ADVERTISEMENT

Didier Drogba

Ivorian former professional footballer and top scorer.

Didier Drogba, known for his career at Chelsea, is the club's fourth highest goal scorer. He was named Chelsea's greatest ever player and has won the African Footballer of the Year award twice. Drogba also had a successful international career, leading Ivory Coast to the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. Off the field, he played a key role in social issues in Africa and held positions in international organizations.

Related

Kylian Mbappé Ronaldinho David Beckham Cristiano Ronaldo Borussia Dortmund FC Barcelona Mohamed Salah Novak Djokovic Atletico de Madrid Wayne Rooney

Timeline

Didier Drogba named Chelsea's greatest ever player

In 2012, Didier Drogba was voted as Chelsea's greatest ever player by 20,000 fans in a poll conducted by Chelsea FC Magazine.

Didier Drogba moves to Antony near Paris and joins Levallois

In 1993, at the age of 15, Didier Drogba moved to Antony near Paris to live with his parents and siblings. He then signed up with Levallois, a club in the suburbs of Paris, where he started to establish his reputation.

Didier Drogba signs his first professional contract

At the age of 21, Didier Drogba made his first team debut for Le Mans and signed his first professional contract in 1999. This marked a significant milestone in his career as a footballer.

Didier Drogba joins Guingamp from Le Mans

During the 2001-02 season, Didier Drogba transferred from Le Mans to Ligue 1 club Guingamp for a fee of £80,000. He made 11 appearances and scored three goals, helping the club avoid relegation.

Didier Drogba's successful season at Guingamp

In the 2002-03 season, Didier Drogba scored 17 goals in 34 appearances for Guingamp, helping the club finish seventh in the league. He credited his teammates, especially Florent Malouda, for his impressive goal-scoring record.

Didier Drogba's Performance at Olympique de Marseille

In the 2003-04 season, Didier Drogba finished as the third highest scorer in Ligue 1 with 19 goals and helped Olympique de Marseille reach the 2004 UEFA Cup Final.

Drogba Signs with Chelsea

On October 6, 2004, Drogba signed with Chelsea football club.

Drogba's Plea for Peace After Ivory Coast World Cup Qualification

After Ivory Coast qualified for the 2006 World Cup, Drogba made a plea to combatants to lay down their arms, resulting in a ceasefire after five years of civil war.

Drogba scores two goals against Arsenal

Drogba scored both goals in a crucial 2–1 victory against Arsenal on March 23, 2008, which brought Chelsea level on points with league leaders Manchester United.

Drogba's Performance in Champions League Semi-Final

On 30 April 2008, Didier Drogba scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Liverpool, leading Chelsea to a 3-2 victory. This win marked Chelsea's first triumph over Liverpool in the semi-finals and secured their spot in the Champions League Final.

Drogba's Red Card in UEFA Champions League Final

In the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United, Didier Drogba was sent off in the 117th minute for slapping defender Nemanja Vidić, making him the second player to be red-carded in a European Cup final. Chelsea eventually lost to Manchester United 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time.

100th goal for Chelsea

Drogba scored his 100th goal for Chelsea in a 3–1 defeat against Wigan Athletic.

Win over Liverpool

Drogba was important in the 2–0 win over title rivals Liverpool, assisting both goals and scoring a glancing header.

Drogba builds hospital in Ivory Coast

On November 12, 2009, Didier Drogba constructed a hospital in his home country, Ivory Coast.

Drogba scores against Brazil in World Cup

On 20 June 2010, Didier Drogba became the first player from an African nation to score against Brazil in a World Cup match, scoring with a header in the 78th minute as the Ivory Coast were defeated 1–3.

Drogba helps Chelsea win Premier League and Golden Boot

On 9 May, Didier Drogba scored a hat-trick in an 8–0 win over Wigan Athletic, helping Chelsea win the Premier League. He also secured the Golden Boot for the season by scoring 29 league goals, beating Wayne Rooney to the title.

Drogba scores in 2010 FA Cup Final

In the 2010 FA Cup Final against Portsmouth, Drogba scored the only goal from a free-kick, maintaining his record of scoring in all six English cup finals he played in.

Didier Drogba Injured in Friendly Match with Japan

On 4 June 2010, Didier Drogba sustained an injury in a friendly match against Japan after a high challenge from defender Túlio Tanaka, resulting in a fractured ulna in his right arm. He underwent surgery the following day with hopes of playing in the finals.

Didier Drogba Scores Against Brazil in World Cup

On 20 June 2010, Didier Drogba made history by becoming the first player from an African nation to score against Brazil in a World Cup match. He scored with a header in the 78th minute, although the Ivory Coast ultimately lost 1-3.

Drogba diagnosed with malaria

Drogba missed a game against Liverpool due to malaria, which was diagnosed after he had been feeling unwell for a month. Chelsea assured fans of his full recovery.

Drogba suffers concussion against Norwich City

During a match against Norwich City, Didier Drogba suffered a concussion after colliding with goalkeeper John Ruddy. He missed two games before returning to the Chelsea squad.

Drogba scores 150th goal for Chelsea

On 31 December 2011, Didier Drogba scored his 150th goal for Chelsea against Aston Villa, joining the club's top scorers of all time.

Didier Drogba scores 100th Premier League goal for Chelsea

On 10 March 2012, Didier Drogba scored his 100th Premier League goal for Chelsea in a 1–0 win over Stoke City, becoming the first African player to achieve this milestone.

Drogba scores seventh goal at Wembley Stadium against Tottenham Hotspur

Drogba scored his seventh goal at Wembley Stadium against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 15 April, securing a place in the FA Cup Final against Liverpool.

Drogba scores vital goal as Chelsea beat Barcelona in UEFA Champions League Semi-final

Three days later, he scored a vital goal as Chelsea beat Barcelona 1–0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Semi-final clash.

Drogba scores winner in FA Cup Final against Liverpool

Didier Drogba became the first player to score in four different FA Cup Finals, netting the winning goal in Chelsea's 2–1 victory over Liverpool.

Debut as Striker for Ivory Coast National Team

On May 18, 2012, the user made their debut as a striker for the Ivory Coast national team.

Drogba scores equalizer and winning penalty in Champions League Final

In the Champions League final on 19 May 2012, Didier Drogba scored the equalizer in the 88th minute and then the winning penalty in the shootout, leading Chelsea to victory over Bayern Munich.

Didier Drogba leaves Chelsea

Chelsea announced on their official website that Didier Drogba would leave the club when his contract expired at the end of June 2012.

Didier Drogba's Return to Chelsea

On 25 July 2014, Chelsea announced that Didier Drogba completed his return to the club on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract. Drogba expressed his excitement to work with José Mourinho again and emphasized his special relationship with the club.

Drogba retires from international football

On 8 August 2014, Didier Drogba announced his retirement from international football with a record of 65 goals in 105 appearances.

Drogba's Premier League return for Chelsea

Drogba returned to the Premier League for Chelsea in a 3–1 victory against Burnley, coming on as a substitute in the 84th minute for Eden Hazard.

Drogba's announcement of retirement from Chelsea

Drogba announced that Chelsea's final game of the season against Sunderland would be his last as a Chelsea player. He started the game as captain but was substituted due to injury.

Drogba signs Designated Player contract with Montreal Impact

On July 27, 2015, Didier Drogba signed a Designated Player contract with Major League Soccer team Montreal Impact for 18 months.

Drogba scores hat-trick in first MLS start

On September 5, 2015, Didier Drogba scored a hat-trick on his first MLS start, becoming the first player in the league's history to do so. It was considered a 'perfect hat-trick' with goals scored using both feet and his head.

Impact's Victory in Canadian Classique

Drogba scored both of the Impact's goals from back heels in a 2–1 victory over Toronto FC, securing Montreal the home advantage for their knock-out fixture in the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Didier Drogba confirms intent to play for Montreal Impact in 2016 MLS season

On March 3, 2016, Didier Drogba publicly announced his decision to play for Montreal Impact in the upcoming 2016 MLS season. This confirmation came after a period of uncertainty regarding his future with the club.

Drogba scores in MLS All-Star Game

In July 2016, Didier Drogba was included in the roster for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game and scored a goal in a 2–1 defeat to Arsenal.

Drogba signs with Phoenix Rising FC

On 12 April 2017, after declining a move to Corinthians, Didier Drogba signed for USL side Phoenix Rising FC, becoming a minority owner of the club and the first player-owner in football history.

Meeting with French President Macron and FIFA President Infantino

On 22 February 2018, Didier Drogba, along with George Weah and Kylian Mbappé, had a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The meeting focused on a sports development project in Africa.

Drogba Inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame

On 21 April 2022, Didier Drogba was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to English football.

End of the Timeline
Didier Drogba

Popular

Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce

American semiconductor company in California.

American retired Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner.

David Goggins

Athletic shoe and apparel brand

UNICEF provides aid to children worldwide.

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT