Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Drogba Receives UEFA President's Award


Thu 01 Oct 2020 | 09:35 PM
Mohammad Elzoheiry

Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has spoken of the "great honor" he feels in joining the list of glorious names who have won the UEFA President's Award, as he received the 2020 award on Thursday.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin handed Drogba his trophy at the UEFA Champions League draw ceremony in Geneva.

The 42-year-old, described by Čeferin as "a leader", joins famous names such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Eusébio, Raymond Kopa, Johan Cruyff, Francesco Totti, David Beckham, and Eric Cantona in winning the honorable prize.

"I'm really proud because it's representing 20 years of football," Drogba said, "When you see the list of players who have won it before, you can be proud to be among those players."

[caption id="attachment_58244" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]UEFA Didier Drogba with Ivory Coast national team Didier Drogba with Ivory Coast national team[/caption]

"Football is a reflection of society, of what's happening in our lives. It's important for us to be role models. I think that's what we have to do, and that's what I've been doing all my career."

The Union of European Football Associations had announced on Tuesday that football star Drogba has won the award due to his role off-field since he had retired playing football several years ago.

The Ivorian star became the first African player to win the European Union President's award.

The President's Award recognizes outstanding achievements, professional excellence, and exemplary personal qualities.

In addition to enjoying a magnificent playing career, Drogba has undertaken significant charity and goodwill work, campaigning tirelessly to help improve the lives of children in developing countries.