Former Chelsea and Montreal Impact Striker Didier Drogba Retires from Soccer

Didier Drogba with Montreal Impact. Photo by Mike Lawrence/Isi/REX/Shutterstock

After lots of tinkering, former Chelsea and Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba decided to retire from professional soccer at age 40. Drogba, who last played for USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC, announced his decision on Twitter.

“When I think of the last 20 years of my professional career, looking at this picture can’t make me more proud of what I have achieved as a player but most importantly how this journey has shaped me as man,” -Drogba wrote in a statement, before thanking “players, managers, teams, and fans” he met during his illustrious career.

Drogba also posted a photo of him playing soccer as a young kid.

Didier Drogba started his professional career in France, playing for Le Mans and Guingamp before securing a transfer to Marseille. After scoring 19 goals in 35 games, he was spotted by scouts of Premier League side Chelsea and ended up moving to England.

With Chelsea, Drogba established himself as one of the best strikers in the world, scoring 157 goals in 341 games for the club. He also won 14 trophies during his time there, including four Premier League titles and a Championship League.

After stints with Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray, Didier Drogba came to MLS and signed with Montreal Impact in 2015. He spent two seasons with Impact, scoring 23 goals in 41 games and earning one MLS All-Star selection.

The last two years of his career, Drogba spent with Phoenix Rising, where he played 26 games and scored 17 goals.

Ben loves sports so much but prefers watching other people do it. He prefers not to share what teams he's supporting but he is willing to admit that Lebron James is, in fact, the king.