2006 FIFA World Cup
Didier Drogba, one of football’s next greats
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| © UNICEF UK/2006/Ray Burmiston |
| Born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and raised in France, Didier Drogba now plays for Chelsea in England. |
One of Africa’s top players known for his aerial artistry in front of the goal, Didier Drogba has stunning form and dynamic goal-scoring abilities that have helped lead his native country, Côte d'Ivoire, to their first ever FIFA World Cup Finals in Germany this year.
Mr. Drogba was born in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, but grew up mostly in France where he excelled in football from a very young age. At just 19, he signed with Le Mans, and two years later was given a full contract with the team, beginning the nascent stages of his dream job: playing professional football.
The next two seasons were plagued by injuries, but Mr. Drogba’s potential was clear. In 2002, he was signed by Guingamp, propelling him to League 1 at the age of 24. With a stellar season at Guingamp – 17 goals in 34 games – he caught the eye of major international teams and was recruited by Olympique de Marseille, one of France’s powerhouses.
Mr. Drogba arrived in Marseille in the summer of 2003. In just 18 months, he had gone from being a substitute in League 2 to the centre forward of one of France’s most famous clubs.
Defences and dance steps
The team was going through some tough transitions but he was undeterred and proved his worth upon arrival, bursting onto the scene with 18 goals in his first season, capturing the award for French Player of the Year. Marseille’s new star player became the talk of the town, dizzying defences and dancing down by the goal, celebrating each score with some traditional Ivorian steps.
Marseille qualified for a place in the UEFA Cup that year, with Mr. Drogba choreographing a sparkling run through to the final against Valencia in Gothenburg. He added a further six goals in this competition, and all of Europe took notice, especially Chelsea.
The FA Premier League came calling in 2004. Mr. Drogba’s stellar play led him across the Channel to play for one of the world’s most renowned clubs. Despite being hampered by some injuries, he quickly adapted to playing in the big leagues, scoring 16 times in his first season with the team. Now in the midst of his second season with Chelsea, at just 26, Mr. Drogba is primed to become one of football’s next greats.
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