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Didier Drogba stands tall as one of the greatest footballers in the world, but what do you know about his life off the pitch?
Some footballers score goals, some win trophies, and then there are those rare souls who transcend the game itself, and Didier Drogba belongs to that family.
During his time as a player, Didier Drogba was not just your typical footballer, never just a striker; his story is one of the most unique ones, stemming from power and resilience.
He had one long career, and thousands of people remember his time at Chelsea when he was not one of the typical glamorous signings.
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In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya looks at the life of Didier Drogba, from where he was born to his life after retirement.
Didier Drogba Age
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Didier Drogba was born on March 11, 1978, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and as of April 2025, he is 47 years old.
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Didier Drogba is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time, playing for several top clubs, most notably Chelsea, where he became a legend and won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League.
Didier Drogba Nationality
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Didier Drogba is a proud Ivorian. Drogba is a member of the Bété people, born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
At the age of five, Drogba was sent to France by his parents to live with his uncle, Michel Goba, who was a professional footballer.
After three years, he returned to Abidjan and reunited with his parents. Both of his parents lost their jobs, and he again returned to live with his uncle.
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In 1991, his parents also travelled to France, first to Vannes and then in 1993, settling in Antony in the Paris suburbs.
Despite not spending much time in the Ivory Coast, Didier Drogba is one of the most celebrated athletes. He has not only made a lasting impact on the world of football but has also become a symbol of national pride for the Ivorian people.
Didier Drogba has always been an outspoken advocate for his country, both on and off the pitch, using his platform to raise awareness about various social issues affecting the Ivory Coast.
Didier Drogba Career
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Didier Drogba started his football journey in France, joining the youth ranks at Le Mans, where he spent his formative years.
He then moved to Guingamp, where he sharpened his skills, emerging as one of the most talented footballers.
He then moved to Olympique de Marseille in 2003, marking his first major step into the spotlight of European football. During his time there, Drogba scored 19 goals in 35 matches.
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Didier Drogba would then join Chelsea in 2004, on a record fee of around £24 million. His first season at Chelsea was for him to learn before he became the club’s main striker.
He was crucial in helping Chelsea win their first Premier League title in 50 years during the 2004-2005 season, scoring 16 league goals.
He also led Chelsea to the 2007 FA Cup win over Manchester United and also aided the club in winning the 2010 Premier League Title. Drogba was also in action as Chelsea secured the 2012 UEFA Champions League Victory.
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His time at Chelsea solidified his reputation as a big-game player, and by the time he left Stamford Bridge in 2012, he had won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and the 2012 Champions League. He scored a total of 157 goals for Chelsea in 341 appearances.
Didier Drogba then played for Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League in 2012 before moving to Galatasaray in Turkey in January 2013. He became an integral part of the squad. Didier Drogba would then return to Chelsea in 2014, playing for one season.
Didier Drogba then played for the Montreal Impact in the Major League Soccer (MLS). He then moved to Phoenix Rising in 2017. During his time as a player, he was also impactful in Ivory Coast’s national team, representing the country in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and three FIFA World Cups.
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One of Drogba's most memorable moments with the national team was when he helped them secure the 2015 AFCON title after defeating Ghana in the final.
Didier Drogba Education
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Didier Drogba studied accountancy at the university in Le Mans, where he became an apprentice at Ligue 2 club Le Mans. This was after he had completed his junior-level studies.
Drogba was also a model student who was deeply involved in everything he did. However, he never attended a football academy. His career began with daily training as an adult.
Didier Drogba Wife
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Didier Drogba was married to Lalla Diakite, a Malian woman he met in Paris in the late 1990s and they had a long-standing relationship before tying the knot on June 12, 2011, in a private ceremony in Monaco. They have three children together, Isaac, Iman, and Kieran.
After more than two decades together, Drogba announced their separation in January 2021 in a statement shared on social media. Since their separation, Didier Drogba has not remarried.
However, Didier Drogba is currently in a relationship with Gabrielle Lemaire, a Belgian entrepreneur and communications executive.
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Gabrielle Lemaire is the CEO of Barons Agence Conseil en Communication and serves as the Vice President of the Didier Drogba Foundation. She is also the daughter of a former diplomat and ex-president of the Belgian Chamber of Commerce in Ivory Coast.
Didier Drogba retirement
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Didier Drogba officially announced his retirement from professional football in November 2018 at 40, concluding a remarkable 20-year career.
Drogba's final professional chapter was with Phoenix Rising FC in the United Soccer League (USL).
Throughout his illustrious career, Didier Drogba achieved significant success, notably with Chelsea FC.
Internationally, he earned 105 caps and netted 65 goals for the Ivory Coast, becoming the nation's all-time leading scorer.
How Rich is He in 2025?
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Didier Drogba has a net worth of $90 million, thanks to his talent, which has earned him a lot of recognition and increased his earnings.
He serves as the Vice President of Peace and Sport, the founder of the Didier Drogba Foundation, which focuses on human development projects in the Ivory Coast and Africa. He also serves as a co-owner of the Phoenix Rising club in the United States.
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