#1 Didier Drogba stops a Civil War
‘Tall oaks grow from little acorns’
The year was 2005. The nation of Ivory Coast was wigging out on account of a civil war that was tearing its own people apart. The White Elephants had just qualified for the 2006 World Cup and Didier Drogba would go on to prove that football is no piddling affair.
An inspiring image of a never-say-die attitude, Didier Drogba was a success story from the streets where well-being was at a premium. A larger than life figure with humble beginnings, Didier would go on to conquer the footballing world and become a source of pride for all Ivorians, rebel or not. After all, a calm sea does not make a skilled sailor.
He was already a national hero having won the Premier League twice and making his homeland proud with his scintillating performances in Europe.
Following their qualification to the final rounds of the world cup, Drogba decided he was not going to mosey along or be a lost ball in the weeds as he decided to use his position of influence to heal the broken nation. He picked up a microphone on live television, went down on his knees and pleaded,
“An African country with so many riches should not be at war. Please lay down your weapons and call elections. Everything will be better.” He also added, “We want to have fun, so stop firing your guns.”
In one of the greatest turnarounds in any socio-political scenario which was on the verge of going postal, the rival clans obliged to Drogba’s request. They laid down their arms when Drogba requested. Didier – their son, brother and friendly neighbourhood demigod who was also one of the most lethal strikers in football at the time. Within a year the president declared that the war was over.
The message was heartfelt and less than two years later Ivory Coast would take on Madagascar in their rebel’s capital, once again on Drogba’s request in a bid to reunite the Ivorians.
The former Chelsea striker said, “Seeing both leaders side by side for the national anthem was very special.”
Drogba would go on to score a goal in the 90th minute of the game to put the icing on the cake of what is simply a testament to how a sport can change the world.
Once again, the power of the beautiful game and the great ones who heralded it was proven to the world. Didier Drogba stopped a civil war. Headlines more astoundingly welcome are difficult to come by.
‘Football, bloody hell!’
