Former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba has been selected for the 2020 Uefa President’s award for his ‘commitment to excellence on and off the pitch’.
The organizer of the award Aleksander Ceferin has hailed the contribution of the 42-year-old to humanity as well as the opportunity the top European competition afforded African players.
“Didier is a hero to millions of football fans for his achievements throughout his glittering playing career,” Ceferin told Uefa website.
“He is a leader – a pioneer. I will remember him as a player for his skill, strength and intelligence, but above all for his insatiable appetite to succeed – a trait which is just as present in his desire to help others off the field of play.
“The UEFA Champions League has become the greatest club competition in the world, partly due to our clubs being able to attract the best players from around the world.
“We have been lucky to have seen the likes of George Weah, Samuel Eto'o and Didier Drogba play at the very highest level.
“They in turn, have blazed a trail for African footballers and have given inspiration to a whole new generation to look to follow in their footsteps.”
The award recognizes professional excellence and has been won by legends such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Eusébio, Raymond Kopa, Johan Cruyff, Francesco Totti, David Beckham and Eric Cantona.
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The Abidjan-born star will be honoured with the award in Geneva during Thursday’s UEFA Champions League draw.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
