He never won an African Cup and yet, in the hearts of Ivorians, Didier Drogba remains often cited as their greatest footballer. Six years after his sporting retirement and 10 years after his international retirement, his aura remains intact in the country which is hosting CAN 2024.

In the popular commune of Yopougon where he was born, all young footballers dream of being like him. From the striker to the libero who train on one of the broken fields of the Mohamed VI high school, the name of Didier Drogba is on the lips of all the young people of the CF National Football club in Yopougon.

Also read: In pictures: a look back at Didier Drogba’s career

“I dream of being like him, even if I don’t play in the same position. He’s an icon,” explains Fofana Ima Dossongui Régis, 16 years old. “He is a courageous person, he motivates the young people of this country. He often says to believe in us, to never give up. It is a pride to come from Yopougon like him. Thanks to him, everything the world knows Côte d'Ivoire."

"He's a legend. All Ivorians are proud of him," adds Danon junior, 16, left winger, who longs to be like his idol. “His determination on the pitch and his way of fighting for his country makes you want to be like him. You can come from nowhere and become a hero tomorrow.”

"Many young people come to football thanks to Didier Drogba. And we tell them that you always have to believe in it. Didier Drogba did not go to academies. He started [professional] football late at 17 in clubs modest. He worked a lot and we try to pass that on to the children,” says Sandwidi Boukary known as “coach Akim”, the youth coach of the CF National Football club in Yopougon.

Didier Drogba's career contributes a lot to his aura. After starting out in France where he played successively at Le Mans, Guingamp and Marseille, he then joined Chelsea in 2004. Under the colors of the Blues, he won everything, including the Champions League in 2012. In selection, he remains to this day the top scorer in the history of the Ivorian national team, of which he was captain and with whom he twice went to the final of the African Cup.

From Andokoi to the top of football

But before this stratospheric trajectory, there are modest origins. Until he was five, Didier Drogba lived with his family in the Andokoi district. In this modest part of Yopougon, he discovered football.

"He had qualities even when he was little. I wanted him to replace me. And now, he has done better than me. When you help a child to succeed, it's a source of pride," said his uncle, Michel Goba. “It was in this courtyard that he kicked the first ball. It was huge for a child. I can still see him getting argued because he knocked over the pot!”

Michel Goba in the courtyard of the Drogba's old family home. © Laura Mousset, France 24

The little brother of Didier Drogba's father delves into his memories by returning to the old family home. He remembers his nephew training his head for hours in the hallway. He describes the building as it was 35 years ago, before the upper floor was built and the courtyard was divided in two.

Michel Goba is the man who allowed Didier Drogba to realize his dreams. This former footballer for various French division 2 clubs decided to take his nephew under his wing and take him to France at the age of 5. The 61-year-old man opens the souvenir box while walking the rutted streets of Andokoi, sometimes nicknamed "Drogbakro", or the "Drogba district".

Although he hasn't lived in the neighborhood for a long time, the old man is quickly recognized by everyone in the neighborhood. His Sadio Mané cut does not go unnoticed. Limping slowly, he takes the time to greet all the neighbors even if those he knew at the time have not been there for a long time. And everyone says they are proud to know that Didier Drogba was born here.

Michel Goba in the Andokoi district. © Laura Mousset, France 24

“We can't come to the neighborhood without talking about Drogba. He's the legend here!” says a young child, orange Ivorian jersey on his shoulders.

Drogba, peace activist

Because if Drogba's popularity is so strong, it is undoubtedly because he was not satisfied with his performances on the pitch. He has used his status as a football icon on multiple occasions to call for civil peace in his country. In 2006, when the Elephants had just qualified for the first World Cup in their history, he launched an appeal for peace which would contribute to the reconciliation process in his country.

He is also known for his social and humanitarian commitment. He notably contributed to the construction of a hospital in his hometown of Abidjan which should be commissioned soon and launched a foundation to help disadvantaged children in Africa.

However, he rarely returns to the neighborhood. It must be said that his last appearance caused scenes of uncontrollable jubilation. “He can’t come back here anymore. If he comes, he’s a prisoner,” laughs his uncle. "One time he came here to show off where he grew up. The whole street was blocked! All the high school students had come out to block his car. He couldn't get out of here anymore. It lasted for four hours. It was unbelievable !"

In 2022, the Ivorian football icon tried to become president of the local federation. An attempt which ended in failure but many Ivorians hope to see him try his luck again. His name comes up on everyone's lips, like after the humiliation against Equatorial Guinea.

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