Didier Drogba was born on March 11, 1978, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. After emigrating to France at an early age, he became a star soccer player in his adopted country and later led the world-famous Chelsea club to multiple championships.
Quality 1: Work Ethic
Didier Drogba started his professional career later than his peers as he wanted to focus on his studies and be an accountant. He even refused an offer from PSG and opted to join a smaller club in the same city with his university. Because he got his professional contract later he would literally train very hard daily and it paid off big when he started banging in goals and getting noticed by other teams. Eventually, he joined Chelsea in London, England.
Many people want to be great but they do not want it enough to work for it. Greatness won’t come by wishful thinking but with hard work, it is inevitable that success can be attainable. There are many qualities that make people successful but without work ethic, it is near impossible to achieve great things.
““To perform I need to be at the top in terms of physical ability, but most importantly on top mentally. I need to be ‘fresh’ mentally to completely control my body, to push it to its limits,” and also to sustain his performance.”
He not only work hard in the field or training but also studies his opponents carefully before each game.
“I do a lot of video analysis, too: I dissect the other team, its defence, each player, his style, body movements and reactions in very specific situations. I study the goalkeeper’s strength and most importantly weaknesses.”
Quality 2: Mental Strength
One of Drogba’s teammates Daniel Sturridge indicated that his game started to improve after having a chat with Didier Drogba. Drogba advised him that doing well is a matter of developing a mental strength. He believes that it is not about tactical, not about technical and not about physical strengh. The great part is whether you believe in yourself or not.
“He’s all about self-belief; don’t go out there with the mentality of trying to do something. Just let it happen.” Sturridge
“I visualise the game and all the potential situations beforehand, I visualise the opponent, I project myself scoring. This feeds back to me when I play. Drogba
Quality 3: Leadership Skills
Drogba is not just a great goal poacher in the football field. He also possesses a great influence outside of football. Some people call it the Didier Drogba effect. It takes a special person and a leader to grab a mic and plead with the president and his countrymen to end a civil war on live television. This act of courage saved many lives in his home country of Ivory Coast.
“Today, we beg you. We go down, on our knees. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive,” Drogba implored his country’s feuding leaders. “Lay down your arms. Call elections. Everything will be better.” Drogba
Quality 4: Passion for the game
As mentioned above Drogba wanted to be an accountant and did not start playing soccer professionally to escape poverty, for fame and money. He started professionally because he loved the sport of football.
“My family was loving and caring – I was a happy child. It was my passion for the sport that gave me the desire to perform, not poverty.”
“Performance is not linked to earnings, but to my desire to maintain my success. Whether it’s a friendly game, a World Cup match or a Champion’s League final, I want to perform at all times.”
Quality 5: Talent
One cannot rule out that one needs to have a level of talent to achieve football legend status. However, talent without hard work will not take one very far. Drogba is indeed talented player but his work ethic, mental strength, leadership skills and deep passion for the game set him apart from the rest.