View source for Didier Drogba

{{Short description|Ivorian footballer (born 1978)}}
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{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Didier Drogba
| image = Didier Drogba (2019) (cropped2).jpg
| caption = Drogba in 2019
| fullname = Didier Yves Drogba Tébily<ref name="capsrsssf">{{cite web |title=Didier Yves Drogba Tébily – Century of International Appearances |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/drogba-intlg.html |website=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206090303/http://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/drogba-intlg.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|3|11|df=y}}<ref>{{Britannica|1376982}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Abidjan]], Ivory Coast
| height = 1.89 m<ref>{{Cite web |title=Didier Drogba Chelsea Forward, Profile & Stats {{!}} Premier League |url=https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/12303/didier-drogba/overview |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=www.premierleague.com |language=en}}</ref>
| position = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = [[USL Dunkerque|Dunkerque]]
| youthyears2 = 1988–1989
| youthclubs2 = [[US Tourcoing FC|Tourcoing]]<ref>[http://ustourcoingfootball.footeo.com/page/histoire-palmares.html "Histoire Palmares"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175704/http://ustourcoingfootball.footeo.com/page/histoire-palmares.html |date=29 August 2018 }}. Footeo.com. Retrieved 28 August 2018</ref>
| youthyears3 = 1989–1991
| youthclubs3 = [[SC Abbeville|Abbeville]]
| youthyears4 = 1991–1993
| youthclubs4 = [[Vannes OC|Vannes]]
| youthyears5 = 1993–1997
| youthclubs5 = [[Levallois SC|Levallois]]
| youthyears6 = 1997–1998
| youthclubs6 = [[Le Mans UC72|Le Mans]]
| years1 = 1998–2002
| clubs1 = [[Le Mans UC72|Le Mans]]
| caps1 = 64
| goals1 = 12
| years2 = 2002–2003
| clubs2 = [[En Avant Guingamp|Guingamp]]
| caps2 = 45
| goals2 = 20
| years3 = 2003–2004
| clubs3 = [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]]
| caps3 = 35
| goals3 = 19
| years4 = 2004–2012
| clubs4 = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
| caps4 = 226
| goals4 = 100
| years5 = 2012–2013
| clubs5 = [[Shanghai Shenhua F.C.|Shanghai Shenhua]]
| caps5 = 11
| goals5 = 8
| years6 = 2013–2014
| clubs6 = [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
| caps6 = 37
| goals6 = 15
| years7 = 2014–2015
| clubs7 = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
| caps7 = 28
| goals7 = 4
| years8 = 2015–2016
| clubs8 = [[CF Montréal|Montreal Impact]]
| caps8 = 33
| goals8 = 21
| years9 = 2017–2018
| clubs9 = [[Phoenix Rising FC|Phoenix Rising]]
| caps9 = 21
| goals9 = 13
| totalcaps = 500
| totalgoals = 212
| nationalyears1 = 2002–2014
| nationalteam1 = [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]]
| nationalcaps1 = 105
| nationalgoals1 = [[List of international goals scored by Didier Drogba|65]]
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|CIV}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Africa Cup of Nations]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2006 Africa Cup of Nations|2006 Egypt]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|2012 Equatorial Guinea–Gabon]]|}}
}}
'''Didier Yves Drogba Tébily ''' ({{IPA|fr|didje iv dʁɔɡba tebili}}; born 11 March 1978) is an Ivorian former professional [[association football|footballer]] who played as a [[striker (association football)|striker]].<ref name=retire>{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba retires with defeat in USL Cup final |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11548825/didier-drogba-retires-with-defeat-in-usl-cup-final |access-date=9 November 2018 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=9 November 2018 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420131034/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11548825/didier-drogba-retires-with-defeat-in-usl-cup-final |url-status=live}}</ref> He is the [[Top international association football goal scorers by country|all-time top scorer]] and former [[Captain (association football)|captain]] of the [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast national team]]. He is known for his career at [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], where he is the club’s top goalscorer as a foreign player and is currently the club's [[List of Chelsea F.C. records and statistics#All-time top goalscorers|fourth highest goalscorer of all time]]. Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, he was known for his pace, aerial abilities, and powerful and accurate strikes. Drogba was named [[African Footballer of the Year]] twice (2006 and 2009). He ranks fourth for the [[List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals|all-time African men's top goalscorers]] in international football, and the highest for an African player from the 21st century, with 65 goals.

After playing in youth teams, Drogba made his debut into football at the age of 21 for [[Ligue 2]] club [[Le Mans Union Club 72|Le Mans]]. After finishing the [[2002–03 Ligue 1|2002–03]] season with 17 goals in 34 appearances for [[Ligue 1]] side [[En Avant Guingamp|Guingamp]], he moved to [[Olympique de Marseille]], where he finished as the third highest goalscorer in the [[2003–04 Ligue 1|2003–04 season]] with 19 goals and helped the club reach the [[2004 UEFA Cup Final]].

In July 2004, Drogba moved to [[Premier League]] club Chelsea for £24&nbsp;million, making him the most expensive Ivorian player of all time. In his debut season, he helped Chelsea win their first [[2004–05 FA Premier League|league title]] in 50 years along with another [[2005–06 FA Premier League|Premier League title]] a year later. He was named in the 2007 [[FIFPro#FIFA FIFPro World XI|FIFA World XI]]. In March 2012, he became the first African player to score [[List of footballers with 100 or more Premier League goals|100 Premier League goals]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/observer/osm/story/0,,2002932,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208164721/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0%2C%2C2002932%2C00.html |archive-date=8 December 2007 |title=Drogba dedicates goal landmark to fans |access-date=27 May 2012 |publisher=Premier League |url-status=live}}</ref> Two months later, he scored in Chelsea's [[2012 FA Cup Final]] win over Liverpool to become the first player to score in four [[List of FA Cup finals|FA Cup finals]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Frank Lampard urges Chelsea to offer Didier Drogba new contract |work=[[BBC Sport]] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17980384|access-date=27 May 2012 |date=7 May 2012|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17980384|url-status=live}}</ref> He also played in the [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final]], where he scored an 88th-minute equaliser and the winning penalty in the penalty shootout against [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea this summer |work=[[BBC Sport]] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18152689|access-date=27 May 2012 |date=22 May 2012|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18152689|url-status=live}}</ref> After spending six months with Chinese club [[Shanghai Shenhua F.C.|Shanghai Shenhua]], he moved to Turkish club [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]], where he scored the winning goal in the final of the [[2013 Turkish Super Cup]]. Drogba returned to Chelsea in July 2014.<ref name="Chelsea return 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28492365 |title=Didier Drogba: Chelsea re-sign club legend on free transfer |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=25 July 2014 | access-date = 25 July 2014 | archive-date = 9 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28492365 | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Chelsea return 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/07/drogba-signs.html |title=Drogba signs |date=25 July 2014 |publisher=[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea Football Club]] |access-date=25 July 2014 |archive-date=25 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125182356/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/07/drogba-signs.html |url-status=live}}</ref> With a record of scoring 10 goals in 10 finals, Drogba is referred to as the "ultimate big game player".<ref name="Eurosport">{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba broke another record with his goal against Schalke last night.. here's five more! |url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/didier-drogba-broke-another-record-with-his-goal-against-schalke-last-night.-here-s-five-more_sto4714705/story.shtml |work=EuroSports|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223904/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FourFourTwo">{{cite news |title=Drogba not the player he was but can still do Chelsea damage – if he really wants to |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/drogba-not-player-he-was-can-still-do-chelsea-damage-if-he-really-wants |publisher=Four Four Two |date=16 March 2015|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-date=29 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029092019/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/drogba-not-player-he-was-can-still-do-chelsea-damage-if-he-really-wants|url-status=live}}</ref> He joined Canadian club [[CF Montréal|Montreal Impact]] in 2015 as a [[Designated Player Rule|designated player]] and played 41 matches over two seasons, scoring 23 goals. Drogba became a player and owner of [[Phoenix Rising FC|Phoenix Rising]] in the [[United Soccer League]] in 2017 and retired a year later at the age of 40. On 21 April 2022, he was inducted into the [[Premier League Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drogba inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame {{!}} Official Site {{!}} Chelsea Football Club |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/04/21/drogba-inducted-into-premier-league-hall-of-fame- |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=ChelseaFC |archive-date=25 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425172306/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/04/21/drogba-inducted-into-premier-league-hall-of-fame- |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Didier Drogba : Chelsea Legends |url=https://shedwall.chelseafc.com/player/didier-drogba/ |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=shedwall.chelseafc.com |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005193024/https://shedwall.chelseafc.com/player/didier-drogba/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Drogba made his debut for Ivory Coast in 2002 and became the captain in 2006. He is the nation's all-time top goalscorer with 65 goals in 105 appearances.<ref name="capsrsssf" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28710057 |title=Didier Drogba: Chelsea striker announces Ivory Coast retirement |date=8 August 2014|access-date=9 August 2014 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|archive-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808221433/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28710057|url-status=live}}</ref> He led the Ivory Coast to the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], their first appearance in the tournament, and scored their first goal. He captained Ivory Coast at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]] and [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]] [[FIFA World Cup]]s.<ref name="Old WC story">{{cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-world-cup-ivory-coast-20140605-story.html#page=1 |title=It's an old World Cup story for Ivory Coast |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=4 June 2014 | access-date = 17 June 2014 |first=Kevin |last=Baxter | archive-date = 29 October 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191029134135/https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-world-cup-ivory-coast-20140605-story.html#page=1 | url-status = live}}</ref> He led Ivory Coast to two [[Africa Cup of Nations]] finals in [[2006 Africa Cup of Nations|2006]] and [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|2012]], though they lost on penalties on both occasions. On 8 August 2014, he announced his retirement from international football.<ref name=intlretire />

Drogba played a vital role in solving issues in his home country and in Africa.<ref name="Anka" /> In 2007, he was appointed a [[UNDP Goodwill Ambassador|Goodwill Ambassador]] for the [[United Nations Development Programme]]. In December 2018, he became Vice President of the international organization [[Peace and Sport]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hellomonaco.com/news/the-vice-president-of-peace-and-sport-is-named/ |title=Didier Drogba named Vice President of Peace and Sport |last=Calendar |first=Event |date=13 December 2018 |website=HelloMonaco |language=en-US|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402161313/https://www.hellomonaco.com/news/the-vice-president-of-peace-and-sport-is-named/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{TOC level|3}}

== Early life ==
Drogba is a member of the [[Bété people]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kobo |first1=Kingsley |title=Didier Drogba named as reconciliator in Cote D'Ivoire |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2011/09/05/2652154/didier-drogba-named-as-reconciliator-in-cote-divoire |access-date=27 September 2020 |publisher=goal.com |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025020003/http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2011/09/05/2652154/didier-drogba-named-as-reconciliator-in-cote-divoire |url-status=live}}</ref> He was born in [[Abidjan]], Ivory Coast, and at age five was sent to [[France]] by his parents to live with his uncle, [[Michel Goba]], a professional footballer. However, Drogba became homesick and returned to Abidjan after three years.<ref name="OSM" /> His mother nicknamed him "Tito", after president [[Josip Broz Tito]] of Yugoslavia, whom she admired greatly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chelsea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=516298 |title=Whose My Tito? |publisher=vitalfootball.co.uk|access-date=10 October 2009|archive-date=18 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318195135/http://www.chelsea.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=516298|url-status=dead}}</ref> He played football every day in a car park in the city, but his return to the Ivory Coast was short lived. Both of his parents lost their jobs and he again returned to live with his uncle.<ref name="OSM">{{cite news |title=I love England. If only my son wouldn't wear an Arsenal shirt |url=https://www.theguardian.com/observer/osm/story/0,,2002932,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208164721/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0%2C%2C2002932%2C00.html |archive-date=8 December 2007 |work=Observer Sport Monthly |date=4 February 2007 |access-date=15 December 2007 |location=London |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, his parents also travelled to France, first to [[Vannes]] and then in 1993 settling in [[Antony, Hauts-de-Seine|Antony]] in the Paris suburbs, at which point the 15-year-old Drogba returned to live with them and his siblings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.didierdrogba.com/en/biographie/enfance.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206073801/http://www.didierdrogba.com/en/biographie/enfance.asp |archive-date=6 December 2008 |title=Biography: My childhood |publisher=didierdrogba.com|access-date=27 July 2008}}</ref> It was here he began playing team football more frequently, joining a local youth side. Drogba then joined the semi-professional club [[Levallois SC|Levallois]], gaining a reputation as a prolific scorer in the youth team and impressing the coach with his professional attitude. His performances earned him a place in the senior squad but despite scoring in his debut, the 18-year-old Ivorian failed to make an impression on Jacques Loncar, the first-team coach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201005310451.html |title=Didier Yves Drogba Tébily | access-date=24 April 2016 | archive-date=7 October 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007085717/https://allafrica.com/stories/201005310451.html | url-status=live}}</ref>

== Club career ==
=== Le Mans ===
When Drogba finished school he moved to the city Le Mans to study accountancy at university and changed clubs, becoming an apprentice at [[Ligue 2]] club [[Le Mans FC|Le Mans]]. However, his first two years there were marred by injuries and he was physically struggling to cope with the training and match schedule.<ref name=OSM /> Former Le Mans coach [[Marc Westerloppe]] later remarked that "it took Didier four years to be capable of training every day and playing every week". Furthermore, Drogba had never attended a football academy and only began daily football training as an adult.<ref name=Guard1>{{cite news |last=McCarra |first=Kevin |title=Rough diamond Drogba adds the polish |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/nov/25/newsstory.sport4 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=25 November 2006|access-date=15 December 2007 |location=London|archive-date=24 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824001815/http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1956631,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

By age 21, Drogba realised that he had to establish himself as a player soon or else he would have little chance of becoming a professional footballer.<ref name=Times1>{{cite news |last=Lovejoy |first=Joe |title=In English football people don't like it sometimes when you tell the truth |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article1265354.ece |work=[[The Times]] |date=31 December 2006|access-date=15 December 2007 |location=London|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223909/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his first team debut for Le Mans soon thereafter and signed his first professional contract in 1999. The same year, he and his Malian wife Alla had their first child, Isaac. He grew into his new responsibilities, later stating: "Isaac's birth was a turning point in my life, it straightened me out".<ref name=OSM /> His first season, in which he scored seven goals in thirty games, boded well for the future, but during the following season he did not live up to expectations. Drogba lost his place to [[Daniel Cousin]] due to injury, then upon his return, he failed to score throughout the remainder of the season. However, he returned to form the following season, scoring five goals in 21 appearances.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography: Le Mans |publisher=didierdrogba.com |url=http://www.didierdrogba.com/en/biographie/le-mans.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113224502/http://www.didierdrogba.com/en/biographie/le-mans.asp |archive-date=13 January 2009 |access-date=23 October 2008}}</ref>

=== Guingamp ===
Halfway through the 2001–02 season [[Ligue 1]] club [[En Avant Guingamp|Guingamp]] consolidated months of interest with a transfer offer and Drogba left Le Mans for a fee of £80,000.<ref name=OSM />
The second half of the 2001–02 season saw Drogba make 11 appearances and score three goals for Guingamp. While his contributions helped the club avoid relegation, the coaching staff remained unconvinced of their new young striker.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography: Guingamp |publisher=didierdrogba.com |url=http://www.didierdrogba.com/en/biographie/guingamp.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113224502/http://www.didierdrogba.com/en/biographie/guingamp.asp|archive-date=13 January 2009 |access-date=23 October 2008}}</ref> However, the next season he rewarded his coaches' patience, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances and helping Guingamp finish seventh, a record league finish.<ref name=OSM /> He credited his teammates for his impressive season, highlighting the contributions of [[Winger (soccer)|winger]] [[Florent Malouda]], a long time friend of Drogba, as a key factor in his goalscoring prolificity that season.<ref name=Times1 /> His strong goal scoring record attracted interest from larger clubs and at the end of the season, he moved to Ligue 1 side [[Olympique de Marseille]] for a fee of £3.3&nbsp;million.<ref name=Guard1 />

=== Marseille ===
[[Olympique de Marseille]] completed the signing of Didier Drogba on 30 June 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaad6a55c36-ebf063d00cc8-1000--drogba-makes-marseille-move/|title=Drogba makes Marseille move|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=June 30, 2003|access-date=February 7, 2025}}</ref> The Ivorian striker played his first match in his new colours on 2 August 2003, during the first matchday of the [[2003–04 Ligue 1|2003–2004 season]] against his former club, [[En Avant Guingamp|Guingamp]]. Drogba had a season in which he emerged as one of the highest European scorers. He has notably scored 19 league goals, winning the [[National Union of Professional Footballers]] (UNFP) Player of the Year award. He also scored 11 goals in European competitions, five goals in [[UEFA Champions League]] and six in the [[UEFA Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/the-season-at-olympique-marseille-that-changed-chelsea/bltacdf8962b6387ed6|title=The season at Olympique Marseille that changed Chelsea striker Didier Drogba's career|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|first=Robin|last=Bairner|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=February 7, 2025}}</ref> 

At the end of the season, Drogba was a transfer priority of newly endorsed [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] coach [[José Mourinho]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2816359-jose-mourinho-reveals-how-he-persuaded-roman-abramovich-to-sign-didier-drogba|title=Jose Mourinho Reveals How He Persuaded Roman Abramovich to Sign Didier Drogba|publisher=[[Bleacher Report]]|first=Rory|last=Marsden|date=January 18, 2019|access-date=February 7, 2025}}</ref> and was bought as the club's then record signing of £24 million.<ref name=Times1 /> His shirt from his only season at Marseille is also framed in the [[basilica]] of the city, [[Notre-Dame de la Garde]], which he presented to the church before the [[2004 UEFA Cup Final]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.online-massalia.org/v3/article.php?id_article=530|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051016085300/http://www.online-massalia.org/v3/article.php?id_article=530|archive-date=16 October 2005 |title=Mieux connaître Notre Dame de la Garde|access-date=20 May 2007 |work=Online Massalia |language=fr}}</ref>

=== Chelsea ===
==== 2004–06 ====
Signing for Chelsea in July 2004 for £24&nbsp;million,<ref name="www1.skysports.com">{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/7772275/Drogba-factfile |title=Drogba factfile |work=Sky Sports |date=22 May 2012| access-date=22 May 2012| archive-date=25 May 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525012833/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/7772275/Drogba-factfile| url-status=live}}</ref> he became the club's record signing and the most expensive striker in English domestic football.<ref>{{cite web |title=Drogba joins Chelsea |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/3852989.stm |website=BBC |date=20 July 2004}}</ref> Drogba scored in his third game for the club with a header against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18152689 |title=Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea this summer |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=22 May 2012 |access-date=9 April 2013 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18152689 |url-status=live}}</ref> His season was interrupted when he pulled a stomach muscle against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] which kept him out of action for over two months.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/3712208.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |title=Drogba faces surgery |date=8 October 2004 | access-date=22 May 2012 | archive-date=4 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604200804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/3712208.stm | url-status=live}}</ref> Chelsea won the [[2004–05 FA Premier League|Premier League]], only their second [[List of English football champions|English top-flight championship]] and their first in 50 years,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4476063.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |title=Bolton 0–2 Chelsea |date=30 April 2005 | access-date=22 May 2012 | archive-date=26 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526081502/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4476063.stm | url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[2004–05 Football League Cup|League Cup]]. Later, Drogba scored in extra time in a 3–2 [[2005 Football League Cup Final|final]] win against Liverpool at the [[Millennium Stadium]], as well as reaching the semi-finals of the [[2004–05 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]]. Drogba scored a somewhat disappointing 16 goals in a total of 40 games for Chelsea in his first season: ten in the Premier League, five in the Champions League and one in the League Cup final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=18727&cc=5739 |title=Didier Drogba No. 11 F |work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=17 September 2008|archive-date=12 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100512190141/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=18727&cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Drogba started the [[2005–06 Chelsea F.C. season|2005–06]] season by scoring two goals in a [[2005 FA Community Shield|Community Shield]] win over [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]. His reputation was marred amidst accusations of cheating during Chelsea's 2–0 win over [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]. Replays showed that he had used his hand to control the ball before scoring the second of his two goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2006/03/27/drog-s-abuse-115875-16868223/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606041722/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2006/03/27/drog-s-abuse-115875-16868223/|archive-date=6 June 2011 |title=Drog's Abuse |work=[[Daily Mirror]]|access-date=27 March 2011 |date=27 March 2006 |first=John |last=Cross}}</ref> This occurred just a week after a similar incident against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] where the goal was disallowed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba admits handball |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/drogba-admits-handball-1024575 |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |date=25 March 2006 |access-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001920/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/drogba-admits-handball-1024575 |archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref>
Chelsea went on to retain the league title with two games to play, becoming only the second club to win back-to-back English titles in the Premier League era.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/team-history/article/1800276 |title=Team History |publisher=Chelseafc.com |access-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923152358/http://www.chelseafc.com/team-history/article/1800276 |archive-date=23 September 2013}}</ref> Again Drogba finished with 16 goals for the season, 12 in the [[2005–06 FA Premier League|Premier League]], two in the Community Shield, one in the [[2005–06 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] and one in the [[2005–06 FA Cup|FA Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bounder.friardale.co.uk/Summaries/2005.htm |title=Summary of Season 2005–06 |website=bounder.friardale.co.uk|access-date=12 March 2021|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222229/http://www.bounder.friardale.co.uk/Summaries/2005.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2006–07 ====
[[File:Drogba chelsea.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Drogba with Chelsea in February 2007 prior to a [[UEFA Champions League]] game with [[FC Porto]]]]
After the departure of [[Damien Duff]] to [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]], Drogba switched from the number 15 shirt he had worn for Chelsea since 2004 to the number 11 shirt vacated by Duff.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/06/3290158/oscar-to-wear-no11-shirt-at-chelsea-after-drogba-departure |title=Oscar to wear No.11 shirt at Chelsea after Drogba departure |date=6 August 2012 |work=Goal.com |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604210335/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/06/3290158/oscar-to-wear-no11-shirt-at-chelsea-after-drogba-departure |url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba scored 33 goals in all competitions during the season (more than his tally in the previous two seasons combined), including 20 in the [[2006–07 FA Premier League|Premier League]] to win the [[Premier League Golden Boot|Golden Boot]].<ref name="Black History">{{cite news |title=Black History Month Heroes: Didier Drogba |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2288115 |access-date=16 October 2021 |agency=Premier League |archive-date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016091837/https://www.premierleague.com/news/2288115 |url-status=live}}</ref> In doing so, he became the first Chelsea player since [[Kerry Dixon]] in [[1984–85 in English football|1984–85]] to reach 30 goals in a season, scoring 20 in the Premier League, six in the [[2006–07 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], three in the [[2006–07 FA Cup|FA Cup]] and four in the [[2006–07 Football League Cup|League Cup]].

Among the highlights were scoring game-winners from outside the penalty area against Liverpool, [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] (from 35 yards out) and [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], a 93rd-minute equaliser against Barcelona at the [[Camp Nou]] and both Chelsea's goals in their 2–1 [[Football League Cup Final 2007|League Cup final]] win over [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]].<ref name="Black History" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/19/didier-drogba-chelsea-premier-league-title-run-in |title=Didier Drogba: Chelsea's past winners will help in Premier League run-in |work=The Guardian |date=19 March 2014 | access-date=24 April 2016 | archive-date=6 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506175531/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/19/didier-drogba-chelsea-premier-league-title-run-in | url-status=live}}</ref> His goal against Liverpool saw him control the ball on his chest with his back to goal, before hitting a 20-yard half-volley on the turn. Liverpool defender [[Jamie Carragher]] who was closely marking Drogba said, "There's not a lot you can do in certain situations because they were that good."<ref name="Black History" /> He also completed two hat-tricks; one against [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] and the other [[List of UEFA Champions League hat-tricks|against]] [[PFC Levski Sofia|Levski Sofia]] in the Champions League, Chelsea's first [[List of UEFA Champions League hat-tricks|hat-trick]] in [[UEFA|European]] competition since [[Gianluca Vialli]] in the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1997–98|Cup Winners' Cup in 1997]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/5375526.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Levski Sofia 1–3 Chelsea |date=27 September 2006 | access-date=21 May 2012 | archive-date=29 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729070117/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/5375526.stm | url-status=live}}</ref> In his last competitive game that season, he scored the winning goal against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the first [[FA Cup Final 2007|FA Cup final]] at the new [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref name=2007FACupFinal>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6649815.stm |title=FA Cup final – Chelsea 1–0 Man Utd: Match report |first=Andrew |last=McKenzie |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2007 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524094623/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6649815.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> This also meant he became the only player to score in both English domestic finals in the same season and win both.<ref name="Anka">{{cite news |last1=Anka |first1=Carl |title=Noughty Boys: Didier Drogba was the 'clutch' centre-forward who united a nation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/4ce7b135-2c8c-421f-8168-b31726ea3a46 |access-date=14 October 2020 |agency=BBC |date=2 April 2019 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018183541/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/4ce7b135-2c8c-421f-8168-b31726ea3a46 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2007, Drogba was named the Ivorian Player of the Year, ahead of [[Abdul Kader Keïta|Kader Keïta]], [[Aruna Dindane]], and [[Kolo Touré]]. In March, he was named [[African Footballer of the Year]] for the first time, ahead of [[Samuel Eto'o]] and Chelsea teammate [[Michael Essien]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba wins African player award |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/6408697.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=1 March 2007|access-date=1 March 2007|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824181729/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6408697.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> His performances during the season saw him named in the [[PFA Team of the Year|PFA Premier League Team of the Year]] and runner-up to [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] in the [[PFA Player of the Year]] awards.<ref name=2007PFA>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6582201.stm |title=Ronaldo secures PFA awards double |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2007 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=14 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414212009/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6582201.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

Drogba faced problems off the pitch during the end of the season as his transfer from [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]] to Chelsea in July 2004 came under scrutiny. The [[2006 allegations of corruption in English football#Stevens report|Stevens inquiry]] in June 2007 expressed concerns because of the lack of co-operation from agents [[Pinhas Zahavi]] and [[Barry Silkman]].<ref>{{cite news |title=What Stevens said about each club |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=16 June 2007 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/sport/2007/06/16/sfnste116.xml |access-date=17 June 2007 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228065435/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS |archive-date=28 December 2007}}</ref>

==== 2007–08 ====
[[File:Drogba ball.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|Drogba training with Chelsea in October 2007]]
The [[2007–08 Chelsea F.C. season|2007–08 season]] began badly for Drogba as he expressed his doubts about the departure of manager [[José Mourinho]]. He was reportedly in tears when Mourinho told him he was leaving the club, and said "Mourinho's departure destroys a certain familiarity we had at the club. Many of us used to play first and foremost for the manager. Now we need to forget those feelings and find another source of motivation".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7017657.stm |title=Drogba dismayed by Mourinho exit |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=29 September 2007|access-date=30 September 2007|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223909/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7017657.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Following these claims, Drogba told ''[[France Football]]'' magazine "I want to leave Chelsea. Something is broken with Chelsea, The damage is big in the dressing room".<ref name=Committed>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7053489.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |title=Drogba '100% committed to Blues' |date=23 October 2007|access-date=17 September 2008|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604200318/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7053489.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite having signed a four-year contract with the club in 2006, Drogba reportedly pointed out several favoured clubs in the interview, identifying [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]], [[A.C. Milan]] or [[Inter Milan]] as possible future destinations,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7051285.stm |title=Drogba 'wants to leave Chelsea' |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=18 October 2007|access-date=18 October 2007|archive-date=21 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021095354/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7051285.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> he later admitted he regretted this and was 100% committed to Chelsea.<ref name=Committed /> Drogba made it up to the fans by scoring in Chelsea's 2–0 victory over [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on 20 October 2007, against [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]] in the [[2007–08 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] four days later, and two goals against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]. In December 2007, Drogba was voted fourth (after [[Kaká]], [[Lionel Messi]] and [[Cristiano Ronaldo]]) for the [[2007 FIFA World Player of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-fifa-world-player-idUKL1765574220071217 |title=Kaka named World Player of Year |date=17 December 2007|access-date = 19 March 2015 |website=Reuters (UK) |last=Ledsom |first=Mark|archive-date = 5 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151005052113/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/12/17/uk-soccer-fifa-world-player-idUKL1765574220071217|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/18/newsstory.europeanfootball |title=Kaka pips Messi and Ronaldo to clinch world player prize |date=18 December 2007|access-date = 21 May 2015 |website=The Guardian |last=Christenson |first=Marcus|archive-date = 4 January 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210104163629/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/18/newsstory.europeanfootball|url-status = live}}</ref>

Drogba continued scoring goals but suffered an injury at the [[Cobham Training Centre|training ground]] and decided to have an operation on his knee. He was unable to play for four weeks and missed key games against [[Valencia CF|Valencia]], [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] and [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01c8-0e6ed060d05f-90f10a4e840e-1000--chelsea-lose-drogba-to-knee-surgery/ |title=Chelsea lose Drogba to knee surgery |date=8 December 2007 |work=[[UEFA]].com |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=21 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821023231/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=634061.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba returned from injury to play in an [[2007–08 FA Cup|FA Cup]] third round match against [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] and wore the [[Captain (association football)|captain]]'s armband for the last 30 minutes he was on the pitch, but that was his last performance for Chelsea before international duty at the [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations|Africa Cup of Nations]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/07/match.chelsea |title=Cautious Chelsea remind QPR of their wealth of on-field talent |date=7 January 2008 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819102905/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/07/match.chelsea |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon his return, Drogba scored a goal in the [[2008 Football League Cup Final|2008 League Cup Final]], making him the all-time leading scorer in League Cup Finals with four goals, but could not help prevent Chelsea fall to a 2–1 defeat at the hands of [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]].<ref name=2008LeagueCupFinal>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7256729.stm |title=Tottenham 2–1 Chelsea |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2008 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=25 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225134253/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7256729.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> He scored both goals in a key 2–1 victory against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] on 23 March 2008, bringing Chelsea equal on points with leaders [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/99617/report |title=Top Drog bridges gap |date=23 March 2008 |work=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090340/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/99617/report |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/mar/23/newsstory.sport2 |title=Chelsea 2–1 Arsenal |date=23 March 2008 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819091718/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/mar/23/newsstory.sport2 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Vanpersiedrogba.jpg|left|upright=0.68|thumb|Drogba and [[Arsenal F.C|Arsenal]] striker [[Robin van Persie]] in March 2008]]
On 26 April 2008, Drogba faced controversy after a clash with Manchester United defender [[Nemanja Vidić]]. The Serbian centre-back had to have stitches under his lip after losing a tooth in the clash. There was discussion whether Drogba had the intention or not to injure his rival. The debate also called into question an earlier incident on 26 November 2006 where Drogba elbowed Vidić. Manchester United manager [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]] expressed concerns over elbowing in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |title=Drogba's elbow deserved red card, says Ferguson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/dec/01/newsstory.sport10 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=1 December 2006|access-date=29 July 2008 |location=London|archive-date=5 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205024549/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/dec/01/newsstory.sport10|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite media speculation, Drogba's [[Penalty card|yellow card]] for the clash was deemed adequate punishment by the [[The Football Association|Football Association]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Ducker |first=James |title=Niceties at end as Ferguson sticks boot in over Drogba elbow |work=[[Irish Independent]] |date=1 December 2006 |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/niceties-at-end-as-ferguson-sticks-boot-in-over-drogba-elbow-62439.html |access-date=23 October 2008 |archive-date=6 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206051710/http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/niceties-at-end-as-ferguson-sticks-boot-in-over-drogba-elbow-62439.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Controversy still dogged the player as before the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash with [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], Drogba was accused of [[Diving (association football)|diving]] by Liverpool manager [[Rafael Benítez]]. Benítez claimed to have compiled a four-year dossier of Drogba's "diving" antics but Drogba hit back at Benítez in an interview.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haond |first=Patrick |title=Drogba loses Rafa respect |work=[[Sky Sports]] |date=30 April 2008 |url=http://origin.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_3497147,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206101528/http://origin.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12040_3497147,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 December 2008 |access-date=23 October 2008}}</ref> On 30 April 2008, Drogba scored two goals in the second leg of the semi-final against Liverpool, which Chelsea won 3–2 at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/01/chelsea.liverpool |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Champions League: Chelsea 3–2 Liverpool (aet, agg: 4–3) |date=30 April 2008 | access-date=11 December 2016 | archive-date=4 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185628/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/01/chelsea.liverpool | url-status=live}}</ref> This was the first time Chelsea had beaten Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Champions League, having lost their previous two meetings to Liverpool. This also led to Chelsea reaching their first Champions League Final. Drogba became Chelsea's top scorer in European competition, the two goals he scored put his total at 17, surpassing Peter Osgood's record of 16.<ref name="www1.skysports.com" /> Drogba was sent off in the 117th minute of the [[2008 UEFA Champions League Final]] against [[Manchester United]] for slapping defender Vidić,<ref>{{cite web |title=Drogba vs Vidic in Champions League Final 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmhUxQ4dFo8 |website=YouTube | date=30 January 2011 |publisher=xfmjstreykerx |access-date=7 March 2020 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222071928/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmhUxQ4dFo8 |url-status=live}}</ref> becoming only the second player to be sent off in a European Cup final – after [[Jens Lehmann]] in 2006 – and the first for violent conduct.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2301164/Champions-League-final-Red-card-may-be-fitting-finale-at-Chelsea-for-Didier-Drogba.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2301164/Champions-League-final-Red-card-may-be-fitting-finale-at-Chelsea-for-Didier-Drogba.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Champions League final: Red card may be fitting finale at Chelsea for Didier Drogba |first=Jeremy Wilson and Chris |last=Irvine |date=21 May 2008 |via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Chelsea went on to lose 6–5 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in extra time. Chelsea assistant boss [[Henk ten Cate]] revealed Drogba was due to take the decisive fifth spot-kick in the shootout. Team captain [[John Terry]] took his place but missed after slipping whilst taking the penalty.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |title=Terry was a stand-in for key penalty miss |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/22/championsleague.chelsea2 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News and Media |date=22 May 2008 |access-date=8 January 2015 |archive-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531162837/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/22/championsleague.chelsea2 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2008–09 ====
[[File:Drogba 2008.jpg|thumb|upright|Drogba with Chelsea prior to a [[Premier League]] game at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]] in May 2008]]
Drogba suffered a string of injuries early on in the [[2008–09 Chelsea F.C. season|2008–09]] season and struggled to regain fitness, missing games from August to November due to knee problems.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Louise |title=Relief for Chelsea after scans clear Drogba to return in weeks. He has recently scored three goals in three games in the champions league |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 October 2008 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/03/chelsea.premierleague |access-date=13 November 2008 |location=London |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185633/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/03/chelsea.premierleague |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba returns for Chelsea |work=[[Sky Sports]] |date=11 November 2008 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,13864_4486619,00.html |access-date=13 November 2008 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125635/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,13864_4486619,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his first goal of the season in mid-November but there was little reason to celebrate: he incurred disciplinary action and a three-match ban for throwing a coin back into the stands and Chelsea suffered a [[2008–09 Football League Cup|League Cup]] defeat against [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba coin row adds to Chelsea's misery as it crashes out of League Cup. |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=13 November 2008 |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jXrNbWyk4XfyNziau64Sy1lNFjoQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618064717/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jXrNbWyk4XfyNziau64Sy1lNFjoQ |archive-date=18 June 2013 |access-date=13 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hytner |first=David |date=14 November 2008 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/nov/14/carlingcup-chelsea-burnley |title=Drogba faces police action and FA ban after coin toss |work=[[The Guardian]] | access-date = 23 January 2009 |location=London | archive-date = 4 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200604201016/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/nov/14/carlingcup-chelsea-burnley | url-status = live}}</ref> Drogba scored his second goal of the season in a 2–1 victory against [[CFR Cluj]] in the [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]],<ref>{{cite news |last=McCarra |first=Kevin |title=Drogba delivers Chelsea into last 16 and soothes Scolari's suffering |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=9 December 2008 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/09/championsleague-chelsea |access-date=19 December 2008 |location=London |archive-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030175510/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/09/championsleague-chelsea |url-status=live}}</ref> while his first [[Premier League]] goal of the season came in a 2–0 win against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] in late December 2008.<ref>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Ollie |date=26 December 2008 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7787541.stm |title=Chelsea 2–0 West Brom |work=[[BBC Sport]] | access-date = 23 January 2009 | archive-date = 11 January 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090111022244/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7787541.stm | url-status = live}}</ref> Having missed many games through injury and suspension, Drogba had lost his first team place and manager Scolari favoured playing [[Nicolas Anelka]] as a lone striker rather than pairing the two. However, he resolved to regain his position in the squad.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7845683.stm |title=Drogba to fight for Chelsea place |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=22 January 2009 | access-date = 23 January 2009 | archive-date = 1 March 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090301044526/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7845683.stm | url-status = live}}</ref>

Upon the temporary appointment of [[Guus Hiddink]] in early February following the sacking of Scolari, Drogba enjoyed a rejuvenation of sorts, returning to his goal-scoring form with four goals in five games after the new manager took over.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guus Hiddink |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/page/TheManagement/0,,10268~1553809,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222093446/http://www.chelseafc.com/page/TheManagement/0%2C%2C10268~1553809%2C00.html |archive-date=22 February 2009 |publisher=Chelseafc.com |access-date=9 March 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/4807014/Chelsea-striker-Didier-Drogba-repays-Guus-Hiddinks-faith.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221044136/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/4807014/Chelsea-striker-Didier-Drogba-repays-Guus-Hiddinks-faith.html |archive-date=21 December 2013 |title=Chelsea striker Didier Drogba repays Guus Hiddink's faith |author=Winters, H. |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=26 February 2009 | access-date =9 March 2009 |url-status=dead |location=London}}</ref> His revival in form saw him net twice against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]], and four times in four Champions League matches, one in each leg of the last sixteen and quarter-final of the competition against [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] and Liverpool respectively, with these goals ensuring Chelsea's passage into the semi-finals. Just four days after his Champions League games, Drogba scored a late goal in the [[2008–09 FA Cup|FA Cup]] semi-final match against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] after [[Frank Lampard]]'s pass found Drogba and he carefully rounded Arsenal goalkeeper [[Łukasz Fabiański]] before passing the ball into Arsenal's empty net.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea 2–1 Arsenal |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_facts/0,19762,11065_3121058,00.html |work=Sky Sports |access-date=18 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414060539/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_facts/0%2C19762%2C11065_3121058%2C00.html |archive-date=14 April 2009}}</ref> Drogba also caused controversy after Chelsea's Champions League semi-final defeat at the hands of [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]. Feeling that many decisions had gone against Chelsea, substituted Drogba confronted referee [[Tom Henning Øvrebø]] after the final whistle. He received a [[Yellow card (sport)|yellow card]] in the process and was recorded shouting "It's a fucking disgrace"<ref>{{cite web |title=Didier Drogba Angry After Chelsea Lose In The Champions League |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toTx8wet820 |website=YouTube | date=7 May 2009 |publisher=SurfTheRecession |access-date=26 February 2020 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422230150/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toTx8wet820 |url-status=live}}</ref> into a live television camera.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/drogba-rages-as-chelsea-crash-out-in-blaze-of-fury-1680489.html |title=Drogba rages as Chelsea crash out in blaze of fury |last=Fleming |first=Mark |date=7 May 2009 |work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=7 May 2009 |location=London|archive-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129091119/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/drogba-rages-as-chelsea-crash-out-in-blaze-of-fury-1680489.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 17 June 2009, UEFA subsequently handed him a six-game European ban with the final two games suspended. The ban then was reduced by one match after an appeal by Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba given lengthy European ban |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8043277.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=17 June 2009 |date=18 June 2009 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223912/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8043277.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2009 FA Cup Final]], Drogba scored Chelsea's first and equalising goal as they went on to win 2–1.<ref name=2009FACupFinal>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8060989.stm |title=Chelsea 2–1 Everton |first=Chris |last=Bevan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2009 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=12 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112084129/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8060989.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> This was his sixth goal in a major cup final in England. Although Drogba had previously expressed his desire to switch clubs, he decided to remain with the Blues under new coach [[Carlo Ancelotti]] and signed a new contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba signs new Chelsea contract |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8162418.stm |access-date=26 February 2010 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=6 August 2009 |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604200359/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8162418.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2009–10 ====
[[File:Didier Drogba.JPG|thumb|left|Drogba in action against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] in the Premier League, December 2009]]
Drogba began the [[2009–10 Chelsea F.C. season|2009–10]] season in fine form for Chelsea, netting a penalty during a shoot-out win in the [[2009 FA Community Shield|Community Shield]] over [[Manchester United]], before scoring twice in a 2–1 victory over [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]]. Drogba earned himself an assist when he was fouled in the penalty box to give Chelsea a penalty, which [[Frank Lampard]] converted, in a 3–1 victory over [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]]. In Chelsea's third game of the season against [[West (London sub region)|West-London]] rivals [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]], Drogba scored his third goal of the season. Drogba scored his fourth goal of the season, against [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]]; Chelsea ended winning the game 2–1 with a late strike from [[Florent Malouda|Malouda]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://origin-www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1795081,00.html |title=Stoke City 1–2 Chelsea |publisher=Premier League |date=12 September 2009 | access-date = 5 July 2014 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202403/http://origin-www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1795081,00.html | archive-date = 14 July 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> He added a fifth at home against [[London derbies|London rivals]] [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] on 20 September.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3162390,00.html |title=Blues march on with win |work=[[Sky Sports]] |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=11 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310220738/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0%2C19764%2C11065_3162390%2C00.html |archive-date=10 March 2010}}</ref>

He scored his 100th goal for Chelsea in a 3–1 defeat against Wigan Athletic. Drogba was again important in the 2–0 win over title rivals [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] on 4 October. He assisted both goals, setting up [[Nicolas Anelka]] and [[Florent Malouda]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8283710.stm |title=Chelsea 2–0 Liverpool |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=4 October 2009 | access-date = 10 October 2009 |first=Phil |last=McNulty | archive-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120330161209/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8283710.stm | url-status = live}}</ref> He then scored a glancing header against Blackburn on 24 October 2009, bringing his tally to eight goals in eleven appearances, scoring his third goal in as many games. Drogba continued his fine form scoring a header against Bolton Wanderers in a 4–0 win in the [[2009–10 Football League Cup|League Cup]], Drogba went on to score a goal in the same week with another 4–0 win against Bolton Wanderers in the [[2009–10 Premier League|Premier League]].

After missing the first three Champions League matches for Chelsea with a ban for being unsportsmanlike,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jun/17/didier-drogba-uefa-suspension-champions-league |title=Didier Drogba handed six-game Champions League ban by Uefa |website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=17 June 2009 | access-date=24 April 2016 | archive-date=4 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604200541/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jun/17/didier-drogba-uefa-suspension-champions-league | url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba started the fourth game against Spanish side [[Atlético Madrid]]. He scored two goals in the last ten minutes and the match ended 2–2.<ref>{{Citation |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8337806.stm |title=Atletico Madrid 2–2 Chelsea |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=3 November 2009 |access-date=4 November 2009 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223912/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8337806.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 November, Drogba scored a goal against London rivals Arsenal at the [[Emirates Stadium]], the second of which a free kick from outside the box.<ref>{{Citation |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8377195.stm |title=Arsenal 0–3 Chelsea |work=[[BBC Sport]] |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |date=29 November 2009 |access-date=29 November 2009 |archive-date=30 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130052422/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8377195.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> It brought his tally for the season to 14 goals in 16 games. On 12 December, Drogba continued his performance with two goals in 3–3 draw against [[Everton F.C.|Everton]].<ref>{{Citation |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8402643.stm |title=Chelsea 3–3 Everton |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=12 December 2009 |access-date=12 December 2009 |archive-date=30 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330155751/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8402643.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Between 3 and 30 January Drogba was on [[2010 Africa Cup of Nations|Africa Cup of Nations]] duty and came back on 2 February against [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]] where he scored a 40th-minute equaliser to tie the game 1–1.<ref>{{citation |title=Hull 1–1 Chelsea |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8490298.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=2 February 2010 |access-date=18 March 2010 |first=Sam |last=Lyon |archive-date=4 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204090558/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8490298.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 March, Drogba scored his 30th goal of the season in an away game against [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]].

[[File:Chelsea double winner 2009-10.JPG|thumb|Drogba (front, second from left) on a street parade with Chelsea after winning the league and cup double in May 2010]]
On 9 May, Drogba helped Chelsea to win the Premier League by scoring a hat-trick in an 8–0 win over [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]. In doing so, he not only collected his third League winner's medal but also won the Golden Boot for the season, his second time doing so, by topping the chart with 29 league goals, beating [[Wayne Rooney]] to the title who remained on 26 goals. Both players had the same number of goals (26) before the start of their respective matches. However, during the game, Drogba appeared to be clearly angry with teammate and regular penalty taker Frank Lampard, after Lampard refused to let Drogba take a penalty which would lead Chelsea to go 2–0 up and give him a chance of winning the golden boot. Lampard scored the penalty, but Drogba did not celebrate with his teammates. Later on in the game though [[Ashley Cole]] was tripped in the box when Chelsea were already 5–0 up, and this time Lampard allowed Drogba to take the penalty, which he scored to go two goals clear of Rooney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=269758&league=ENG.1&cc=5739|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513030200/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=269758&league=ENG.1&cc=5739|archive-date=13 May 2010 |title=Chelsea break records to win title |date=9 May 2010 |publisher=ESPN | access-date =10 May 2010}}</ref>

The following week, Drogba scored the only goal of the [[2010 FA Cup Final]] against [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] from a free-kick, keeping up his record of having scored in all six English cup finals ([[FA Cup]] and [[Football League Cup|League Cup]]) in which he has played.<ref name=2010FACupFinal>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8680493.stm |title=Chelsea 1–0 Portsmouth |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2010 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113005830/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8680493.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2010–11 ====
[[File:Newcastle vs Chelsea 28 Nov 2010 - 1.jpg|thumb|left|Drogba (back centre) preparing for a [[corner kick]] against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in November 2010]]
Drogba came on as a substitute for Anelka against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the [[2010 FA Community Shield|Community Shield]], but could not help prevent Chelsea from succumbing to a 3–1 loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFACommunityShield/famatchcentre/2010/chelseavmanutd/report |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120427153141/http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFACommunityShield/FAMatchCentre/2010/ChelseavManUtd/report |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2012 |title=Video: United lift The Shield – Chelsea FC v Manchester United FC – 08/08/2010 |publisher=TheFA.com |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=9 April 2013}}</ref> However, he started the [[2010–11 Premier League|Premier League]] season in fine form, continuing from where he left off on the last day of the previous campaign as he scored a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion in a 6–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8906098.stm |title=Chelsea 6 – 0 West Brom |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=14 August 2010 | access-date = 27 March 2011 |first=Paul |last=Fletcher | archive-date = 2 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200802190211/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8906098.stm | url-status = live}}</ref> In Chelsea's next game against [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] at the [[DW Stadium]], Drogba made three assists in another 6–0 win.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8928161.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |title=Wigan 0–6 Chelsea |date=21 August 2010 | access-date=27 March 2011 |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury | archive-date=8 January 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108144627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8928161.stm | url-status=live}}</ref>

Drogba played the next game at home against [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] where he lasted the whole 90 minutes and scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season when he kicked home a penalty after [[Nicolas Anelka]] was brought down by [[Thomas Sørensen]] inside the box.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3285989,00.html |title=Blues too strong for Stoke |date=28 August 2010 |access-date=27 March 2011 |work=Sky Sports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001120114/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0%2C19764%2C11065_3285989%2C00.html |archive-date=1 October 2010}}</ref> On 7 November 2010, Drogba missed the first half of Chelsea's 2–0 defeat by [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] at [[Anfield]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Liverpool 2 – 0 Chelsea |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9150065.stm |access-date=23 August 2018 |agency=BBC |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317210221/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9150065.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> It was later revealed that he had been suffering from malaria for at least a month. He had first complained of feeling unwell before the October 2010 international break but the illness was only diagnosed on 8 November 2010. Having diagnosed the problem, Chelsea insisted that he would make a full recovery within days.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/9172276.stm |title=Chelsea striker Didier Drogba fit after malaria scare |date=9 November 2010 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=9 November 2010|archive-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109194532/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/9172276.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2011–12 ====
[[File:DidiFinale12 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Drogba scored the equaliser and the match-winning penalty to win the [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final|2012 UEFA Champions League]]]]
While playing against [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] on 27 August 2011, Drogba suffered a concussion in a collision with Norwich goalkeeper [[John Ruddy]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/949958/chelsea-wait-for-news-on-concussed-striker-didier-drogba?cc=5901 |title=Chelsea wait for news on concussed striker Didier Drogba |date=27 August 2011 |work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102060850/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/949958/chelsea-wait-for-news-on-concussed-striker-didier-drogba?cc=5901|url-status=dead}}</ref> After missing two games, Drogba made his return to the Chelsea squad on 24 September against [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]. Drogba went on scoring his first goal of the season in a 4–1 win.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2461601 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130804060848/http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2461601 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 August 2013 |title=Match report: Chelsea 4 Swansea City 1 |date=24 September 2011 |work=Chelseafc.com |access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14957961 |title=Chelsea 4–1 Swansea City |date=24 September 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14957961|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 November, Drogba rejected a new deal with Chelsea and was set to sign for the highest bidder.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/989733/didier-drogba-rejects-new-chelsea-deal-for-final-payday?cc=5901 |title=Drogba rejects new deal |date=29 November 2011 |work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=2 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202002122/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/989733/didier-drogba-rejects-new-chelsea-deal-for-final-payday?cc=5901|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 31 December 2011, Drogba scored his 150th goal for Chelsea against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]], putting him level with [[Peter Osgood]] and [[Roy Bentley]] in terms of the club's top scorers of all time. Even though, Chelsea was leading with the penalty scored by Drobga, the game ended in a 3–1 loss for Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://asia.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2011-2012/chelsea-shocked-by-villa_sto3082365/story.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522082245/http://asia.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2011-2012/chelsea-shocked-by-villa_sto3082365/story.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 May 2012 |title=Chelsea shocked at home by Villa |date=31 December 2011 |work=asia.eurosport.com|access-date=31 December 2011}}</ref> Drogba scored his 99th Premier League goal for Chelsea on 25 February 2012, in a 3–0 win over Bolton Wanderers.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17082758 |title=Chelsea 3-0 Bolton |work=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2012|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-date=2 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102185112/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17082758|url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba scored his [[List of footballers with 100 or more Premier League goals|100th Premier League goal]] for Chelsea on 10 March 2012, in a 1–0 win over Stoke City. He is the first African player to reach that landmark.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9134538/Chelsea-1-Stoke-City-0-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9134538/Chelsea-1-Stoke-City-0-match-report.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |location=London |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Duncan |last=White |title=Chelsea 1 Stoke City 0: match report |date=10 March 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=27%|align=left|quote=In the dressing room before a big game, it was a different Didier, he was like an animal. His preparation, the intensity in his eyes, and then he always produced.|source=—Teammate Frank Lampard on Drogba (who scored nine goals in nine finals for Chelsea) delivering in big games.<ref name="Anka" />}}
Drogba scored his seventh goal at [[Wembley Stadium]] against London rivals [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] on 15 April, blasting the ball past former teammate [[Carlo Cudicini]] as Chelsea became 5–1 winners and secured a place in the [[2012 FA Cup Final|FA Cup Final]] against Liverpool.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=340485&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418055423/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=340485&cc=5901 |archive-date=18 April 2012 |title=Gamecast: Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea |publisher=[[ESPN FC]] |date=15 April 2012 |access-date=9 April 2013}}</ref> Three days later, he scored a vital goal as Chelsea beat [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] 1–0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League Semi-final]] clash.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17673812 |title=Chelsea 1–0 Barcelona |date=18 April 2012 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=18 April 2012 |archive-date=16 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216115834/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17673812 |url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba became the first player to score in four different FA Cup Finals, as he netted the winner in Chelsea's 2–1 triumph over [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] on 5 May.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17878435 |title=Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool |work=BBC Sport |date=5 May 2012|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518203057/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17878435|url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba also holds the record for most goals scored at the new Wembley Stadium with eight.<ref name="New Records">{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10993576/which-wembley-records-could-tottenham-break-this-season |title=Which Wembley records could Tottenham break this season? |agency=Sky Sports|access-date=20 October 2018|archive-date=26 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726163950/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10993576/which-wembley-records-could-tottenham-break-this-season|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final|Champions League final]] against [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] on 19 May 2012, with Chelsea finding themselves 1–0 down, Drogba scored the equaliser from [[Juan Mata]]'s corner in the 88th minute, taking the game into extra time, where he then gave away a penalty for Bayern after fouling [[Franck Ribéry]] in the box; former teammate [[Arjen Robben]]'s shot was saved by [[Petr Čech]]. The game went to a penalty shootout, where he scored the winning penalty to give Chelsea their first Champions League trophy.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3510294,00.html |work=Sky Sports |title=Drogba fulfils Chelsea dream |date=19 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522031414/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0%2C%2C11065_3510294%2C00.html |archive-date=22 May 2012}}</ref> [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]] remarked: "As far as I was concerned, he [Drogba] won the Champions League for Chelsea."<ref>{{cite web |last=Turrell |first=Rhys |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/07/08/3228771/sir-alex-ferguson-believes-drogba-departure-will-help |title=Sir Alex Ferguson believes Drogba departure will help Chelsea's rivals |publisher=Goal.com |date=8 July 2012 |access-date=9 April 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028061452/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/07/08/3228771/sir-alex-ferguson-believes-drogba-departure-will-help |url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba's headed effort marked his ninth goal in nine cup final appearances for Chelsea, Chelsea legend [[Gianfranco Zola]] spoke after the match about Drogba's ability in big games: "In all their very important matches he has put a stamp on it."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/zola-calls-for-di-matteo-to-be-given-chelsea-job-5s76tbw3mrz |title=Zola calls for Di Matteo to be given Chelsea job |work=[[The Sunday Times]] |date=20 May 2012|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185628/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/zola-calls-for-di-matteo-to-be-given-chelsea-job-5s76tbw3mrz|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2012, Drogba was named Chelsea's greatest ever player in a poll of 20,000 fans conducted by ''Chelsea FC Magazine''.<ref name="Top Drog">{{cite news |date=31 October 2012 |title=Top Drog: Chelsea fans pick Euro hero Didier as club's greatest ever player |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/didier-drogba-voted-chelseas-greatest-1410537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065623/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/didier-drogba-voted-chelseas-greatest-1410537 |archive-date=23 November 2018 |access-date=15 November 2012 |work=Daily Mirror}}</ref>

=== Shanghai Shenhua ===
[[File:Drogba and Anelka.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|Drogba (left) playing for Shanghai Shenhua in July 2012]]
On 22 May 2012, Chelsea released a note on their official website announcing that Drogba would leave the club when his contract expired at the end of June 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2785353 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130807020129/http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2785353 |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 August 2013 |title=Farewell Didier Drogba |date=22 May 2012 |access-date=5 July 2014 |publisher=Chelsea F.C. official website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18152689 |title=Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea this summer |date=21 May 2012 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=22 May 2012|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18152689|url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 June 2012, Drogba declared he would be joining [[Chinese Super League]] side [[Shanghai Shenhua F.C.|Shanghai Shenhua]], linking up with his former Chelsea teammate [[Nicolas Anelka]]. It was reported that he signed a two-and-a-half-year deal where he would earn £200,000 a week.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1109376/drogba-completes-shanghai-switch?cc=5901 |title=Drogba completes Shanghai switch |publisher=ESPN FC |date=20 June 2012 |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623061644/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1109376/drogba-completes-shanghai-switch?cc=5901 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7829038/Drogba-confirms-Shanghai-move |title=Drogba confirms Shanghai move |date=19 June 2012 |work=Sky Sports |access-date=20 June 2012 |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623041657/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7829038/Drogba-confirms-Shanghai-move |url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 July, Drogba made his debut for Shanghai Shenhua in a 1–1 away draw against [[Guangzhou R&F]], coming on as a substitute for Brazilian defender [[Moisés Moura Pinheiro|Moisés]] in the second half. He assisted [[Cao Yunding]]'s equaliser in the 67th minute. On 4 August, he scored his first two goals in a 5–1 win against [[Hangzhou Greentown]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/european-news/drogba-shows-class-is-permanent-in-shanghai?state=00cae4ebd79540569b31a9952e36dbe0 |title=Drogba shows class is permanent in Shanghai |work=Give Me Football |date=8 August 2012|access-date=8 August 2012|archive-date=13 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113000645/http://www.givemefootball.com/european-news/drogba-shows-class-is-permanent-in-shanghai?state=00cae4ebd79540569b31a9952e36dbe0|url-status=dead}}</ref> He scored two more goals on 25 August, both set up by Anelka, as Shenhua drew 3–3 with [[Shandong Luneng]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19385022 |title=African goalscorers in Europe & China August 25–26 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=27 August 2012 |access-date=11 February 2018 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19385022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/former-chelsea-strikers-didier-drogba-and-nicolas-anelka-could-be-sold-by-shanghai-shenhua-8083888.html |work=The Independent |title=Former Chelsea strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could be sold by Shanghai Shenhua |date=28 August 2012 |location=London |access-date=20 September 2017 |archive-date=22 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922052250/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/former-chelsea-strikers-didier-drogba-and-nicolas-anelka-could-be-sold-by-shanghai-shenhua-8083888.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Galatasaray ===
On 28 January 2013, Drogba agreed to a one-and-a-half-year deal with [[Süper Lig]] team [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.galatasaray.org/en/kulup/haber/1969.php |publisher=Galatasaray.org |title=Didier Drogba Join Galatasaray |date=28 January 2013 |language=tr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131081141/http://www.galatasaray.org/en/kulup/haber/1969.php |archive-date=31 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21239832 |title=Didier Drogba: Galatasaray sign striker from Shanghai Shenhua |date=28 January 2013 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=29 January 2013|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21239832|url-status=live}}</ref> He would earn a sign-on fee of €4 million plus basic wage of €4 million per season, €2 million for the remaining [[2012–13 Süper Lig]] and €15,000 per match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kap.gov.tr/yay/Bildirim/Bildirim.aspx?id=257867 |title=Didier Drogba-Transfer |date=28 January 2013 |work=Galatasaray |publisher=Istanbul Stock Market (IMKB) Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) |language=tr|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=26 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226021322/http://www.kap.gov.tr/yay/Bildirim/Bildirim.aspx?id=257867|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on 30 January 2013, Shenhua released a press release that Drogba would unilaterally breach his contract if he were to join Galatasaray.<ref name="Shenhua2013">{{cite news |url=http://www.shenhuafc.com.cn/news_detail.php?newsId=4901 |trans-title=Press Release regarding Drogba joins Galatasaray |publisher=Shenhua FC |date=30 January 2013 | access-date=31 January 2013 |language=zh | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202050705/http://www.shenhuafc.com.cn/news_detail.php?newsId=4901 | archive-date=2 February 2013 | script-title=zh:申花俱乐部关于德罗巴加盟加拉塔萨雷俱乐部的声明}}</ref>

[[File:Chelsea 2 Galatasaray 0 (3-1 agg) (13470520804).jpg|thumbnail|upright|Drogba playing in the [[UEFA Champions League]] last 16 for Galatasaray in March 2014]]
Drogba argued that he had not been paid his wages by the club and asked FIFA, the sport's governing body, to invalidate his contract. In February 2013, FIFA granted a temporary license for him to play for Galatasaray pending the outcome of the contract dispute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Drogba transferinde beklenen haber geldi |url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/spor/futbol/22582019.asp |work=Hurriyet Newspaper|access-date=12 February 2013|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145733/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/spor/futbol/22582019.asp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Drogba'ya lisans çıktı! |url=http://skorer.milliyet.com.tr/drogba-ya-lisans-cikti-/galatasaray/detay/1667940/default.htm |work=Milliyet Newspaper|access-date=12 February 2013|archive-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126144833/http://skorer.milliyet.com.tr/drogba-ya-lisans-cikti-/galatasaray/detay/1667940/default.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Süper Lig: Didier Drogba'nın lisansı TFF'ye ulaştı |date=12 February 2013 |url=http://tr.eurosport.com/futbol/super-lig/2012-2013/super-lig-didier-drogba-nin-lisansi-tff-ye-ulasti_sto3619871/story.shtml |publisher=[[Eurosport]]|access-date=12 February 2013|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223914/https://www.eurosport.com.tr/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 February, Drogba scored his debut goal for Galatasaray just five minutes after coming off the bench against [[Akhisar Belediyespor]] in a match that ended 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/8503203/Didier-Drogba-scored-on-his-Galatasaray-debut-in-a-2-1-win-at-Akhisar-Belediye |title=Didier Drogba scored on his Galatasaray debut in a 2–1 win at Akhisar Belediye |work=Sky Sports |date=15 February 2013 |access-date=16 February 2013 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029215143/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/8503203/Didier-Drogba-scored-on-his-Galatasaray-debut-in-a-2-1-win-at-Akhisar-Belediye |url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 April, Drogba scored his first goal for Galatasaray in the [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] quarter-final game, against Real Madrid. On 20 April, Drogba scored twice in a match against Elazigspor that ended 3–1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/europe/news/1148390/Drogba-double-guides-Galatasaray-to-victory |title=Drogba double guides Galatasaray to victory |work=The Worldgame |date=20 April 2013 |access-date=20 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621003114/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/europe/news/1148390/Drogba-double-guides-Galatasaray-to-victory |archive-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

He won his first title with Galatasaray on 5 May, with a 4–2 win over [[Sivasspor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22423451 |title=Galatasaray win record 19th Turkish title |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=5 May 2013 | access-date = 7 May 2013 | archive-date = 9 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22423451 | url-status = live}}</ref> In Galatasary's derby match against [[Istanbul]] rivals [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football)|Fenerbahçe]] on 12 May, Drogba and his Ivorian teammate [[Emmanuel Eboue]] were subjects of racist chants from opposing fans in the team's 2–1 loss, but no fine or bans were handed down to the supporters or the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22527009 |title=Galatasaray: Didier Drogba questions racists who abused him |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=14 May 2013 |access-date=11 February 2018 |archive-date=18 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118110813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22527009 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 August, he scored the only goal in the [[2013 Turkish Super Cup]] against the same opponents,<ref>{{cite news |title=Galatasaray win TFF Super Cup 2013 |url=http://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=471&ftxtID=18675|access-date=1 July 2016 |publisher=[[Turkish Football Federation]] |date=11 August 2013|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185643/https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=471&ftxtID=18675|url-status=live}}</ref> and he scored two second-half goals in a 2–1 away win against fellow city rivals [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]] on 22 September, although the match was abandoned due to hooliganism from fans of the opponents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/23/sport/football/besiktas-galatasaray-istanbul-derby-football/index.html |title=Besiktas, Galatasaray ends in violence |website=CNN |date=23 September 2013|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185631/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/23/sport/football/besiktas-galatasaray-istanbul-derby-football/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Return to Chelsea ===
[[File:Chelsea 2 QPR 1 (15066371684).jpg|thumbnail|left|Drogba (far right) playing for Chelsea in November 2014]]
On 25 July 2014, Chelsea announced on their official website that Drogba completed his return to the club on a free transfer, and signed a one-year contract.<ref name="Chelsea return 1" /> Speaking on his move back to the club, Drogba said:{{blockquote|It was an easy decision. I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with [[José Mourinho]] again. Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me.}} Mourinho also commented on the transfer, saying: "He's coming because he's one of the best strikers in Europe. I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he's not protected by history or what he's done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history."<ref name="Chelsea return 2" /> On 28 July 2014, Chelsea announced that Drogba would wear the number 15 shirt which he wore when he first signed for the club in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=Drogba takes 15 |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/07/drogba-takes-15.html |publisher=[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea Football Club]]|access-date=28 July 2014 |date=28 July 2014|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506172639/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/07/drogba-takes-15.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mohamed Salah]], who wore the number during the 2013–14 season, took over the number 17 shirt vacated by [[Eden Hazard]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kingfut.com/2014/07/23/mohamed-salah-changes-chelsea-kit-number/ |title=Mohamed Salah changes Chelsea kit number |date=23 July 2014 |work=KingFUT.com |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819125432/http://www.kingfut.com/2014/07/23/mohamed-salah-changes-chelsea-kit-number/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 August, however, it was announced that Drogba had been given back the number 11 shirt he previously wore at the club, with its previous occupant [[Oscar (footballer, born 1991)|Oscar]] taking over the number 8 jersey vacated by [[Frank Lampard]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/oscar-gives-dider-drogba-chelseas-no-11-shirt-for-new-premier-league-season-9673267.html |title=Oscar gives Drogba Chelsea's No 11 shirt for new season |date=16 August 2014 |website=The Independent|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185635/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/oscar-gives-dider-drogba-chelseas-no-11-shirt-for-new-premier-league-season-9673267.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Chelsea 3 Sunderland 1 Champions! (17975567060).jpg|thumb|upright|Drogba and [[John Terry]] holding the Premier League trophy in May 2015]]
Drogba made his Premier League return for Chelsea in a 3–1 win away to [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]], replacing winger [[Eden Hazard]] in the 84th minute at [[Turf Moor]] on 18 August 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/matchday/matches/2014-2015/epl.teams.html/burnley-vs-chelsea|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112175712/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/matchday/matches/2014-2015/epl.teams.html/burnley-vs-chelsea|archive-date=12 November 2014 |title=Fixture – Burnley vs Chelsea |date=18 August 2014 |publisher=[[Premier League]] |access-date=18 August 2014}}</ref> On 17 September he made the first start of his second spell, in a 1–1 home draw against [[Schalke 04]] in Chelsea's first game of the Champions League group stage.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/29225452 |title=Chelsea 1–1 Schalke |work=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2014 | access-date=17 September 2014 | archive-date=8 August 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808151706/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/29225452 | url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his first goal in his second spell at Stamford Bridge on 21 October, converting a penalty kick in a 6–0 win over [[NK Maribor|Maribor]] in the [[2014-15 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29362738 |title=Didier Drogba scored his first goal since rejoining Chelsea as they recorded their biggest Champions League win with a dominant victory against Maribor at Stamford Bridge. |work=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2014 |access-date=21 October 2014 |archive-date=23 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123092742/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29362738 |url-status=live}}</ref> Five days later, with Chelsea's attack limited by injuries to [[Diego Costa]] and [[Loïc Rémy]], Drogba started against Manchester United at Old Trafford, making his 350th appearance for the club. Early in the second-half, he headed in the first [[2014-15 Premier League|Premier League]] goal of his second spell although [[Robin van Persie]] equalised in added time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=Man Utd 1–1 Chelsea |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29679403|access-date=26 October 2014 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 October 2014|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29679403|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his 50th goal in European football against [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Jurejko |first=Jonathan |title=FC Schalke 04 0–5 Chelsea |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29363005 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2014|access-date=25 November 2014|archive-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106134635/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29363005|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 24 May 2015, Drogba announced that Chelsea's final game of the season against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] would be his last as a Chelsea player.<ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba: Today's my final Chelsea game |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/05/drogba--today_s-my-final-chelsea-game.html|access-date=24 May 2015 |work=Chelsea F.C. |date=24 May 2015|archive-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112222838/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/05/drogba--today_s-my-final-chelsea-game.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He started the game as captain and was substituted with injury after half an hour, being carried off by his teammates in an eventual 3–1 win.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/32770811 |title=Chelsea 3–1 Sunderland |work=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2015 | access-date=24 May 2015 |first1=Richard |last1=Winton | archive-date=16 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216093531/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/32770811 | url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba's final total of 104 goals was the most by an African in Premier League history until it was surpassed by Liverpool and Egypt forward [[Mohamed Salah]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Salah becomes top scoring African in Premier League; overtakes Didier Drogba |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/liverpool-engliverpool/story/4505187/salah-becomes-top-scoring-african-in-premier-league-overtakes-didier-drogba |access-date=25 October 2021 |agency=ESPN |archive-date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026232134/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/liverpool-engliverpool/story/4505187/salah-becomes-top-scoring-african-in-premier-league-overtakes-didier-drogba |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Montreal Impact ===
On 27 July 2015, Drogba signed a [[Designated Player Rule|Designated Player]] contract with [[Major League Soccer]] side [[CF Montréal|Montreal Impact]], believed to be 18 months in length.<ref>{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba joins MLS side Montreal Impact |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33684086 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 July 2015|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33684086|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Montreal Impact confirms signing ex-Chelsea star Didier Drogba |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/2132246/montreal-impact-reportedly-signs-ex-chelsea-star-didier-drogba/ |work=Global News |date=27 July 2015|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185640/https://globalnews.ca/news/2132246/montreal-impact-reportedly-signs-ex-chelsea-star-didier-drogba/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 August, he made his debut in a 0–1 home loss against the [[Philadelphia Union]], coming on as a substitute for [[Dilly Duka]] in the second half. On 5 September, Drogba scored a hat-trick on his first MLS start, the first player to do so in the league's history. Additionally, it was considered a "perfect hat-trick", with one goal scored with either foot and one with the head.<ref name="perfection and history">{{cite web |last1=Wiebe |first1=Andrew |title=Didier Drogba claims perfection and history with hat trick in first MLS start {{!}} MLS Now|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2015/09/08/didier-drogba-claims-perfection-and-history-hat-trick-first-mls-start-mls-now|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=8 September 2015|archive-date=11 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911003658/http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2015/09/08/didier-drogba-claims-perfection-and-history-hat-trick-first-mls-start-mls-now|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was September's [[MLS Player of the Month]] after scoring 7 goals in his first 5 games in the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/02/montreal-impact-striker-didier-drogba-wins-etihad-airways-player-month-award |title=Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba wins Etihad Airways Player of the Month award for September |work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=2 October 2015|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604202111/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/02/montreal-impact-striker-didier-drogba-wins-etihad-airways-player-month-award|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:DidierDrogbaMLS2015.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Drogba during the [[2016 MLS All-Star Game]]]]
On 25 October, he scored both of the Impact's goals from back heels as the team came from behind to defeat [[Toronto FC]] 2–1 at home in the [[Canadian Classique]]; the win gave Montreal the home advantage for their knock-out fixture against Toronto in the [[2015 MLS Cup Playoffs]]. Drogba finished the [[2015 Major League Soccer season|2015 MLS regular season]] with 11 goals in 11 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/news/2015/10/match-report-impact-beats-toronto-fc-and-finishes-third-east |title=Match Report: Impact beats Toronto FC and finishes third in the East |publisher=Impact Montreal |date=25 October 2015|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> On 29 October, Drogba scored Montreal's third goal in a 3–0 home win over Toronto in the knock-out round of the Playoffs, to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals for the first time in the club's history;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12096/10048126/major-league-soccer-round-up-dider-drogba-scores-as-toronto-beat-montreal-to-make-eastern-conference-semis |title=Dider Drogba scores as Montreal beat Toronto FC in MLS playoffs |publisher=Sky Sports |date=30 October 2015|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-date=2 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102000505/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12096/10048126/major-league-soccer-round-up-dider-drogba-scores-as-toronto-beat-montreal-to-make-eastern-conference-semis|url-status=live}}</ref> they were eliminated by [[Columbus Crew SC]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/match/437319/columbus-crew-sc-montreal-impact/report |title=Columbus Crew beat Montreal Impact thanks to Kei Kamara winner |publisher=ESPN FC |date=8 November 2015|access-date=9 November 2015|archive-date=9 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109145715/http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/match/437319/columbus-crew-sc-montreal-impact/report|url-status=live}}</ref> He was named one of the three finalists for the 2015 [[MLS Newcomer of the Year Award]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/03/benny-feilhaber-sebastian-giovinco-kei-kamara-contend-landon-donovan-mvp-mls |title=Benny Feilhaber, Sebastian Giovinco, Kei Kamara contend for Landon Donovan MVP as MLS announces 2015 Awards finalists |publisher=MLS Soccer |date=3 November 2015|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-date=4 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104023844/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/03/benny-feilhaber-sebastian-giovinco-kei-kamara-contend-landon-donovan-mvp-mls|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the MLS offseason, recently appointed Chelsea manager [[Guus Hiddink]] revealed interest in bringing on Drogba in a short-term coaching capacity after Drogba made a visit to [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]] to watch a Chelsea match with Hiddink and owner [[Roman Abramovich]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsportsasia.com/news/hiddink-i-want-drogba-back-at-chelsea/ |title=Hiddink: I want Drogba back at Chelsea |work=FOX Sports Asia |date=21 December 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027123348/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/news/hiddink-i-want-drogba-back-at-chelsea/ |archive-date=27 October 2016}}</ref> Montreal then reiterated their intent for Drogba to finish his contract with the club,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/inside-mls/premier-league-chelsea-montreal-impact-didier-drogba-guus-hiddink-potential-backroom-role-122315 |title=Montréal Impact to Didier Drogba: We want you to stay |work=FOX Sports |first=Kyle |last=McCarthy |date=23 December 2015 |access-date=26 October 2016 |archive-date=27 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027054846/http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/inside-mls/premier-league-chelsea-montreal-impact-didier-drogba-guus-hiddink-potential-backroom-role-122315 |url-status=live}}</ref> but were left uncertain until Drogba publicly confirmed his intent to play with Montreal for the 2016 MLS season on 3 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/montreal-impact/story/2793932/montreal-impact-uncertain-didier-drogba-will-complete-season |title=Montreal Impact uncertain Didier Drogba will complete season in MLS |work=ESPN FC |first=Doug |last=McIntyre |date=25 January 2016 |access-date=26 October 2016 |archive-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301104914/http://www.espnfc.us/montreal-impact/story/2793932/montreal-impact-uncertain-didier-drogba-will-complete-season |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="turf">{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/montreal-impact/story/2821183/didier-drogba-wont-play-on-turf-for-montreal-to-start-year |title=Didier Drogba won't play on turf for Montreal Impact to start MLS season |work=ESPN FC |first=Doug |last=McIntyre |date=3 March 2016 |access-date=26 October 2016 |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185629/http://www.espnfc.us/montreal-impact/story/2821183/didier-drogba-wont-play-on-turf-for-montreal-to-start-year |url-status=live}}</ref> After beginning his preseason training in [[Qatar]] away from the club, Drogba joined the Impact for the second half of their preseason training in [[St. Petersburg, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/mls/montreal-impact/didier-drogba-confirms-he-will-play-for-impact-in-2016 |title=Star striker Drogba confirms he will play for Impact in 2016 |work=Montreal Gazette |first=Bill |last=Beacon |date=24 January 2016 |access-date=27 January 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108103128/http://montrealgazette.com/sports/soccer/mls/montreal-impact/didier-drogba-confirms-he-will-play-for-impact-in-2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 March, club technical director [[Adam Braz]] announced that Drogba would not play matches on artificial turf to begin the season due to possible implications on his knee.<ref name="turf" />

In July 2016, Drogba was included in the roster for the [[2016 MLS All-Star Game]],<ref name="2016All-star" /> scoring in a 2–1 defeat to Arsenal on 28 July.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10515970/mls-all-stars-1-2-arsenal-didier-drogba-scores-but-gunners-do-enough |title=MLS All-Stars 1–2 Arsenal: Didier Drogba scores but Gunners do enough |publisher=Sky Sports |date=29 July 2016|access-date=29 July 2016|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604192638/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10515970/mls-all-stars-1-2-arsenal-didier-drogba-scores-but-gunners-do-enough|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 October, following his exclusion from the starting lineup of a match against [[Toronto FC]] by manager [[Mauro Biello]], Drogba refused to play for the team that night, removing his name from the squad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/montreal-impact/story/2974367/major-league-soccer-didier-drogba-refused-to-play-after-exclusion-from-impact-xi-biello |title=Didier Drogba refused to play after exclusion from Impact XI – Biello |work=ESPN FC |first=Doug |last=McIntyre |date=16 October 2016 |access-date=26 October 2016 |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185635/http://www.espnfc.us/montreal-impact/story/2974367/major-league-soccer-didier-drogba-refused-to-play-after-exclusion-from-impact-xi-biello |url-status=live}}</ref> With both his fitness, due to a lingering back injury, and his role in the team in question, Drogba did not travel with the team to, although he was in attendance at, their first postseason match at [[D.C. United]], a 4–2 victory on 27 October.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/2981802/montreal-impacts-didier-drogba-wont-travel-with-team-to-face-dc-united |title=Montreal Impact's Didier Drogba won't travel with team to face D.C. United |work=ESPN FC |first=Jeff |last=Carlisle |date=26 October 2016 |access-date=26 October 2016 |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604200453/http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/2981802/montreal-impacts-didier-drogba-wont-travel-with-team-to-face-dc-united |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/didier-drogba-went-to-d-c-to-see-the-impacts-playoff-game-despite-rift-with-club-102716 |title=Didier Drogba went to D.C. to see the Impact's playoff game despite rift with club |work=FOX Sports |first=Ryan |last=Rosenblatt |date=27 October 2016 |access-date=5 November 2016 |archive-date=4 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604185634/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/didier-drogba-went-to-d-c-to-see-the-impacts-playoff-game-despite-rift-with-club-102716 |url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba did not experience the same level of success in his second regular season compared to the first, but still scored 10 goals while appearing in only 22 games, as Montreal reached the Conference Final of the [[2016 MLS Cup Playoffs|2016 Playoffs]].

=== Phoenix Rising ===
On 12 April 2017, after nearly four months as a [[Free Agent|free agent]] and declining a move to Brazilian side [[Sport Club Corinthians Paulista|Corinthians]],<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://global.espn.com/football/story/_/id/37512204/corinthians-deal-did-not-feel-right-move |title=Didier Drogba: Corinthians deal did not feel like right move at this time |work=ESPN |last=Holyman |first=Ian |date=1 February 2017|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210123351/https://global.espn.com/football/soccer-transfers/story/3051278/didier-drogba-corinthians-deal-did-not-feel-like-right-move-at-this-time|url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba signed for [[United Soccer League|USL]] side [[Phoenix Rising FC]]. He also became a minority owner of the club, making him the first player-owner in football history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/youve-heard-player-managers-now-10213568 |title=You've heard of player-managers, now Chelsea legend Didier Drogba is to be player-OWNER at American third-tier side. |publisher=The Mirror | access-date=12 April 2017 | archive-date=12 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162142/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/youve-heard-player-managers-now-10213568 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/12/didier-drogba-us-side-phoenix-rising-player-co-owner-mls |title=Didier Drogba joins US side Phoenix Rising as player and co-owner |first=Mark |last=Dobson |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 April 2017 |via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604202912/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/12/didier-drogba-us-side-phoenix-rising-player-co-owner-mls|url-status=live}}</ref>

He made his debut for the club on 10 June 2017, and scored a goal and an assist, leading the team to a 2–1 victory over [[Whitecaps FC 2|Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.phxrisingfc.com/news_article/show/802346?referrer_id=2717359 |title=RECAP: Drogba Powers Phoenix Rising FC With Goal, Assist in 2–1 Win Over Whitecaps FC 2 |last=Communications |first=Phoenix Rising FC |date=10 June 2017 |work=Phoenix Rising FC {{!}} Arizona's Highest Level Professional Soccer Team|access-date=11 June 2017|language=en-us|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163049/https://www.phxrisingfc.com/news_article/show/802346?referrer_id=2717359|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2017 Drogba attracted attention after scoring an impressive last-minute free kick in a game against [[Orange County SC|Orange County]] to tie the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Video: Didier Drogba scores super 94th free kick goal vs Orange County! |date=9 July 2017|access-date=9 July 2017 |url=http://wittyfutty.com/2017/07/didier-drogba-scores-super-94th-free-kick-goal-vs-orange-county/ |work=Witty Futty|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165758/https://wittyfutty.com/2017/07/didier-drogba-scores-super-94th-free-kick-goal-vs-orange-county/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 August, he scored with a powerful 40-yard free kick against LA Galaxy reserve side which was followed by his classic knee-slide [[goal celebration]] in front of the bench.<ref name="Galaxy" /> In November 2018, at the age of 40, Drogba scored against Orange County as Phoenix won the [[Western Conference (USL)|USL Western Conference]].<ref name="Title40">[https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11545127/didier-drogba-wins-usl-western-conference-with-phoenix-rising "Didier Drogba wins USL Western Conference with Phoenix Rising"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419164501/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11545127/didier-drogba-wins-usl-western-conference-with-phoenix-rising |date=19 April 2019 }}. Sky Sports. Retrieved 8 November 2018</ref> On 8 November, Phoenix lost the USL Championship game 1–0 at [[Louisville City FC]]. Drogba retired later that month at the age of 40,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46294137 |title=Didier Drogba: Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend retires from playing |date=21 November 2018|access-date=29 November 2019 |language=en-GB|archive-date=27 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527193028/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46294137|url-status=live}}</ref> but remained with his final club to work on their bid to join MLS.<ref name=retire />

== International career ==
[[File:Drogba 123.jpg|thumb|upright|Drogba (pictured playing for the [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]] in 2012) was named captain in 2006.]]
As the talisman of the team Drogba contributed to the [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]] qualifying for its first ever [[FIFA World Cup]], held in [[2006 FIFA World Cup|Germany in 2006]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://footballspeak.com/post/2012/06/22/Didier-Drogba-A-Great-Servant.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629045329/http://footballspeak.com/post/2012/06/22/Didier-Drogba-A-Great-Servant.aspx|archive-date=29 June 2012 |title=Didier Drogba – A Great Servant, Moving On |date=22 June 2012 |work=Football Speak |access-date=15 August 2014}}</ref> Following the victory over [[Sudan national football team|Sudan]] that clinched World Cup qualification he also played a pivotal role in helping to end the [[First Ivorian Civil War|Ivorian civil war]] by making an impassioned speech to the camera which resulted in a cease fire.<ref name="Anka" />

In February 2006, Drogba [[Captain (association football)|captained]] the Ivory Coast to their second [[Africa Cup of Nations]] final, scoring the only goal in their semi-final match with [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] and putting away the deciding spot-kick in their record-tying 12–11 penalty shootout quarter-final win over [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon]]. However, they lost in the final to [[Egypt national football team|Egypt]] 4–2 on penalty kicks after a 0–0 draw, with Drogba's shot being stopped by Egyptian goalkeeper [[Essam El Hadary]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/10/africannationscup2006.africannationscup2 |title=Pharaohs are kings again |date=10 February 2006 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051151/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/10/africannationscup2006.africannationscup2 |url-status=live}}</ref>

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Ivory Coast were drawn in a "[[group of death]]" with [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro]], the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] and [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4466032.stm |title=World Cup finals draw in full |date=9 December 2005 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202538/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4466032.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> On 10 June 2006, Drogba scored the first World Cup goal of his career and of his country's history in the opening game against Argentina, but his team lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/matches/round=97410100/match=97410005/index.html |title=Argentina – Côte d'Ivoire |date=10 June 2006 |publisher=[[FIFA]].com |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=30 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330003308/https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/matches/round=97410100/match=97410005/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Ivory Coast were eliminated from the World Cup after their next game, a 2–1 defeat to the Netherlands, but came from 0–2 down to win against Serbia and Montenegro 3–2 in their final group game, with Drogba watching from the sidelines following suspension after picking up a yellow card in the previous two games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/matches/round=97410100/match=97410038/index.html |title=Côte d'Ivoire – Serbia and Montenegro |date=21 June 2006 |publisher=[[FIFA]].com |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=18 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918020541/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/matches/round=97410100/match=97410038/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations]], the Ivory Coast were drawn in a group with [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]], [[Mali national football team|Mali]] and underdogs [[Benin national football team|Benin]]. Drogba scored two goals in the group stage, opening the scoring in the 4–1 win over Benin,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/95651/report |title=Elephants march past Benin |date=26 January 2008 |work=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=8 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208050413/http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/95651/report |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as in the 3–0 win over Mali.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.rfi.fr/francais/can2008/articles/097/article_62104.asp |title=Côte d'Ivoire – Mali : les Eléphants éliminent les Aigles |language=fr |date=29 January 2008 |work=[[Radio France Internationale]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=2 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302210032/http://www1.rfi.fr/francais/can2008/articles/097/article_62104.asp |url-status=live}}</ref> In the quarter-finals, Drogba was on the score sheet once again in the 5–0 win over [[Guinea national football team|Guinea]] with the last four goals coming in the final twenty minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2008africacupofnations/2008/02/2008526113138975420.html |title=Elephants trample Guinea |date=4 February 2008 |work=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201093230/https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/2008africacupofnations/2008/02/2008526113138975420.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The semi-final was a rematch of the 2006 final against Egypt, but it was to be the end of the road for Drogba and the Ivory Coast, losing 4–1 to the eventual champions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/07/minutebyminute.newsstory1 |title=Ivory Coast 1–4 Egypt |date=7 February 2008 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051324/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/07/minutebyminute.newsstory1 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 February, Drogba lost 4–2 to hosts [[Ghana national football team|Ghana]] and thus ended their run in the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cafonline50.com/?lng=1&module=resultats_national&rub=1&div=1&res=95849&ma=31&CmpetPere=0&cmpt=0 |title=Match Report N° 31 |date=9 February 2008 |publisher=[[Confederation of African Football]] |access-date=15 August 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214210815/http://www.cafonline50.com/?lng=1&module=resultats_national&rub=1&div=1&res=95849&ma=31&CmpetPere=0&cmpt=0 |archive-date=14 February 2008}}</ref>

Drogba scored six goals in five qualification games to help the Ivory Coast qualify for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]].
In the [[2010 Africa Cup of Nations]] Drogba scored one goal in the 3–1 victory against Ghana in the group stage. The Ivory Coast reached the quarter-finals but lost 2–3 to [[Algeria national football team|Algeria]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?cc=5739&id=287448 |title=Ivory Coast 2–3 Algeria |date=24 January 2010 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=13 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128064002/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=287448&cc=5739 |archive-date=28 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2010/01/25/algeria-stun-c-te-divoire |title=Algeria stun Côte d'Ivoire |publisher=sbs.com.au |date=25 January 2010|access-date=5 July 2014|archive-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227182719/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2010/01/25/algeria-stun-c-te-divoire|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2010, he was named as the 2009 [[African Footballer of the Year]], his second time winning the award in his career.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/03/12/football.africa.award.drogba/ |title=Drogba crowned Africa's Footballer of the Year |date=12 March 2010 |work=CNN|access-date=13 March 2010|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005028/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/03/12/football.africa.award.drogba/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 4 June 2010, Drogba was injured in a friendly match with [[Japan national football team|Japan]]. He received the injury in a high challenge from defender [[Marcus Túlio Tanaka|Túlio Tanaka]]. He fractured the [[ulna]] in his right arm and had an operation the next day in the hope of making the finals.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/04/didier-drogba-world-cup-injury |title=Didier Drogba set to miss World Cup with fractured elbow |date=4 June 2010 |work=The Guardian|access-date=4 June 2010 |location=London |first=Paul |last=Doyle|archive-date=8 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108182341/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/04/didier-drogba-world-cup-injury|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 June 2010, Drogba was cleared by FIFA to play in the Ivory Coast's first group game against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] wearing a protective cast on his broken arm.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/797077 |title=Queiroz queries decision on Drogba cast |date=15 June 2010 |work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506233815/http://www.espnfc.com/story/797077|url-status=live}}</ref> The match ended in a goalless draw at the [[Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium]] with Drogba coming on in the 65th minute.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_13/default.stm |title=Ivory Coast 0–0 Portugal |date=15 June 2010 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=15 June 2010 |first=Paul |last=Fletcher|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417120101/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_13/default.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 June 2010, Drogba became the first player from an African nation to score against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] in a World Cup match, scoring with a header in the 78th minute as the Ivory Coast were defeated 1–3.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/drogba-gives-africa-hope-of-breakthrough |title=Drogba gives Africa hope of breakthrough |date=20 June 2010 | access-date=24 April 2016 | archive-date=3 March 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303022739/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/drogba-gives-africa-hope-of-breakthrough | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_29/default.stm |title=Brazil 3–1 Ivory Coast |date=20 June 2010 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=30 June 2010 |first=Aimee |last=Lewis|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228000744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_29/default.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 June 2010, the Ivory Coast went out of the competition despite winning 3–0 against [[Korea DPR national football team|North Korea]] in their final match.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_46/default.stm |title=North Korea 0–3 Ivory Coast |date=25 June 2010 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=30 June 2010 |first=Aimee |last=Lewis|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_46/default.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations]], the Ivory Coast were drawn in a group with [[Sudan national football team|Sudan]], [[Angola national football team|Angola]] and [[Burkina Faso national football team|Burkina Faso]]. Drogba scored the first goal for his team in the tournament against Sudan and his only goal in the group stage. In the quarter-finals, Drogba scored twice in the 3–0 win over [[Equatorial Guinea national football team|Equatorial Guinea]] but he missed a penalty kick where he could have scored hat-trick in the match and tournament. He did not score in the semi-final in which the Ivory Coast beat Mali 1–0. In the final against [[Zambia national football team|Zambia]], Drogba missed a penalty kick in the last 15 minutes of the game, which ended with their loss for the second time by penalty shootout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012/match1518/live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230653/http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012/match1518/live |archive-date=2 December 2013 |title=Zambia 8 : 7 Cote d'Ivoire |publisher=cafonline.com |date=2 December 2012 | access-date = 9 April 2013}}</ref>

In June 2014, Drogba was named in the Ivory Coast's squad for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/ivory-coast/10810262/Ivory-Coast-World-Cup-2014-squad.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/ivory-coast/10810262/Ivory-Coast-World-Cup-2014-squad.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Ivory Coast World Cup 2014 squad |date=2 June 2014|access-date=20 June 2014 |work=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He won his [[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|100th international cap]] in a pre-tournament friendly against [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], scoring a penalty kick in his side's 2–1 loss on 2 June.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/02/bosnia-herzegovina-world-cup-football |title=From euphoria to reality: Bosnia face questions before World Cup bow |date=2 June 2014|access-date=20 June 2014 |work=The Guardian|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005310/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/02/bosnia-herzegovina-world-cup-football|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Ivory Coast's opening match, he appeared as a second-half substitute with the team trailing 1–0 to Japan. Within five minutes of Drogba's arrival, ''Les Éléphants'' scored twice to win the match 2–1.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285078 |title=Ivory Coast 2–1 Japan |date=15 June 2014|access-date=20 June 2014 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|archive-date=9 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285078|url-status=live}}</ref> On 8 August 2014, Drogba announced his retirement from international football with a record of 65 goals in 105 appearances.<ref name="capsrsssf" /><ref name=intlretire>{{cite web |title=Didier Drogba retires from Ivory Coast |url=http://www.espnfc.com/ivory-coast/story/1977476/chelsea-striker-didier-drogba-retires-from-ivory-coast-international-football |publisher=ESPN FC |date=8 August 2014|access-date=30 April 2016|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605004512/http://www.espnfc.com/ivory-coast/story/1977476/chelsea-striker-didier-drogba-retires-from-ivory-coast-international-football|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Style of play ==
[[File:Tymoshchuk Drogba.jpg|thumb|right|Drogba holding against [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] during the [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final]]]]
Drogba made his debut into football at the age of 21, much later than most footballers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.askmen.com/celebs/men/celeb_profiles_sports/10_didier_drogba.html |title=Didier Drogba |publisher=[[AskMen]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714194729/http://www.askmen.com/celebs/men/celeb_profiles_sports/10_didier_drogba.html |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> He was known for his physical strength, aerial abilities, pace, and most notably, his powerful and accurate strikes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/they-decided-to-play-the-long-ball-and-we-could-not-cope-799830.html |title=They decided to play the long ball and we could not cope |work=[[The Independent]] | access-date = 27 March 2011 |first=Jason |last=Burt |date=23 March 2008 |location=London | archive-date = 11 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121111021925/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/they-decided-to-play-the-long-ball-and-we-could-not-cope-799830.html | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Greatest" /> He played as a [[right-back]] in his youth due to his ability to hold the ball with his back to goal. He often played as a [[centre-forward]] throughout his professional career and is referred to as a "[[target man]]" by Martin Li of ''[[Bleacher Report]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1242375-didier-drogba-my-tribute-to-the-chelsea-fc-legend |title=Didier Drogba: Striker's Time in Chelsea Was Special |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Li |first1=Martin |date=30 June 2012 |access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515183542/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1242375-didier-drogba-my-tribute-to-the-chelsea-fc-legend |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1207048-didier-drogba-5-reasons-real-madrid-shouldnt-sign-the-ivorian |title=Didier Drogba: 5 Reasons Real Madrid Shouldn't Sign the Ivorian |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Nolan |first1=Ryan |date=6 June 2012 |access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515183542/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1207048-didier-drogba-5-reasons-real-madrid-shouldnt-sign-the-ivorian |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/apr/30/didier-drogba-chelsea |title=The real Didier Drogba is back, mean and motivated for Chelsea |work=The Guardian |last1=Fifield |first1=Dominic |date=29 April 2011 |access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515183542/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/apr/30/didier-drogba-chelsea |url-status=live}}</ref> Richard Beech of the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' says that his "powerful and intrusive approach made him the lone striker [[José Mourinho]] grew to admire, and made it nearly impossible for opposing teams to isolate him and freeze him out of the game."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/didier-drogba-how-chelsea-legend-3256968 |title=How does Chelsea legend Didier Drogba compare to the Premier League's finest strikers? |date=18 March 2014 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605020140/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/didier-drogba-how-chelsea-legend-3256968 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carl Anka of the [[BBC]] writes, "Drogba's robust playing style was so effective that he spearheaded the movement of the Premier League from the 4–4–2 era to a time where the 4–3–2–1 formation was king."<ref name="Anka" />

[[File:MALAYSIA VS CHELSEA 2011 (5969611416).jpg|thumb|left|Drogba in 2011 with Chelsea. He wore the number 11 jersey for most of his club and international career.]]

Drogba is known for performing in big games, with a record of 10 goals in 10 finals and winning 10 trophies.<ref name="Eurosport" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" /> Carl Anka writes, "Local derbies, top four six-pointers, title challenges or cup finals — if the game was big, Drogba got bigger".<ref name="Anka" /> Drogba was also capable of [[Assist (football)|assisting]] his teammates. Between the 2009–10 and 2011–12 seasons, he provided 24 assists in the [[Premier League]], with a successful pass rate of 61.4%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsports.com/statsinsights/football/will-chelsea-ever-find-another-player-like-didier-drogba |title=Will Chelsea Ever Find Another Player Like Didier Drogba? |date=23 May 2013 |publisher=BSports |access-date=15 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819094430/http://www.bsports.com/statsinsights/football/will-chelsea-ever-find-another-player-like-didier-drogba |archive-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> He provided a total of 71 assists during his Chelsea tenure.<ref name="thechels">{{cite web |url=https://www.thechels.co.uk/2121-the-record-of-didier-drogba-the-chelsea-legend/ |title=The Record of Didier Drogba the Chelsea Legend |date=23 May 2012 |publisher=TheChels.co.uk |access-date=16 August 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923124452/https://www.thechels.co.uk/2121-the-record-of-didier-drogba-the-chelsea-legend/ |archive-date=23 September 2016}}</ref>
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}}
Drogba was known for taking [[Direct free kick|free kicks]]. Dr. Ken Bray of the [[University of Bath]] has referred to him as a free kick specialist and said that, "he really just passes the ball very hard". He adds, "He hits it [the ball] very straight and appears to hit the ball with a very powerful side-foot action, almost like the technique used in a side-foot pass. Drogba's style is about beating the goalkeeper with speed and depth."<ref>{{cite news |title=Master Blaster: Drogba has edge over Ronaldo in perfect free kick delivery |url=https://www.football.co.uk/chelsea/master-blaster-drogba-has-edge-over-ronaldo-in-perfect-free/287441/ |access-date=15 October 2020 |agency=Football.co.uk |archive-date=15 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015200931/https://www.football.co.uk/chelsea/master-blaster-drogba-has-edge-over-ronaldo-in-perfect-free/287441/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Bleacher Report]]'' states that he used the "[[knuckleball (association football)|knuckleball]]" technique developed by [[Juninho Pernambucano]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The Top 15 Best Shooters in World Football |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/748074-the-top-15-best-shooters-in-world-football |access-date=15 October 2020 |magazine=Bleacher Report |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017104318/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/748074-the-top-15-best-shooters-in-world-football |url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba's trademark [[goal celebration]] saw him slide on his knees accompanied with an arm pump and a salute to fans – his celebration appears in EA Sports' ''[[FIFA (video game series)|FIFA]]'' video game.<ref name="Galaxy">{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba smashes in ridiculous free-kick for Phoenix Rising |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/didier-drogba-smashes-ridiculous-free-kick-phoenix-rising |access-date=15 October 2018 |work=FourFourTwo |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402160121/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/didier-drogba-smashes-ridiculous-free-kick-phoenix-rising |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Let the Celebrations Commence: The Art of Soccer Celebrations |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/49840-let-the-celebrations-commence-the-art-of-soccer-celebrations |access-date=15 October 2018 |agency=Bleacher Report |archive-date=15 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015153327/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/49840-let-the-celebrations-commence-the-art-of-soccer-celebrations |url-status=live}}</ref>

Drogba is widely regarded as one of the three greatest African strikers alongside [[George Weah]] and [[Samuel Eto'o]].<ref name="Greatest">{{cite news |title=Top 10 Greatest African Strikers |url=http://www.joburgpost.co.za/2017/06/06/top-10-greatest-african-strikers/ |access-date=23 August 2018 |work=Johannesburg Post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220025546/http://www.joburgpost.co.za/2017/06/06/top-10-greatest-african-strikers/ |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="African strikers" /> Drogba's robust playing style has made him the toughest striker to face for many defenders, including [[Gerard Piqué]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Koylu |first1=Enis |title=Drogba, Messi and Ronaldo the best I've faced – Pique |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/04/13/10714592/drogba-messi-and-ronaldo-the-best-ive-faced-pique%3C |website=Goal|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605014759/https://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/04/13/10714592/drogba-messi-and-ronaldo-the-best-ive-faced-pique%3C|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Carles Puyol]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Joseph |title=Puyol: Drogba was the toughest opponent I faced |date=3 April 2017 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0238-0e9692c90b80-348fa706d37d-1000--puyol-drogba-was-the-toughest-opponent-i-faced/ |publisher=UEFA|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=24 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824070021/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2453265.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chris Smalling]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Perrin |first1=Charles |title=Man United ace Chris Smalling names Chelsea legend as toughest opponent |date=27 March 2017 |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/784223/Man-United-Chris-Smalling-Chelsea-Didier-Drogba |publisher=Express|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605015921/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/784223/Man-United-Chris-Smalling-Chelsea-Didier-Drogba|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nemanja Vidić]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baiamonte |first1=Joe |title=Nemanja Vidic Names His Toughest Opponent |url=http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-nemanja-vidic-names-his-toughest-opponent-20160804?fb_comment_id=1043376142378867_1043425185707296#f1b49c7d5a5d3e |publisher=Sport Bible|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605010028/https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-nemanja-vidic-names-his-toughest-opponent-20160804?fb_comment_id=1043376142378867_1043425185707296#f1b49c7d5a5d3e|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Laurent Koscielny]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fernandez-Abascal |first1=Eduardo |title=Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny hails Chelsea star Didier Drogba as 'toughest Premier League striker' |date=19 February 2015 |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/arsenal-defender-laurent-koscielny-hails-chelsea-star-didier-drogba-toughest-premier-league-1488675 |work=[[International Business Times]]|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605020028/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/arsenal-defender-laurent-koscielny-hails-chelsea-star-didier-drogba-toughest-premier-league-1488675|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Outside football ==

=== Personal and family life ===

[[File:Moscow press-center (2018-07-13) 04.jpg|thumb|left|Drogba signing a football at a press conference in Moscow, July 2018]]
Drogba was married to Lalla Diakité, a Malian woman whom he met in Paris, and the couple had three children together. His eldest son, Isaac, was born in France in 1999, grew up in England, and played in the [[Chelsea F.C. Reserves and Academy|Chelsea academy system]].<ref name=OSM /> He signed for French club Guingamp in February 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43121152 |title=Didier Drogba's 17-year-old son Isaac joins French Ligue 1 side Guingamp |date=19 February 2018|access-date=20 February 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605004514/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43121152|url-status=live}}</ref> Drogba has two younger brothers who are also footballers: Joël and Freddy Drogba. Freddy, born in 1992, played in French [[Ligue 1]] side [[Dijon FCO]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grima |first1=Mitchell |title=The younger Drogba joins French club Dijon |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/90/french-football/2011/07/21/2583935/the-younger-drogba-joins-french-club-dijon |access-date=25 July 2019 |publisher=goal.com |archive-date=25 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725165505/https://www.goal.com/en/news/90/french-football/2011/07/21/2583935/the-younger-drogba-joins-french-club-dijon |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lfp.fr/joueur/index.asp?no_joueur=115241 |title=Christ-Freddy DROGBA |publisher=lfp.fr |language=fr |access-date=11 June 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Football: Togo ace gets a go |work=[[The Sunday Mirror]] |date=9 July 2006 |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+Togo+ace+gets+a+go.-a0147966310 |access-date=5 July 2014 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605010235/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+Togo+ace+gets+a+go.-a0147966310 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba Jr close to Le Mans deal |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=27 April 2007 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6600649.stm |access-date=23 October 2008 |archive-date=28 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828194140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6600649.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> He is a devout [[Roman Catholic]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/24975/vatican-pays-tribute-to-soccer-star-didier-drogba |title=Vatican pays tribute to soccer star Didier Drogba |date=23 May 2012 |work=[[Catholic News Agency]] |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228203632/http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-pays-tribute-to-soccer-star-didier-drogba/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gfdb.com/Player.3466.Didier-Drogba.aspx |title=Didier Drogba biography |publisher=GFDB.com |access-date=15 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029112631/http://gfdb.com/Player.3466.Didier-Drogba.aspx |archive-date=29 October 2014 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> His uncle [[Michel Goba]] was a professional footballer and Ivorian international. His cousin [[Kévin Goba]] (Michel's son) was also a professional footballer who played in the lower leagues of France.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vannes.maville.com/actu/actudet_-football-pour-moi-drogba-c-est-d-abord-mon-cousin-_2295-438908_actu.Htm |title=Football : " Pour moi, Drogba c'est d'abord mon cousin ". Info |website=vannes.maville.com|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327212046/https://vannes.maville.com/actu/actudet_-football-pour-moi-drogba-c-est-d-abord-mon-cousin-_2295-438908_actu.Htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In a statement posted on Instagram in January 2021, Drogba confirmed his divorce with his wife Lalla, stating that they had a mutual agreement. “I'm not in the habit of discussing my private life. But because of speculation in the media today, I can confirm that sadly, after 20 years together, Lalla and I took the difficult decision to separate last year... We remain very close and our main priorities have been to protect our children and our family's private life. May God bless you.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ayamga |first=Emmanuel |date=15 January 2021 |title=Didier Drogba and his wife divorce after 20 years of marriage |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/didier-drogba-and-his-wife-divorce-after-20-years-of-marriage/d01k7bz |access-date=30 October 2022 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en |archive-date=30 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030152840/https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/didier-drogba-and-his-wife-divorce-after-20-years-of-marriage/d01k7bz |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy ===
{{Quote box|width=28%|align=right|quote=Some players win trophies. Others inspire people. It is not hyperbole to say Didier Drogba did both and helped to end a civil war.|source=—Carl Anka for the [[BBC]], ''Didier Drogba was the 'clutch' centre-forward who united a nation''.<ref name="Anka" />}}

Drogba is credited with helping bring peace to his country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Best Feet Forward |date=10 July 2007 |publisher=Vanity Fair |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/07/ivorycoast200707| access-date = 20 July 2010| archive-date = 28 February 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100228162619/http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/07/ivorycoast200707| url-status = live}}</ref> After the Ivory Coast qualified for the 2006 World Cup by defeating Sudan on 8 October 2005, Drogba made a desperate plea to the combatants, asking them to lay down their arms, a plea which was answered with a ceasefire after five years of [[First Ivorian Civil War|civil war]].<ref name="Anka" /> Carl Anka writes, "torn by religious and political tensions, Drogba seized a unifying moment for his country and invited TV cameras into the Elephants changing room where he made a speech to the camera. The man spoke and a nation listened — the elections went off without bloodshed."<ref name="Anka" /> Drogba helped move an [[African Cup of Nations]] qualifier match to the stadium of [[Bouake]], a move that helped confirm the peace process.<ref>{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba brings peace to the Ivory Coast |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2318500/Didier-Drogba-brings-peace-to-the-Ivory-Coast.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2318500/Didier-Drogba-brings-peace-to-the-Ivory-Coast.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=30 April 2010 |location=London |first=Alex |last=Hayes |date=8 August 2007}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 24 January 2007, Drogba was appointed by the [[United Nations Development Programme]] (UNDP) as a [[UNDP Goodwill Ambassador|Goodwill Ambassador]]. The UNDP were impressed with his charity work and believed that he would help raise awareness on African issues.<ref>{{cite web |title=African soccer star becomes UNDP Goodwill Ambassador |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |date=24 January 2007 |url=http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2007/january/drogba-goodwill-20070124.en?categoryID=998963&lang=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928024432/http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2007/january/drogba-goodwill-20070124.en?categoryID=998963&lang=en |archive-date=28 September 2008 |access-date=2 June 2008}}</ref> His involvement in the peace process led to ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine naming Drogba one of the [[Time 100|world's 100 most influential people]] for 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba named by Time as one of the world's 100 most influential people |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/7653663/Didier-Drogba-named-by-Time-as-one-of-the-worlds-100-most-influential-people.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501173222/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/7653663/Didier-Drogba-named-by-Time-as-one-of-the-worlds-100-most-influential-people.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 May 2010|access-date=30 April 2010 |location=London |first=Jeremy |last=Wilson |date=29 April 2010}}</ref>

[[File:Chelsea 6 Maribor 0 Champions League (15413567127).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.81|Sponsored by Nike and sporting their Nike Mercurial Vapor boots, Drogba teamed up with Nike and [[U2]] frontman [[Bono]] to support an AIDS charity.]]
Drogba's charity work continued when, in late 2009, he announced he would be donating the £3&nbsp;million signing on fee for his endorsement of [[Pepsi]] for the construction of a hospital in his hometown of [[Abidjan]].<ref name="Hospital" /> This work was done through Drogba's recently created "Didier Drogba Foundation" and Chelsea announced they too would donate the fee for the deal toward the Foundation's project. Drogba decided on building the hospital after a recent trip to the Ivorian capital's other hospitals, saying "I decided the Foundation's first project should be to build and fund a hospital giving people basic healthcare and a chance just to stay alive."<ref name="Hospital">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/6549667/Chelseas-Didier-Drogba-donates-3-million-to-help-build-African-hospital.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091115112944/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/6549667/Chelseas-Didier-Drogba-donates-3-million-to-help-build-African-hospital.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 15 November 2009 |title=Chelsea's Didier Drogba donates £3&nbsp;million to help build African hospital |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=12 November 2009 | access-date =11 June 2010 |location=London}}</ref> The same year, Drogba teamed up with sportswear company [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] (whom he is sponsored by) and [[U2]] frontman [[Bono]] on the eve of World AIDS Day to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.<ref name="AIDS" /> Drogba said, "It's a big honour and pleasure for me to be linked with Bono and try to help him save some lives. AIDS and HIV is something that really destroyed Africa, and people don't really realise how easy it is to save lives — only two pills a day, which is 40 cents."<ref name="AIDS">{{cite news |title=Drogba, Bono, Nike team up to support AIDS charity |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-drogba-charity/drogba-bono-nike-team-up-to-support-aids-charity-idUKTRE5AT4G420091130 |access-date=23 August 2018 |work=Reuters |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605004514/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-drogba-charity/drogba-bono-nike-team-up-to-support-aids-charity-idUKTRE5AT4G420091130 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2014, Drogba appeared in FIFA's "11 against [[Ebola virus disease|Ebola]]" campaign with a selection of top football players from around the world, including [[Cristiano Ronaldo]], [[Neymar]], [[Gareth Bale]] and [[Xavi (footballer, born 1980)|Xavi]].<ref name="Ebola">[https://web.archive.org/web/20141122053900/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/footballdevelopment/medical/media/news/newsid=2475755/ "Top players, FIFA, CAF and health experts unite against Ebola"]. FIFA.com. Retrieved 4 March 2015</ref> Under the slogan "Together, we can beat Ebola", FIFA's campaign was done in conjunction with the [[Confederation of African Football]] and health experts, with the players holding up eleven messages to raise awareness of the disease and ways to combat it.<ref name="Ebola" /> On 22 February 2018, Drogba, former AC Milan striker and current Liberia President [[George Weah]], and teenage French prodigy [[Kylian Mbappé]] had a meeting with French President [[Emmanuel Macron]] and [[FIFA]] President [[Gianni Infantino]] at the [[Élysée Palace]] in Paris that focused on a sports development project in Africa.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/Politique/Macron-recoit-Weah-a-l-Elysee-en-presence-de-Drogba-et-Mbappe-1465295 |title=Macron reçoit Weah à l'Elysée en présence de Drogba et Mbappé |date=2018 |work=Paris Match|access-date=23 August 2018 |language=FR|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605030601/https://amp.parismatch.com/Actu/Politique/Macron-recoit-Weah-a-l-Elysee-en-presence-de-Drogba-et-Mbappe-1465295|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Emmanuel Macron hosts meeting with Weah, Drogba and Mbappé |url=https://en.as.com/en/2018/02/23/football/1519342446_437752.html |access-date=23 August 2018 |work=As |archive-date=24 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824002310/https://en.as.com/en/2018/02/23/football/1519342446_437752.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:DidierDrogbavvv.jpg|thumb|Drogba (left) interviewed during the [[Peace and Sport]] international forum in 2017. He was appointed Vice President of the organisation the following year.]]
As a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Drogba has taken part in the annual [[Match Against Poverty]] alongside [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]] and [[Zinedine Zidane]]. He has appeared in the 2012 and 2015 games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Didier Drogba to join Ronaldo and Zidane in 12th annual Match Against Poverty |url=http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2015/04/10/didier-drogba-to-join-ronaldo-and-zidane-in-12th-annual-match-against-poverty.html |access-date=25 August 2018 |agency=UNDP |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605004521/https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2015/04/10/didier-drogba-to-join-ronaldo-and-zidane-in-12th-annual-match-against-poverty.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Levallois Sporting Club]], the amateur club where Drogba began his career, used their percentage of his transfer fees&nbsp; including £600,000 out of the £24&nbsp;million paid when he joined Chelsea&nbsp;– first to ensure the club's survival, and then to improve their stadium to incorporate modern sports facilities for the benefit of the local community. They renamed the new stadium Stade Didier Drogba after him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/back-to-the-banlieues-drogbas-journey-home-2095326.html |title=Back to the banlieues: Drogba's journey home |first=Paul |last=Newman |newspaper=The Independent |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=18 May 2014 |archive-date=18 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518172343/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/back-to-the-banlieues-drogbas-journey-home-2095326.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2018, Drogba was appointed Vice President of [[Peace and Sport]], an independent organisation based in [[Monaco]] and under the patronage of [[Prince Albert II of Monaco]] that works in areas around the world where people are estranged from one another.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://afrique.latribune.fr/afrique-de-l-ouest/cote-d-ivoire/2018-12-12/peace-and-sport-didier-drogba-vice-president-800780.html |title=" Peace and Sport " : Didier Drogba Vice-Président |website=La Tribune |date=12 December 2018 |language=fr|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216030914/https://afrique.latribune.fr/afrique-de-l-ouest/cote-d-ivoire/2018-12-12/peace-and-sport-didier-drogba-vice-president-800780.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2021, he received an honorary degree from [[RUSTA]], due to his contributions to football and to the restoration of peace to his country.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kbc.co.ke/drogba-receives-an-honorary-degree/ |title=Drogba receives an honorary degree |website=kbc.co.ke |date=3 June 2021 |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603205635/https://www.kbc.co.ke/drogba-receives-an-honorary-degree/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Media ===
On 2 December 2019, Drogba co-hosted the [[2019 Ballon d'Or|2019 Ballon d’Or]] ceremony in Paris alongside journalist [[Sandy Heribert]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brewin |first=John |date=2 December 2019 |title=Ballon d'Or 2019: Messi and Rapinoe win from Van Dijk and Bronze – as it happened |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/dec/02/ballon-dor-2019-football-awards-messi-van-dijk-rapinoe-live|access-date=7 December 2021 |issn=0261-3077|archive-date=3 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203022223/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/dec/02/ballon-dor-2019-football-awards-messi-van-dijk-rapinoe-live|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 November 2021, the duo co-hosted the next ceremony in [[2021 Ballon d'Or|2021]] which saw [[Lionel Messi]] receive the men's award for a record seventh time whilst [[Alexia Putellas]] won the [[Ballon d'Or Féminin]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Scott |date=29 November 2021 |title=Alexia Putellas and Lionel Messi win 2021 Ballon d'Or – as it happened |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/nov/29/ballon-dor-2021-live-updates|access-date=7 December 2021 |issn=0261-3077|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129183917/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/nov/29/ballon-dor-2021-live-updates|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roche |first=Calum |date=29 November 2021 |title=Ballon d'Or 2021 Messi & Putellas: ceremony, winners, rankings and results |url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/11/29/soccer/1638199121_944712.html|url-status=live|access-date=7 December 2021 |website=AS.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129160317/https://en.as.com/en/2021/11/29/soccer/1638199121_944712.html |archive-date=29 November 2021}}</ref> Drogba and Heribert would also host the [[Ballon d'Or|2023]] and [[2024 Ballon d'Or|2024]] editions of the award.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=Who is Sandy Heribert? French journalist to host Ballon d'Or 2024 award {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/ballon-dor-host-sandy-heribert-french-journalist/31653dfc865c6c0d5bb1e936#:~:text=Sandy%20Heribert%20is%20a%20French,former%20Chelsea%20striker%20Didier%20Drogba. |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

== Career statistics ==
=== Club ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de France]], [[FA Cup]], [[Turkish Cup]], [[Canadian Championship]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de la Ligue]], [[Football League Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Others
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Le Mans FC|Le Mans]]
|[[1998–99 French Division 2|1998–99]]
|[[French Division 2]]
|2||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
|[[1999–2000 French Division 2|1999–2000]]
|French Division 2
|30||7||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||32||7
|-
|[[2000–01 French Division 2|2000–01]]
|French Division 2
|11||0||3||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||1
|-
|[[2001–02 French Division 2|2001–02]]
|French Division 2
|21||5||1||1||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||7
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!64!!12!!4!!2!!4!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!72!!15
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[En Avant de Guingamp|Guingamp]]
|[[2001–02 French Division 1|2001–02]]
|[[French Division 1]]
|11||3||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||3
|-
|[[2002–03 Ligue 1|2002–03]]
|[[Ligue 1]]
|34||17||3||4||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||39||21
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!45!!20!!3!!4!!2!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!50!!24
|-
|[[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]]
|[[2003–04 Olympique de Marseille season|2003–04]]
|Ligue 1
|35||19||2||1||2||1||16{{efn|Eight appearances and five goals in [[UEFA Champions League]], eight appearances and six goals in [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]}}||11||colspan="2"|—||55||32
|-
|rowspan="9"|[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
|[[2004–05 Chelsea F.C. season|2004–05]]
|[[Premier League]]
|26||10||2||0||4||1||9{{efn|name=UCL}}||5||0||0||41||16
|-
|[[2005–06 Chelsea F.C. season|2005–06]]
|Premier League
|29||12||3||1||1||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||1{{efn|name=FAC|Appearance in [[FA Community Shield]]}}||2||41||16
|-
|[[2006–07 Chelsea F.C. season|2006–07]]
|Premier League
|36||20||6||3||5||4||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||6||1{{efn|name=FAC}}||0||60||33
|-
|[[2007–08 Chelsea F.C. season|2007–08]]
|Premier League
|19||8||1||0||1||1||11{{efn|name=UCL}}||6||0||0||32||15
|-
|[[2008–09 Chelsea F.C. season|2008–09]]
|Premier League
|24||5||6||3||2||1||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||5||0||0||42||14
|-
|[[2009–10 Chelsea F.C. season|2009–10]]
|Premier League
|32||29|||4||3||2||2||5{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||1{{efn|name=FAC}}||0||44||37
|-
|[[2010–11 Chelsea F.C. season|2010–11]]
|Premier League
|36||11||2||0||0||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||1{{efn|name=FAC}}||0||46||13
|-
|[[2011–12 Chelsea F.C. season|2011–12]]
|Premier League
|24||5||3||2||0||0||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||6||0||0||35||13
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!226!!100!!27!!12!!15!!9!!69!!34!!4!!2!!341!!157
|-
|[[Shanghai Shenhua F.C.|Shanghai Shenhua]]
|[[2012 Shanghai Shenhua F.C. season|2012]]
|[[Chinese Super League]]
|11||8||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||8
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
|[[2012–13 Galatasaray S.K. season|2012–13]]
|[[Süper Lig]]
|13||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||0||0||17||6
|-
|[[2013–14 Galatasaray S.K. season|2013–14]]
|Süper Lig
|24||10||3||1||colspan="2"|—||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Turkish Super Cup]]}}||1||36||14
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!37!!15!!3!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!12!!3!!1!!1!!53!!20
|-
|Chelsea
|[[2014–15 Chelsea F.C. season|2014–15]]
|Premier League
|28||4||2||0||5||1||5{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}}||2||0||0||40||7
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[CF Montréal|Montreal Impact]]
|[[2015 Montreal Impact season|2015]]
|[[Major League Soccer|MLS]]
|11||11||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||3{{efn|name=MLS|Appearances in [[MLS Cup Playoffs]]}}||1||14||12
|-
|[[2016 Montreal Impact season|2016]]
|MLS
|22||10||2||1||colspan="2"|—||0||0||3{{efn|name=MLS}}||0||27||11
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!33!!21!!2!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!0!!0!!6!!1!!41!!23
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Phoenix Rising FC|Phoenix Rising]]
|[[2017 Phoenix Rising FC season|2017]]
|[[United Soccer League|USL]]
|13||9||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=USL|Appearance(s) in USL Playoffs}}||1||14||10
|-
|[[2018 Phoenix Rising FC season|2018]]
|USL
|8||4||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=USL}}||3||12||7
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!21!!13!!0!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!5!!4!!26!!17
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!500!!212!!43!!21!!28!!12!!102!!50!!16!!8!!689!!303
|}

{{notelist}}

=== International ===
{{See also|List of international goals scored by Didier Drogba}}
:Source:<ref name="capsrsssf" />

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!rowspan="2"|National Team
!rowspan="2"|Year
!colspan="2"|Friendlies
!colspan="2"|International<br />Competition
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!App
!Goals
!App
!Goals
!App
!Goals
|-
|rowspan="13"|[[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast]]
|2002||0||0||1||0||1||0
|-
|2003||4||1||3||3||7||4
|-
|2004||3||3||4||3||7||6
|-
|2005||3||1||5||6||8||7
|-
|2006||7||4||8||4||15||8
|-
|2007||6||3||2||1||8||4
|-
|2008||2||1||6||3||8||4
|-
|2009||1||1||5||6||6||7
|-
|2010||5||2||6||2||11||4
|-
|2011||2||1||3||4||5||5
|-
|2012||4||2||10||7||14||9
|-
|2013||2||1||7||3||9||4
|-
|2014||3||3||3||0||6||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total||42||23||63||42||105||65
|}

== Honours ==
[[File:Didier Drogba Champions League Winner 2012.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|Drogba holding the [[European Champion Clubs' Cup|European Cup]] following Chelsea's penalty shootout victory over [[Bayern Munich]]]]
[[File:Chelsea 2 Galatasaray 0 (3-1 agg) (13470188365).jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|Drogba banner made by Chelsea's fans]]

'''Marseille'''
*[[UEFA Cup]] runner-up: [[2003–04 UEFA Cup|2003–04]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 May 2004 |title=Valencia 2-0 Marseille |language=en-GB |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3724215.stm |access-date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016220419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3724215.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Chelsea'''
*[[Premier League]]: [[2004–05 FA Premier League|2004–05]], [[2005–06 FA Premier League|2005–06]], [[2009–10 Premier League|2009–10]], [[2014–15 Premier League|2014–15]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/2662/Didier-Drogba/overview |title=Didier Drogba: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417045925/https://www.premierleague.com/players/2662/Didier-Drogba/overview |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[FA Cup]]: [[2006–07 FA Cup|2006–07]],<ref name="2007FACupFinal" /> [[2008–09 FA Cup|2008–09]],<ref name="2009FACupFinal" /> [[2009–10 FA Cup|2009–10]],<ref name="2010FACupFinal" /> [[2011–12 FA Cup|2011–12]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17878435 |title=Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118044832/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17878435 |archive-date=18 January 2016}}</ref>
*[[Football League Cup]]: [[2004–05 Football League Cup|2004–05]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4279679.stm |title=Liverpool 2–3 Chelsea |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 February 2005 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=29 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829102401/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4279679.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> [[2006–07 Football League Cup|2006–07]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/6371613.stm |title=Chelsea 2–1 Arsenal: Match report |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070227034007/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6371613.stm |archive-date=27 February 2007}}</ref> [[2014–15 Football League Cup|2014–15]];<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31572594 |title=Chelsea 2–0 Tottenham Hotspur |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2015 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=16 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616231951/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31572594 |url-status=live}}</ref> runner-up: [[2007–08 Football League Cup|2007–08]]<ref name="2008LeagueCupFinal" />
*[[FA Community Shield]]: [[2005 FA Community Shield|2005]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4747797.stm |title=Chelsea 2–1 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2005 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=20 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220092613/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4747797.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> [[2009 FA Community Shield|2009]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8190061.stm |title=Chelsea 2–2 Man Utd |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2009 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=12 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912053332/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8190061.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Champions League]]: [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League|2011–12]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18044385 |title=Bayern Munich 1–1 Chelsea |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116042658/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18044385 |archive-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>

'''Galatasaray'''
*[[Süper Lig]]: [[2012–13 Süper Lig|2012–13]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/22423451 |title=Galatasaray win record 19th Turkish title |date=5 May 2013 |work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date= 23 May 2013|archive-date= 9 January 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22423451|url-status= live}}</ref>
*[[Turkish Cup]]: [[2013–14 Turkish Cup|2013–14]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageID=29&macId=129390 |title=ESKİŞEHİRSPOR GALATASARAY A.Ş. – Maç Detayları TFF |language=tr |date=7 May 2014 |publisher=[[Turkish Football Federation]] |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202221/http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageID=29&macId=129390 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Turkish Super Cup]]: [[2013 Turkish Super Cup|2013]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageID=29&macId=118760 |title=GALATASARAY A.Ş. FENERBAHÇE A.Ş. – Maç Detayları TFF |language=tr |date=11 August 2013 |publisher=[[Turkish Football Federation]] |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202202/http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageID=29&macId=118760 |url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Phoenix Rising'''
*[[Western Conference (USL)]]: [[2018 USL season|2018]]<ref name="Title40" />

'''Ivory Coast'''
*[[Africa Cup of Nations]] runner-up: [[2006 Africa Cup of Nations|2006]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/4701454.stm |title=Clockwatch: Egypt 0–0 Ivory Coast |website=BBC Sport |date=10 February 2006 |access-date=17 August 2020}}</ref> [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|2012]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17005245 |title=Africa Cup of Nations final as it happened |website=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2012 |access-date=17 August 2020}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[[Africa Cup of Nations]] Team of the Tournament: [[2006 Africa Cup of Nations|2006]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Cameroun: CAN 2006 – Equipe type de la CAF : deux Camerounais dans le onze |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200602160529.html |access-date=25 June 2023 |work=allAfrica |agency=Le Messager |date=10 February 2006 |language=fr |archive-date=19 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219204944/http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200602160529.html |url-status=live}} (subscription required)</ref> [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations|2008]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://forum.cybereagles.com/viewtopic.php?t=118397 |title=CAF names Best XI for Ghana 2008 ACN |publisher=cafonline.com |date=10 February 2008 | access-date=11 February 2008 | archive-date=30 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202636/http://forum.cybereagles.com/viewtopic.php?t=118397 | url-status=live}}</ref> [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|2012]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Orange CAN 2012 Best XI |url=http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012/news/13145-orange-can-2012-best-ix.html |publisher=cafonline.com | access-date = 12 February 2012 |date=12 February 2012 | archive-date = 15 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120215061642/http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations_2012/news/13145-orange-can-2012-best-ix.html | url-status = live}}</ref>
*[[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|Africa Cup of Nations]] Top Scorer: 2012<ref>{{cite web |title=Africa Cup 2012 – Top Scorer |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co8/se6846/statistics-goals/ |website=World Football |access-date=18 August 2023 |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818023522/https://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/afrika-cup-2012-gabun-und-aequatorialg/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[African Footballer of the Year]]: 2006,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cafonline.com/caf/awards/past-editions/267-2006.html |title=GLO-CAF Awards 2006 |publisher=[[Confederation of African Football]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=12 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912035545/http://www.cafonline.com/caf/awards/past-editions/267-2006.html |url-status=live}}</ref> 2009<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cafonline.com/caf/awards/past-editions/270-2009.html |title=GLO-CAF Awards 2009 |publisher=[[Confederation of African Football]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811173635/http://www.cafonline.com/caf/awards/past-editions/270-2009.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Alan Hardaker Trophy]]: [[2007 League Cup Final|2007]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Alan Hardaker Trophy Winners |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/AlanHardakerTrophyWinners/0,,10794~1354852,00.html |publisher=The Football League |date=26 February 2012 |access-date=8 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421013843/http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/AlanHardakerTrophyWinners/0%2C%2C10794~1354852%2C00.html |archive-date=21 April 2012}}</ref>
*[[Barclays#Sponsorships|Barclays Spirit of the Game Award]]: 2015<ref>{{cite web |author1=Tom Dutton |title=Chelsea striker Didier Drogba receives 'Spirit of the Game Award' after donating all his commercial earnings to charity |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-striker-didier-drogba-receives-spirit-of-the-game-award-after-donating-all-his-commercial-10214888.html |website=Standard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318185823/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-striker-didier-drogba-receives-spirit-of-the-game-award-after-donating-all-his-commercial-10214888.html |archive-date=18 March 2017 |date=30 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[BBC African Footballer of the Year]]: 2009<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/24450345 |title=History of the BBC African Footballer of the Year award |date=11 November 2013 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109022337/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/24450345 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[BBC Goal of the Month]]: October 2009<ref>{{cite web |title=Can you name every goal of the month winner in Premier League era? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52484922 |website=BBC Sport |date=1 May 2020 |access-date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920082033/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52484922 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[CAF Team of the Year]]: 2005,<ref>{{cite web |title=Globacom/CAF Awards 2005 |url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2005.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421180510/http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2005.aspx |archive-date=21 April 2019}}</ref> 2006,<ref>{{cite web |title=CAF Awards 2006 |url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2006.aspx |website=CAF Online |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=16 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316101014/http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2006.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> 2009,<ref>{{cite web |title=CAF Awards 2009 |url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2009.aspx |website=CAF Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208161128/http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2009.aspx |archive-date=8 February 2017}}</ref> 2010,<ref>{{cite web |title=CAF Award Winners 2010 |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/54/2336/Sports/Africa/CAF-award-winners-.aspx |website=Ahram |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210062207/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/54/2336/Sports/Africa/CAF-award-winners-.aspx |archive-date=10 February 2018}}</ref> 2012<ref>{{cite web |title=2012 Award Winners |url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2012.aspx |website=CAF Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221231014/http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/cafawards/previouseditions/2012.aspx |archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref>
*[[Chelsea Player of the Year|Chelsea Players' Player of the Year]]: 2007<ref>{{cite web |title=Chelsea Players' Player of the Year: Eden Hazard |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2019/05/10/chelsea-players--player-of-the-year--eden-hazard |website=Chelsea FC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807181535/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2019/05/10/chelsea-players--player-of-the-year--eden-hazard |archive-date=7 August 2020 |date=10 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Chelsea Player of the Year]]: 2010<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0w9zozuAYQ |title=Chelsea FC Player of the Year 2010 |date=7 May 2010 |publisher=[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea Football Club]] / YouTube |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=18 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518121634/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0w9zozuAYQ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[European Sports Magazines|ESM Team of the Year]]: [[European Sports Magazines#2006–07|2006–07]]<ref name=efs>{{cite web |url=http://www.european-football-statistics.co.uk/special/esmsquadyear.htm |title=Special ESM Squads | access-date = 5 June 2012 |publisher=European Football Statistics | archive-date = 31 July 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200731134720/http://www.european-football-statistics.co.uk/special/esmsquadyear.htm | url-status = live}}</ref>
*[[FA Community Shield]] Man of the Match: [[2005 FA Community Shield|2005]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Player by player |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACommunityShield/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2005/07/CommShield_PlayerByPlayer.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20060326173600/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACommunityShield/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2005/07/CommShield_PlayerByPlayer.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2006 |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=30 May 2014}}</ref>
*[[FA Cup Final]] Man of the Match: [[2010 FA Cup Final|2010]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/may/17/chelsea-portsmouth-fa-cup-final |title=Didier Drogba wins FA Cup but Champions League is Chelsea's goal |date=17 May 2010 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327150212/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/may/17/chelsea-portsmouth-fa-cup-final |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[FIFPro World XI]]: [[FIFPro World XI|2007]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2007 |title=FIFPro World XI 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511231732/http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_world/award_history/2007 |archive-date=11 May 2013}}</ref>
*[[FWA Tribute Award]]: 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/01/drogba-honoured-by-football-writers.html |title=Drogba honoured by Football Writers |date=25 January 2015 |publisher=[[Chelsea FC]] |access-date=27 January 2014 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060015/http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/01/drogba-honoured-by-football-writers.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Globe Soccer Awards]] Off the Pitch Award: 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=Didier Drogba Foundation (CNN Off The Pitch Award) |url=https://www.globesoccer.com/winners/didier-drogba-foundation-cnn-off-the-pitch-award-2022/ |website=Globe Soccer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610213141/https://www.globesoccer.com/winners/didier-drogba-foundation-cnn-off-the-pitch-award-2022/ |archive-date=10 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='I believe movement is life', says Didier Drogba, the winner of inaugural CNN 'Off the Pitch' prize at Dubai Globe Soccer Awards |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/16/football/drogba-globe-soccer-off-the-pitch-ctw-spt-intl/index.html |website=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604230000/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/16/football/drogba-globe-soccer-off-the-pitch-ctw-spt-intl/index.html |archive-date=4 June 2023 |date=17 November 2022}}</ref>
*[[Golden Foot]]: 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenfoot.com/en/winners/item/418-didier-drogba-2013.html |title=Didier Drogba (2013) |date=16 October 2013 |publisher=[[Golden Foot]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710212047/http://www.goldenfoot.com/en/winners/item/418-didier-drogba-2013.html |archive-date=10 July 2014}}</ref>
*[[GQ#Men of the Year|GQ Sportsman of the Year]]: 2012<ref>{{cite web |author1=Paul Henderson |title=Sportsman of the Year: Didier Drogba |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/sportsman-of-the-year-didier-drogba |website=GQ Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012181445/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/sportsman-of-the-year-didier-drogba |archive-date=12 October 2020 |date=16 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[IFFHS World Team|IFFHS All-time Africa Men's Dream Team]]: 2021<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1121 |publisher=IFFHS |date=29 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021 |title=IFFHS|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603054252/https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1121|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Ivory Coast Player of the Year]]: 2006, 2007, 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/fussballer_des_jahres/elfenbeinkueste/ |title=Player of the year » Ivory Coast |publisher=Worldfootball.net |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=31 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531191458/http://www.worldfootball.net/fussballer_des_jahres/elfenbeinkueste/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Trophées UNFP du football#Goal of the Year|Ligue 1 Goal of the Year]]: [[Trophées UNFP du football#Goal of the Year|2003–04]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football,246.html?lang=fr |title=Palmarès Trophées UNFP – Oscars du football – "Le plus beau but de Ligue 1" (vote du public) |language=fr |publisher=Sport Palmares |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005039/https://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football,246.html?lang=fr |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[UNFP Player of the Month|Ligue 1 Player of the Month]]: January 2004, May 2004<ref>{{cite web |title=Palmarès |url=https://www.tropheesunfp.com/accueil/palmares/ |website=Trophees UNFP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806055536/https://www.tropheesunfp.com/accueil/palmares/ |archive-date=6 August 2020 |language=fr |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Trophées UNFP du football#Player of the Year|Ligue 1 Player of the Year]]: [[Trophées UNFP du football#Player of the Year|2003–04]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football.html?lang=fr |title=Palmarès Trophées UNFP – Oscars du football – Meilleur joueur de Ligue 1 |language=fr |publisher=Sport Palmares |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005042/https://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football.html?lang=fr |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Trophées UNFP du football#2004|Ligue 1 Team of the Year]]: [[Trophées UNFP du football#2004|2003–04]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football,239.html?lang=fr |title=Palmarès Trophées UNFP – Oscars du football – Equipe-type de Ligue 1 |language=fr |publisher=Sport Palmares |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=15 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415115123/https://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football,239.html?lang=fr |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[MLS All-Star Game|MLS All-Star]]: [[2016 MLS All-Star Game|2016]]<ref name="2016All-star">{{cite web |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/villa-pirlo-and-kaka-headline-mls-all-star-squad-face-arsenal |title=Villa, Pirlo and Kaka headline MLS All-Star squad to face Arsenal |publisher=FourFourTwo |date=17 July 2016|access-date=18 July 2016|archive-date=19 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719141137/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/villa-pirlo-and-kaka-headline-mls-all-star-squad-face-arsenal|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[MLS Player of the Month]]: [[2015 Major League Soccer season|September 2015]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba wins Etihad Airways Player of the Month award for September |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/02/montreal-impact-striker-didier-drogba-wins-etihad-airways-player-month-award |website=Mlssoccer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005017/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/02/montreal-impact-striker-didier-drogba-wins-etihad-airways-player-month-award |archive-date=1 December 2018 |date=2 October 2015}}</ref> [[2015 Major League Soccer season|October 2015]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Didier Drogba wins MLS Player of the Month |url=https://www.impactmontreal.com/en/post/2015/10/28/didier-drogba-wins-mls-player-month |website=Impact Montreal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101052149/https://www.impactmontreal.com/en/post/2015/10/28/didier-drogba-wins-mls-player-month |archive-date=1 January 2019 |date=28 October 2015}}</ref>
*[[CF Montréal#Golden Boot|Montreal Impact Top Scorer]]: 2015<ref>{{cite web |title=Major League Soccer Season Statistics |url=https://www.impactmontreal.com/en/stats/season?year=2015&season_type=REG&group=goals&op=Search&form_build_id=form-hU1pE7B8zG1xeGbadGTu-hy4hIZSyqfKd-9NztZxctk&form_id=mp7_stats_hub_build_filter_form |website=Impact Montreal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929133903/https://www.impactmontreal.com/en/stats/season?year=2015&season_type=REG&group=goals&op=Search&form_build_id=form-hU1pE7B8zG1xeGbadGTu-hy4hIZSyqfKd-9NztZxctk&form_id=mp7_stats_hub_build_filter_form |archive-date=29 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MLS 2015 Montreal Impact Top goal scorers |url=https://www.statbunker.com/competitions/TopGoalScorers?comp_id=507&club_id=1708 |website=Stat Bunker |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929134513/https://www.statbunker.com/competitions/TopGoalScorers?comp_id=507&club_id=1708 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Onze d'Or]]: 2004<ref name=Onze>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/onze-awards.html |title="Onze Mondial" Awards |publisher=[[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924125510/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/onze-awards.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Onze de Bronze]]: 2007<ref name=Onze />
*[[Premier League Golden Boot]]: [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Drogba collects Golden Boot award |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6664459.stm |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=18 May 2007 |access-date=7 October 2013 |archive-date=29 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829102113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6664459.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> [[2009–10 Premier League|2009–10]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=Charles Jones |title=Ronaldo, Suarez, Salah & all the Premier League Golden Boot winners |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ronaldo-suarez-salah-all-the-premier-league-golden-boot/11cl7wvpq3f5q1lxuhf8xwfhfn#199mrkd2f4gq414ow8xa7zoztg |website=Goal.com |date=13 May 2018 |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006003617/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ronaldo-suarez-salah-all-the-premier-league-golden-boot/11cl7wvpq3f5q1lxuhf8xwfhfn#199mrkd2f4gq414ow8xa7zoztg |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Premier League Hall of Fame]]: 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=Six new inductees voted into Premier League Hall of Fame |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2582028 |publisher=Premier League |access-date=21 April 2022 |date=21 April 2022 |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421070616/https://www.premierleague.com/news/2582028 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Premier League]] Most Assists: [[2005–06 FA Premier League|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players/goal_assist |title=Premier League Player Stats – Assists |website=premierleague.com|access-date=1 June 2022 |quote=Select season in the "Filter by season" drop-down menu.|archive-date=24 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624144700/https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players/goal_assist|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[PFA Team of the Year]]: [[PFA Team of the Year (2000s)#FA Premier League 8|2006–07 Premier League]],<ref name=2007PFA /> [[PFA Team of the Year (2010s)#Premier League|2009–10 Premier League]]<ref name="Rooney is PFA player of the year">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm |title=Rooney is PFA player of the year |work=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2010 |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=29 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429104108/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Time Top 100|''Time'' Top 100]]: 2010<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984864,00.html |title=The 2010 Time 100 |date=29 April 2010 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=30 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930100840/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984864,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Milliyet Sports Awards#Footballer Of The Year|Turkish Footballer of the Year]]: 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skorer.milliyet.com.tr/yilin-sporcusu-arda-turan/-/detay/1825340/default.htm |title=Yılın sporcusu Arda Turan |language=tr |date=21 January 2014 |work=[[Milliyet]] |access-date=16 August 2014 |archive-date=7 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407135414/http://skorer.milliyet.com.tr/yilin-sporcusu-arda-turan/-/detay/1825340/default.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Champions League Final]] Man of the Match: [[2012 UEFA Champions League Final|2012]]<ref name="player_rater">{{cite web |title=Player Rater – Top Player – Didier Drogba |url=http://en.uclratings.uefa.com/Player/Profile/70482/2007693 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522055317/http://en.uclratings.uefa.com/Player/Profile/70482/2007693 |archive-date=22 May 2012 |work=[[UEFA]] |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |access-date=19 May 2012}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] Top Scorer: [[2003–04 UEFA Cup|2003–04]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec3tops.html |title=Fairs/UEFA Cup Topscorers |website=RSSSF|access-date=1 June 2020|archive-date=12 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812141801/https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec3tops.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[UEFA President's Award]]: 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0261-107d7ee8ff39-980b99af07ee-1000--didier-drogba-to-receive-uefa-president-s-award/ |title=Didier Drogba to receive UEFA President's Award |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=29 September 2020|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001194921/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/news/0261-107d7ee8ff39-980b99af07ee-1000--didier-drogba-to-receive-uefa-president-s-award/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Team of the Year]]: 2007<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.toty.uefa.com/history=2007.html |title=Team of the year 2007 |publisher=[[UEFA]] | access-date=6 August 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709042816/http://en.toty.uefa.com/history=2007.html | archive-date=9 July 2015 | url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*[[Trophées UNFP du football#UNFP Trophy of Honour|UNFP Trophy of Honour]]: 2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/fr/news/didier-drogba-recoit-le-trophee-dhonneur-unfp/1xbb5m6obsaiw1iihcsbkuk6y4 |title=Didier Drogba reçoit le trophée d'honneur UNFP |publisher=Goal.com |language=fr | access-date=22 May 2019 | archive-date=16 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516080558/https://www.goal.com/fr/news/didier-drogba-recoit-le-trophee-dhonneur-unfp/1xbb5m6obsaiw1iihcsbkuk6y4 | url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[West African Footballer of the Year]]: 2010<ref>{{cite web |title=Drogba Wins "The Best of the Best" Trophy |url=https://www.cafonline.com/football/news/6410-drogba-wins-the-best-of-the-best-trophy.html |website=CAF Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611074840/https://www.cafonline.com/football/news/6410-drogba-wins-the-best-of-the-best-trophy.html |archive-date=11 June 2011 |date=9 April 2010}}</ref>

== Records ==

=== Chelsea ===
* Most goals scored by a non-English player: [[List of Chelsea F.C. records and statistics#All-time top goalscorers|164 goals]].<ref>{{cite web |title=FAQs for U.S. Chelsea FC Supporters |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/international/usa/usa-news/2020/07/chelsea-facts-faqs-usa-fans |website=Chelsea FC |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929031224/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/international/usa/usa-news/2020/07/chelsea-facts-faqs-usa-fans |archive-date=29 September 2020 |date=26 July 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Most goals scored in Cup Finals: 9 goals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miscellaneous facts – players |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/statistics/miscellaneous-facts-players.html |website=Chelsea FC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117192826/http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/statistics/miscellaneous-facts-players.html |archive-date=17 November 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Most goals scored in European club competitions: 36 goals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chelsea FC – Champions League History |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/clubs/52914--chelsea/ |website=UEFA |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=27 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527232525/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/clubs/52914--chelsea/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dider Drogba – Key Former Players |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/former-players/style/didier-drogba.html |website=Chelsea FC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124143432/http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/former-players/style/didier-drogba.html |archive-date=24 November 2017}}</ref>
* Most Premier League hat-tricks: 3 hat-tricks (shared-record).<ref>{{cite web |author1=Chris Burton |title=Hazard hat-trick sees Chelsea star join legends in exclusive club |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/hazard-hat-trick-sees-chelsea-star-join-legends-in-exclusive/c1gexryzx3sb14cr6hzebc79c |website=Goal |access-date=5 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205051122/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/hazard-hat-trick-sees-chelsea-star-join-legends-in-exclusive/c1gexryzx3sb14cr6hzebc79c |archive-date=5 February 2019 |date=15 September 2018}}</ref>
* Most Premier League goals in a season: 29 goals in 2009–10.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hall of Fame 2022 nominee: Didier Drogba |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1653899 |website=Premier League |date=1 April 2022}}</ref>
* Most [[Premier League Golden Boot]] wins: 2 (2006–07 and 2009–10).
* Most Premier League away goals scored in a season: 15 in 2009–10.<ref>{{cite web |title=Liverpool vs Chelsea – The Stats |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/07/21/liverpool-vs-chelsea---the-stats |website=Chelsea FC |date=21 July 2020}}</ref>
* Most goals in all competitions in a season by a foreign player: 37 goals in 2009–10.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miscellaneous facts – players |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/statistics/miscellaneous-facts-players.html |website=Chelsea FC |access-date=5 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117192826/http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/statistics/miscellaneous-facts-players.html |archive-date=17 November 2017}}</ref>
* First player to score a Champions League hat-trick.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hat-tricks |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/statistics/hat-tricks.html |website=Chelsea FC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430100918/http://www.chelseafc.com/the-club/history/style/statistics/hat-tricks.html |archive-date=30 April 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref>
* Oldest player to score in the Champions League: 36 years, 8 months, 14 days.<ref>{{cite web |title=Who is the oldest player to score in the Champions League? |url=https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/eu-uefa-champions-league/2021-10-who-is-oldest-player-score-champions-league |website=Football Transfers |date=3 November 2021}}</ref>

=== Other ===
* Most goals and assists combined for with another player in the Premier League: 36 with [[Frank Lampard]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Made for each other: The most prolific partners |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/623528 |website=Premier League |date=14 February 2018}}</ref>
* One of seven players to score an opening weekend Premier League hat-trick.<ref>{{cite web |title=Drogba the last of the MW1 hat-trick heroes |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/706716 |website=Premier League |access-date=5 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618121657/https://www.premierleague.com/news/706716 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |date=18 June 2018}}</ref>
*One of six players to score a hat-trick in consecutive Premier League games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kane chasing first hat-trick of hat-tricks |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/585144 |website=Premier League |access-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015173354/https://www.premierleague.com/news/585144 |archive-date=15 October 2019 |date=2 January 2018}}</ref>
* The only player score in and win both English domestic cup finals in the same season.<ref name="football365.com">{{cite web |title=Didier Drogba: The ridiculous statistics |url=https://www.football365.com/news/didier-drogba-the-ridiculous-statistics-chelsea |website=Football 365 |access-date=5 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205062453/https://www.football365.com/news/didier-drogba-the-ridiculous-statistics-chelsea |archive-date=5 February 2019 |date=22 November 2018}}</ref>
* The only player to score in three [[List of EFL Cup finals|League Cup finals]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Scott Murray |title=A brief guide to … Didier Drogba, the biggest of big-game players |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/20/didier-drogba-big-game-player-montreal-chelsea |website=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222000055/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/20/didier-drogba-big-game-player-montreal-chelsea |archive-date=22 December 2017 |date=20 August 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* The only player to score in four [[List of FA Cup Finals|FA Cup finals]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Josh Hershman |title=Humble Drogba proud as FA Cup history is made |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/member-associations/ENG/news/01fd-0f88098bfac6-3b6def32d4c5-1000--humble-drogba-proud-as-fa-cup-history-is-made/ |website=UEFA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929010820/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/member-associations/ENG/news/01fd-0f88098bfac6-3b6def32d4c5-1000--humble-drogba-proud-as-fa-cup-history-is-made/ |archive-date=29 September 2020 |date=7 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Most goals scored at the New [[Wembley Stadium]]: 8 goals.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Adam Smith |title=Which Wembley records could Tottenham break this season? |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10993576/which-wembley-records-could-tottenham-break-this-season |website=Sky Sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821092829/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10993576/which-wembley-records-could-tottenham-break-this-season |archive-date=21 August 2020 |date=18 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Oldest African goalscorer in the Champions League: 36 years and 259 days old.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Taiye Taiwo |title=Demba Ba becomes second oldest African Champions League goalscorer with Manchester United strike |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/demba-ba-becomes-second-oldest-african-champions-league/1tieskat7l7is1pdo7alzhf7on |website=Goal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104204358/https://www.goal.com/en/news/demba-ba-becomes-second-oldest-african-champions-league/1tieskat7l7is1pdo7alzhf7on |archive-date=4 November 2020 |date=4 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Most appearances in the Champions League by an African player: 94 matches.<ref name="African">{{cite web |date=18 June 2018 |title=Which African stars have played the most UEFA games? |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0c511a83ae76-14c0a934ef35-1000--which-african-stars-have-played-the-most-uefa-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929001034/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0c511a83ae76-14c0a934ef35-1000--which-african-stars-have-played-the-most-uefa-games/ |archive-date=29 September 2020}}</ref>
*One of eleven players to score hat-tricks for multiple clubs in the Champions League.<ref>{{cite web |title=All you ever wanted to know: Champions League hat-tricks |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0257-0e99f0d0d91b-eb0f4ba7a8f7-1000--champions-league-hat-tricks-who-has-the-most-when-was-th/ |website=UEFA |access-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015125922/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2566405.html |archive-date=15 October 2019 |url-status=live |date=1 October 2019}}</ref>
* [[Ivory Coast national football team|Ivory Coast national team]] all-time top scorer: [[Ivory Coast national football team#Records|65 goals]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201408090026.html |title=Cote d'Ivoire: Drogba Retires From International Football |date=8 August 2014 |publisher=[[AllAfrica.com]] |access-date=16 August 2014}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Association football|Football in Africa}}

*[[List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals]]
*[[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|List of footballers with 100 or more caps]]
{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150216135243/http://www.didierdrogba.com/en/ Didier Drogba's official website] – available {{in lang|en|fr}} (archived 16 February 2015)
* {{YouTube|KAW7DF1Ufek|Didier Drogba - Speech to stop Civil War}}
* {{Soccerbase}}
* {{Soccerway|new_id=drogba-didier/2mm76ep2|id=310|archive=20221128001049}}
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/indepth/african_footballer_2008.shtml BBC World Service: African Footballer of the Year 2008]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110319011433/http://soccersurfer.com/profile.php?id=585 Profile] at SoccerSurfer.com (archived 19 March 2011)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100213140551/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=18727&cc=5739 ESPN profile] (archived 13 February 2010)
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Ivory Coast squads
| bg        = #FF7300
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| list1 =
{{Ivory Coast squad 2006 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2008 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2010 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2012 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2013 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Ivory Coast squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Awards
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|list1=
{{2006 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}
{{Africa Cup of Nations top scorers}}
{{2007 UEFA Team of the Year}}
{{2003–04 Ligue 1 UNFP Team of the Year}}
{{2006–07 FA Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}
{{2009–10 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}
{{African Footballer of the Year}}
{{BBC African Footballer of the Year}}
{{2005 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{2006 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{2009 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{2010 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{2012 CAF Team of the Year}}
{{Alan Hardaker Trophy}}
{{Premier League Golden Boot}}
{{UEFA Europa League top scorers}}
{{Golden Foot winners}}
{{Onze Mondial European Footballer of the Year}}
{{UEFA President's Award}}
{{FWA Tribute Award}}
{{Olympique de Marseille Player of the Season}}
{{Chelsea F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Ligue 1 Player of the Year}}
{{Turkish Football Talent of the Year}}
{{Ligue 1 Goal of the Year}}
{{Premier League Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Drogba, Didier}}
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