How Didier Drogba United a Divided Country

Côte d’Ivoire, the only SFCG country to make it to the World Cup, sadly did not make it out of the Group round. Much of the squad and country’s hope rested on the injured Didier Drogba. Yet it is not only on the pitch that Ivorians place their hope on Drogba.  In fact his exploits off the field have meant even more. Selay Marius Kouassi writes about Drogba’s historic appeal to end civil war and violence in his country:

“Every national football team has its heroes and its legends. And there are many. But for Ivory Coast, there is only one: Didier Drogba. He is, without doubt, the most amazing icon of Ivorian football today. His memorable appeal to politicians and to leaders of warring sides to lay down their arms will remain a turning point in the political life of the country.

“After defeating Sudan 3-1 and leading Ivory Coast to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, Didier Drogba, surrounded by his team mates in the dressing room, fell to his knees, asked all of his teammates to kneel down with him, looked straight into the camera, and begged both warring sides to lay down their arms. ‘Citizens of Ivory Coast’ he declared, ‘from the north, south, centre and west, we beg you on our knees to forgive each other! A great country like Ivory Coast cannot sink into chaos forever. Lay down your weapons and organise elections.’ This appeal was broadcast for months by RTI, the state-run TV station.”

Read the rest of this wonderful story about the power of football here.