Didier Drogba has ended his playing career after two decades at the top level, closing a run that made him one of Africa’s most recognisable footballers.
The former Ivory Coast captain said he was leaving the game satisfied, with his career marked by major trophies, individual awards and a long spell at Chelsea that helped define the club’s modern success.
Drogba spent two separate periods at Chelsea and scored 164 goals in 381 matches. During that time, he helped the London side win four league titles and the UEFA Champions League.
He told the BBC:
“It’s the best way to end, helping some young talent to develop. To give something back to the game was the best way to finish as I have learned so much in the game,”
His career began at French club Le Mans in 1998, before moves to Guingamp and Olympique Marseille. He later played in China and Turkey before returning to Chelsea for another trophy-filled spell.
Drogba finished as Chelsea’s fourth-highest scorer of all time and also made 100 appearances for Ivory Coast. He was named African footballer of the year twice.
At the time of his retirement, he had been playing in the United States for Phoenix Rising, a second-tier side.
