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Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba

SPECIAL REPORT

Ivory Coast | Forward

Age: 28
Club: Chelsea
Achievements: French Player of the Year 2004; English Premier League 2005, 2006

One of Africa's top players, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was Ivory Coast's key player in qualifying, scoring nine goals as the West African nation reached the World Cup finals for the first time in its history.

Drogba's journey from lower league professional to World Cup star hasn't been easy; he spent the early years of his career with struggling Le Mans in the French second division, and it was only with his move to Marseille in 2003 that Drogba got the chance to test himself at the top level.

Six goals in Marseille's run to the UEFA Cup final and an impressive strike rate in the French championship brought attention from Chelsea, who paid $45 million for the Ivorian in 2004, making him the club's most expensive ever-signing.

Though his two seasons in London may have brought two Premier League titles, Drogba has often been forced to share striking duties with Hernan Crespo and recent speculation has linked him with a move elsewhere.

Nonetheless, Ivory Coast remain as reliant as ever on their bruising goalscorer. What Drogba lacks in finesse he makes up for in strength and self-belief -- qualities that have rubbed off on his teammates.

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