Is Didier Drogba Dead or Alive? Where is Didier Drogba Now? What Happened to Didier Drogba?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Oct 09, 2023
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Who is Didier Drogba?
Didier Drogba is a former professional footballer from Ivory Coast. He played as a striker and is renowned for his impressive football career. Drogba holds the distinction of being the all-time top scorer and a former captain of the Ivory Coast national football team. He is most notably associated with his time at Chelsea Football Club, where he scored more goals than any other foreign player and currently stands as the club's fourth highest goal scorer of all time.
In 2012, Drogba was honored as Chelsea's greatest ever player through a fan poll conducted by Chelsea FC Magazine. Additionally, he was included in Chelsea's fans' team of the decade for 2010-2020. Drogba is widely regarded as one of the greatest African football players in history. His attributes include physical strength, speed, prowess in the air, powerful and accurate shooting, as well as exceptional ball retention skills.
Drogba received the African Footballer of the Year award twice, earning this prestigious title in 2006 and 2009. He also holds the record for the most runner-up appearances (4 times), the most third-place finishes (3 times), and the most overall appearances in the top three (9 times) in the African Footballer of the Year rankings.
Full Name
Didier Yves Drogba Tébily
Date of Birth
March 11, 1978
Place of Birth
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Age
45
Nationality:
Ivorian (from Ivory Coast)
Position:
Striker
Clubs Played For
Notable Achievements
Off the Field
Specifications
Details
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Is Didier Drogba Dead or Alive?
Didier Drogba is alive. After retiring from professional football in 2018 at the age of 40, Didier Drogba has remained active in various aspects of life, particularly in social and humanitarian causes. Drogba has continued to be a prominent figure in social issues in Africa. He leveraged his fame and influence to play a vital role in the peace process in his home country, Ivory Coast. His efforts contributed to reconciliation and stability in the nation, which had experienced periods of civil conflict.
In 2007, Drogba was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this role, he focused on promoting development initiatives and addressing social issues in Africa, such as healthcare and education. In December 2018, Drogba assumed the role of Vice President of the international organization "Peace and Sport." This organization is dedicated to promoting peace, dialogue, and reconciliation through the power of sport. Drogba's involvement further highlights his commitment to using sports as a means to foster unity and peace in regions affected by conflict.
In addition to his official roles, Drogba has continued to be a respected and influential figure in the world of football. He remains involved in football-related events, charity matches, and initiatives aimed at promoting the sport and its positive impact on society. Didier Drogba's life after retirement has been marked by his dedication to making a positive difference in Africa and the world, particularly in areas related to peace, development, and the transformative potential of sports.
Didier Drogba Career
Didier Drogba's football career is marked by a remarkable journey from his youth to professional stardom, both on the club and international levels:
Youth and Early Career
Drogba began his football journey in various youth teams, including Tourcoing, Abbeville, Vannes, Levallois, and Le Mans. He made his professional debut at the age of 18 with Ligue 2 club Le Mans and signed his first professional contract at 21.
Ligue 1 Success
After a successful 2002-03 season with 17 goals for Ligue 1 side Guingamp, Drogba moved to Olympique de Marseille. He finished as the third-highest scorer in the 2003-04 season with 19 goals and helped the club reach the 2004 UEFA Cup Final.
Move to Chelsea
In July 2004, Drogba made a high-profile move to Premier League club Chelsea for a then-club-record fee of £24 million. In his debut season, he played a pivotal role in Chelsea winning their first league title in 50 years, and he won another Premier League title the following year.
Individual Accolades
Drogba's outstanding performances earned him recognition, including being named in the FIFA World XI for 2007. In March 2012, he became the first African player to score 100 Premier League goals.
Chelsea Success
Drogba played a vital role in Chelsea's success during his two spells at the club. He scored crucial goals in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League finals, helping Chelsea win these prestigious trophies.
International Career
Drogba represented the Ivory Coast from 2002 to 2014, serving as the national team's captain from 2006 until his retirement. He is the nation's all-time top scorer with 65 goals from 105 appearances. He led the Ivory Coast to their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006 and captained the team in subsequent World Cups.
Retirement
Drogba retired from international football in 2014 and retired from professional club football in 2018. However, he briefly returned to Chelsea before ending his career. He joined Montreal Impact and later became a player-owner for Phoenix Rising before retiring in 2018.
Throughout his career, Didier Drogba left an indelible mark as a prolific striker, a key figure in Chelsea's history, and an iconic representative of Ivorian football on the international stage. His achievements and impact on the game have solidified his status as one of the great footballers of his generation.
Didier Drogba Family Members
Didier Drogba's family is an integral part of his life, and it includes several members with connections to football. Didier Drogba was born to Albert Drogba and Clotilde Drogba on March 11, 1978. His parents have played a significant role in his upbringing and support. Drogba has two younger brothers, Joël and Freddy Drogba, both of whom share his passion for football. Freddy, born in 1992, pursued a football career and joined the French Ligue 1 side Dijon FCO, where he played for the youth team.
Drogba is known to be a devout Roman Catholic, and his faith holds importance in his life. His uncle, Michel Goba, is also a professional footballer and has represented the Ivorian national team. This familial connection likely played a role in Drogba's early exposure to the sport. Kévin Goba, who is the son of Michel Goba and Drogba's cousin, is also involved in football as a professional player. He has competed in the lower leagues of French football. The Drogba family's strong ties to football highlight the sport's significance in their lives and its influence on Didier Drogba's journey to becoming a football legend.
Didier Drogba Early Life
Didier Drogba, a member of the Bété ethnic group, was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. His early life was marked by a series of transitions and challenges. At the age of five, he was sent to live with his uncle, Michel Goba, who was a professional footballer in France. However, homesickness led him to return to Abidjan after three years. Drogba's mother affectionately nicknamed him "Tito" after her admiration for President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia. Despite his return to Ivory Coast, financial difficulties arose when both of his parents lost their jobs, prompting him to live with his uncle again.
In 1991, Drogba's parents moved to France, and he followed them there in 1993. Settling in Antony in the Paris suburbs, he began playing team football more frequently and joined a local youth team. Later, he joined the semi-professional club Levallois, where his prolific scoring in the youth team and professional attitude caught the eye of coaches. While he scored in his senior debut, the 18-year-old Drogba struggled to make a lasting impression on the first team coach, Jacques Loncar.
Didier Drogba Ex-Wife
Didier Drogba was previously married to Lalla Diakité, a Malian woman whom he met while in Paris. However, in a statement shared on his Instagram account, Drogba confirmed that he and his wife Lalla had decided to separate after being together for 20 years. The decision to divorce was described as mutual, and Drogba emphasized his preference for keeping his private life out of the public eye. He mentioned that despite the separation, they remained close and that their primary focus was on protecting the well-being of their children and maintaining the privacy of their family.
Didier Drogba Children
Didier Drogba and his ex-wife, Lalla Diakité, are parents to three children, including a daughter and a son, in addition to their eldest son, Isaac. Here's more information about Drogba's children:
Isaac Drogba
Isaac is the eldest son of Didier Drogba and was born in France in 1999. He spent his formative years growing up in England and became part of the Chelsea academy system. In February 2018, he signed with the French club Guingamp, following in his father's footsteps in pursuing a professional football career.
Kieran Drogba
Kieran is one of Drogba's children, but specific details about him, such as his birthdate and career pursuits, are not as widely known.
Iman Drogba
Iman is the daughter of Didier Drogba and Lalla Diakité. Like her brother Kieran, further information about her is not as publicly available.
The Drogba family has maintained a degree of privacy concerning their children, with the focus on safeguarding their well-being and maintaining a private family life.
Didier Drogba Girlfriend
Didier Drogba's girlfriend is Gabrielle Lemaire. Their relationship has become more public in recent times. Based on information available from Gabrielle Lemaire's Instagram profile, she is described as an entrepreneur and strategist. While not much additional information is widely known about her, her Instagram also suggests that she has been involved in some modeling, as she has shared modeling photos on her account. It's important to note that public figures often maintain a level of privacy regarding their personal lives, so additional details about Gabrielle Lemaire may not be readily available to the public.
Didier Drogba Net Worth
Didier Drogba's Net Worth is estimated at $90 million. His primary source of income throughout his career was professional football. He earned substantial salaries and bonuses while playing for various clubs, including Chelsea in the Premier League, as well as clubs in France, China, and Turkey. In addition to his club contracts, Drogba also earned income from endorsements and sponsorships with various brands and companies. His status as a global football star made him an attractive figure for commercial partnerships.
Furthermore, Drogba ventured into business and investments, including ownership stakes in football clubs like Phoenix Rising FC in the United States. He also engaged in philanthropic activities and social initiatives, using his influence and resources to make a positive impact on various causes, particularly in Africa. After retiring from professional football, Drogba has been involved in various business ventures and continues to contribute to football-related activities and charitable efforts.
Where is Didier Drogba Now?
Drogba continues to be a part of the ownership of Phoenix Rising, the last club he played for before his retirement from professional football. In April 2022, he achieved a significant milestone by being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. Drogba holds the distinction of being the first African player to score 100 goals in the Premier League, a remarkable achievement in his illustrious football career. In 2020, Didier Drogba made a bid to become the president of the Ivory Coast FA. However, he faced disappointment as he did not receive any votes from former players in the initial round of voting, despite being considered one of the favorites.
What Happened to Didier Drogba?
There were false rumors circulating on social media about Didier Drogba's death, but he is safe and alive. These rumors are completely untrue, and Drogba is in good health. It's crucial to verify information from reliable sources and refrain from spreading unfounded rumors. Didier Drogba remains alive and well, contrary to the baseless reports.
Is Didier Drogba Dead or Alive - FAQs
Didier Drogba is alive.
Drogba continues to be a part of the ownership of Phoenix Rising, the last club he played for before his retirement from professional football. In April 2022, he achieved a significant milestone by being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. Drogba holds the distinction of being the first African player to score 100 goals in the Premier League, a remarkable achievement in his illustrious football career. In 2020, Didier Drogba made a bid to become the president of the Ivory Coast FA. However, he faced disappointment as he did not receive any votes from former players in the initial round of voting, despite being considered one of the favorites.
There were false rumors circulating on social media about Didier Drogba's death, but he is safe and alive. These rumors are completely untrue, and Drogba is in good health. It's crucial to verify information from reliable sources and refrain from spreading unfounded rumors. Didier Drogba remains alive and well, contrary to the baseless reports.
Didier Drogba played for several clubs during his career, including Le Mans, Guingamp, Olympique de Marseille, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact, and Phoenix Rising FC.
Drogba's career highlights include winning numerous league titles and cups, particularly with Chelsea, where he won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. He's also known for his individual achievements, such as being named African Footballer of the Year and his induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame.