Didier Drogba : from soccer to business

Known for his feats on the pitch, including his key role in Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League triumph, Drogba has applied the same determination to his business career. Since retiring from professional soccer in 2018, he has embarked on various business ventures, highlighting his commitment to the development of Africa. In 2017, he co-founded Drogba & Co, an Africa-focused private equity platform that aims to support promising businesses and projects on the continent.

A shareholder in a mining project, a blockchain startup 5ireChain, among others, with an estimated fortune of €30 million, Didier Drogba is listed in Time Magazine’s ranking of the 100 most influential people in the world.

As well as his entrepreneurial initiatives, Drogba, who is Vice President of the NGO Peace & Sport, has also been involved in humanitarian and charitable projects in Africa, demonstrating his desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

His successful transition from soccer to business demonstrates his versatility and determination to excel in new areas, helping to create a lasting legacy beyond the pitch.

We are very happy to welcome all of Africa, everyone. It’s a celebration

It is with palpable enthusiasm that the former Côte d’Ivoire Elephants captain welcomes AFCON 2024 home. The finals of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in 5 cities: Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San-Pédro and Yamoussoukro. With several African delegations already on Ivorian soil, Didier Drogba delivered a warm message praising his country as a land of welcome and hospitality: « The world is coming to us, to the land of Eburnia.  Welcome to the land of welcome, the land of joy, the land of good citizenship. The people of Côte d’Ivoire are waiting for you so that together we can enjoy the greatest Africa Cup of Nations of all time, » the player recently wrote on his Facebook page. « It’s a source of pride for me. The last time was in 1984. The fact that I’ve worn the national team shirt and now have the opportunity to see an African Cup of Nations on our soil is extraordinary. We’re very happy to welcome all of Africa, everyone. It’s a celebration.

Although he never won the competition, Drogba still has fond memories of it. « It is the best competition for all Africans. I was inspired by Roger Milla, Gadji Celi, Youssouf Fofana and many other players. Our legends have come out in this tournament. Laurent Pokou, for example, and many others. For us, it’s a celebration of African soccer. To see the likes of Sadio Mané and Obi Mikel unite the continent is like celebrating Africa for a month.

Nevertheless, the former Chelsea striker promises a great time for all visitors to Côte d’Ivoire between January 13 and February 11. « We have a beautiful country. A welcoming nation and we know the competition will go well. We’re ready to welcome the world in all its splendor. It’s a privilege to welcome so many guests to Côte d’Ivoire, » said a delighted Drogba, who hopes to see the Elephants lift the trophy on the evening of February 11.

To achieve that goal, Côte d’Ivoire will have to survive the group phase, starting with Guinea-Bissau on January 13, before meeting Nigeria in Group A on January 18 and concluding with Equatorial Guinea on January 22. It promises to be a thriller!