worth: $90 Million
- Twitter: @DidierDrogba
- Instagram: @DidierDrogba
- Facebook: @DidierDrogba
Drogba began his professional career at French club Le Mans before moving to Guingamp, where he gained prominence with his goal-scoring abilities. However, it was during his time at Chelsea FC in the English Premier League that Drogba truly flourished and became a global superstar.
From 2004 to 2012, Drogba was an integral part of Chelsea's success. He played a crucial role in the club's historic UEFA Champions League triumph in 2012, scoring the equalizing goal in the final and eventually netting the winning penalty in the dramatic shootout against Bayern Munich. Drogba's performances and goals in big matches earned him a reputation as a big-game player.
During his time at Chelsea, Drogba won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and two Community Shields. He became Chelsea's all-time fourth-highest goal scorer, netting 164 goals in all competitions. Drogba's physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him a formidable striker and a nightmare for defenders.
Beyond his success at Chelsea, Drogba had successful spells at other clubs as well. He played for Shanghai Shenhua in China, Galatasaray in Turkey, and the Montreal Impact (now CF Montreal) in Major League Soccer. Even in the latter stages of his career, Drogba continued to display his goal-scoring prowess and leadership qualities.
In addition to his club achievements, Drogba was a key figure for the Ivory Coast national team. He represented his country in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and played a significant role in their qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the country's first-ever appearance in the tournament.
Didier Drogba's key achievements as a footballer include:
1. UEFA Champions League Winner: Drogba played a crucial role in Chelsea's historic UEFA Champions League victory in 2012. He scored the equalizing goal in the final and converted the winning penalty in the shootout against Bayern Munich.
2. Premier League Titles: Drogba won the Premier League title four times with Chelsea, lifting the trophy in the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, and 2014-15 seasons. His contributions to the team were instrumental in their success during those campaigns.
3. FA Cup Triumphs: Drogba won the FA Cup four times with Chelsea, clinching the trophy in the 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2011-12 seasons. He scored crucial goals in FA Cup finals, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage.
4. League Cup Victories: Drogba was part of Chelsea's League Cup-winning campaigns in the 2004-05, 2006-07, and 2014-15 seasons, adding three League Cup titles to his list of accomplishments.
5. African Footballer of the Year: Drogba received the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award twice, in 2006 and 2009. This recognition highlighted his status as one of Africa's finest football talents.
6. Ivory Coast National Team: Drogba represented the Ivory Coast national team for over a decade, playing a significant role in their success. He helped the team qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006 and was a key figure in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
7. Chelsea's All-Time Fourth-Highest Goal Scorer: With 164 goals in all competitions, Drogba is one of Chelsea's all-time leading goal scorers. His goal-scoring prowess and contributions to the team's success are etched in the club's history.
8. Philanthropic Work: Drogba's off-field contributions are equally noteworthy. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in his home country of Ivory Coast, have earned him recognition and admiration. He has been involved in initiatives promoting peace, education, and healthcare.
These achievements underscore Didier Drogba's impact as a highly accomplished and respected footballer. His success at both club and international levels, combined with his charitable endeavors, have solidified his status as an iconic figure in the world of football.
How much did Didier Drogba earn during his Prime years and what is Net worth today?
Drogba signed several contract extensions with Chelsea during his two spells at the club. As a key player and one of Chelsea's most influential forwards, it can be inferred that he would have earned a substantial salary reflecting his contributions to the team's success.
Regarding his net worth, estimates can vary, and it is subject to change. Didier Drogba's net worth is reported to be around $90 million making him one of the richest African footballers today. It's important to note that net worth can fluctuate over time due to factors such as career earnings, investments, endorsements, and other business ventures.
What endorsements did Didier Drogba have?
1. Pepsi: Drogba had an endorsement deal with Pepsi, the multinational beverage company. He appeared in commercials and advertising campaigns for Pepsi, particularly during major football tournaments.
2. Nike: Drogba had a long-standing partnership with Nike. He featured in Nike's advertising campaigns and was often seen wearing Nike football boots during his playing career.
3. Samsung: Drogba had an endorsement deal with Samsung, the global technology company. He appeared in advertisements and promotional campaigns for Samsung products.
4. Konami: Drogba was featured as a cover star and ambassador for the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) video game series by Konami. He was involved in promoting the game and its features.
5. Santander: Drogba had an endorsement deal with Santander, a global banking group. He appeared in advertisements for Santander, particularly in relation to their sponsorship of football events and competitions.
6. MTN Group: Drogba was associated with MTN Group, a telecommunications company operating in Africa. He appeared in advertisements and promotional activities for MTN, leveraging his popularity and influence on the African continent.
What is Didier Drogba upto nowadays?
Didier Drogba has been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly through the Didier Drogba Foundation. The foundation focuses on providing healthcare and education initiatives in Ivory Coast and other African countries.
Drogba has ventured into business and entrepreneurship. He has been involved in various projects, including launching his own clothing line and investing in real estate developments.
The Ivorian has also served as an ambassador for various organizations and initiatives. He has been an ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and has been involved in promoting football and social causes globally.
Drogba has made appearances as a football pundit and analyst for various media outlets. He has provided expert analysis and commentary on football matches and tournaments.
Didier Drogba Early Life, Wife and Family
Didier Drogba grew up in a family of five children. He has three brothers and one sister. While specific details about his siblings are less publicly known, they have undoubtedly been part of his support network and family life.
Didier Drogba was married to Lalla Diakité until 2021 when they divorced. They tied the knot in 2011.
He's currently dating Gabrielle Lemaire who is an entrepreneur. Drogba went public about his relationship with Gabrielle Lemaire earlier in the year, when they attended a Formula E race in Saudi Arabia together.
Didier Drogba and his ex-wife Lalla Diakité have three children together, Isaac, Kieran and Imam.