DIDIER DROGBA
CHELSEA

Whenever someone says that tall athletic Black players can't make it in international soccer, point to Didier Drogba. At 6'3" he has tremendous ball skills and a good scoring record that has led to a move from Olympique Marseille to Chelsea of the English Premiereship.

Another Cote D'Ivoire international that made it big in France, Drogba moved to Marseille from Guingamp before the 2003-04 season. The move paid off for OM as he scored 19 times and led them to the finals of the UEFA Cup.

Born in Abidjan, Didier began his professional career with Le Mans where he spent 3 seasons. He then went to Guingamp and after gaining playing time and familiarity with his teammates became a tough mark for opposing defenses. His 17 goals in his final season with Guigamp was good for 3rd highest in the Ligue and earned him attention throughout Europe from teams such as Juvuentus, Tottenham and Lyon.

Ultimately it was Marseille, the team he supported as a youth that won out but now he's left for England to pursue big things with both club (where he's already won a domestic title) and country.

PHOTOS

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Drogba gets up to head home against Crystal Palace

The Ivory Coast will be potent in attack
with the talented Drogba leading the way (AP)

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