Didier Drogba becomes first African player to win UEFA President Award

Drogba, will collect the UEFA President’s Award in Geneva during Thursday’s UEFA Champions League draw.

The Chelsea Legend scored 164 goals in 381 appearances in all competitions. Arguably his most important strike was his equaliser in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern. For good measure, he slotted the winner in the ensuing penalty shoot-out as Chelsea won the competition for the first time.

He began his career in France where he played for Le Mans, Guingamp and Marseille. However, it was following his move to Chelsea that he started to establish himself as one of the greatest forwards of the 21st century.

Born in Abidjan, Drogba is probably the greatest footballer the Ivory Coast has ever produced. He scored his country’s first ever goal in their maiden FIFA World Cup finals appearance in 2006 and would go on to play at a further two tournaments.

Previous winners of the UEFA President Award include legendary names such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Eusébio, Raymond Kopa, Johan Cruyff, Francesco Totti, David Beckham and Eric Cantona.