Didier Yves Drogba Tebily is one of the most iconic strikers in modern football history, widely admired for his physical dominance, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the pitch. Known for wearing the number 11 shirt during his time at Galatasaray, Drogba built a career that spanned multiple countries and leagues, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Early Life and Background

Didier Yves Drogba Tebily was born on March 11, 1978, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He is the eldest of seven children. At the age of five, he was sent to France to live with his uncle, a professional footballer, in order to receive better educational and athletic opportunities. After spending three years there, he returned to Ivory Coast to live with his mother, but in 1989, at the age of eleven, he moved back to France permanently.

When his family relocated to France in 1991, Drogba began living with them in Antony, a suburb of Paris. At the age of fifteen, he took his first steps into organized football by joining the youth system of Levallois, a semi-professional club, where he played as an amateur. His two younger brothers, Joël and Freddy Drogba, also pursued careers in football.

Early Professional Career in France

After completing his education, Didier Drogba turned professional at the age of twenty, signing with Le Mans, a club competing in France’s second division. Between 1998 and 2002, he developed steadily, gaining valuable experience and refining his physical and technical attributes as a forward.

In 2002, Drogba transferred to Guingamp, a Ligue 1 side, where he delivered an outstanding season. During the 2002–2003 campaign, he scored 17 goals in 34 matches, performances that quickly attracted attention from France’s top clubs.

Rise to Prominence in Marseille

In 2003, Didier Drogba joined Marseille for a transfer fee of €3.3 million. During the 2003–2004 season, he scored 19 goals in 35 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most dominant strikers in French football. His blend of strength, aerial ability, and finishing made him a focal point of Marseille’s attack.

Chelsea Era and International Stardom

In 2004, Drogba made a high-profile move to Chelsea for a fee of €24 million, following the club’s acquisition by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Over seven seasons with Chelsea, he became a club legend, scoring 100 goals in 226 appearances and playing a decisive role in numerous domestic and European successes.

Drogba later returned to Chelsea for the 2014–2015 season, further cementing his legacy with the club before continuing his career abroad.

International Career with Ivory Coast

From 2002 to 2013, Didier Drogba represented the Ivory Coast national team, earning 97 caps and scoring 62 goals. As captain, he became a symbol of unity for his country, particularly during periods of political unrest. His influence extended far beyond football, as he often used his platform to promote peace and reconciliation.

Later Career: China and Galatasaray

In 2012, Drogba joined Shanghai Shenhua, a football club based in Shanghai, China. During his time there, he scored 6 goals in 11 matches.

On January 28, 2013, Didier Drogba signed with Galatasaray and arrived in Istanbul on February 8, 2013. Wearing the iconic number 11 shirt, he played 17 matches for the club by August 2013, scoring 6 goals and quickly becoming a fan favorite for his experience and leadership.

Final Years and Retirement

Following his time in Turkey, Drogba returned once more to Chelsea before continuing his career with Montreal Impact, and later Phoenix Rising FC. On December 1, 2018, Didier Drogba officially announced his retirement from professional football.

Humanitarian Work and Philanthropy

Didier Drogba has been deeply involved in humanitarian efforts throughout his career. In 2007, the United Nations Development Programme named him a Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his charitable work across Africa. He founded The Didier Drogba Foundation, to which he donated all proceeds from his autobiography and the DVD titled “Didier Drogba’s Extraordinary Destiny.”

In 2009, Drogba donated the entire €3 million fee from a Pepsi advertising deal to build a hospital in his hometown of Abidjan. He also invested transfer earnings to develop the stadium of Levallois, the club where he began his football journey, which later named the stadium in his honor.

Personal Life

Didier Drogba married Diakite Lalla in 2011. The couple has three children: Isaac (born 2002), Iman (born 2003), and Kieran (born 2010). Drogba also adopted an orphaned child during the civil war in Ivory Coast.

A native of Ivory Coast, Drogba also holds French citizenship. He is Christian, while his wife is Muslim and originally from Mali. The couple met in France in 2001 and were married in Monaco in June 2011.

Clubs Played For – Career Summary

Source: Biyografiler.com