30/10/2006
Didier Drogba
1.80 m, 74 kg
11 March 1978 - Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Clubs
Le Mans (1999-2002), Guingamp (2002-03), Olympique Marseille (2003-04), Chelsea (2004-06)
Season 2005-2006
Premier League: 29 matches, 12 goals
Champions League: 7 matches, 1 goal
2006 World Cup: 2 matches, 1 goal
Didier Drogba moved to France at a very young age, where he made his debut as a professional footballer with Le Mans. Following a good season with Guingamp he finished up in 2003 at Olympique Marseilles. With his excellent condition, strength and speed Drogba helped Olympique Marseilles to the UEFA Cup final in 2004. Drogba's good performances did not go unnoticed at Chelsea. The club bought him in 2004 for a record sum and won their first national title in 50 years with Drogba.
Drogba is not known for his goal-scoring prowess, but he is good for at least 10 goals each season. He proved that last season, when he scored 12 goals for Chelsea in the competition and became national champion again. With his athletic ability and his determination he secured a first team place in almost every match and he was one of the most important players for the London club. In the Champions League Chelsea got through the group phase fairly easily, but in the last sixteen met the team in form: Barcelona. In contrast with the previous season Chelsea could not beat Barca.
During the 2006 World Cup, under Drogba's captaincy, the Ivory Coasters met the Netherlands and Argentina in the group phase. Despite his goal against Argentina Drogba could not prevent the Ivory Coast being knocked-out in the group phase.