Two-time African Footballer of the Year and former Chelsea player Didier Drogba has landed a new role with the World Health Organization (WHO).
He is now the Goodwill Ambassador for Sport and Health.
The Ivorian football legend will support WHO to promote the Organization’s guidance on the benefits of physical activity and other healthy lifestyles and highlight the value of sports, particularly for youth.
This adds to his already impeccable record as a community campaigner with a passion to change the lives of the less fortunate.
Drogba has in the past been involved in different health campaigns among them HIV control campaigns. His other campaigns advocate for a healthy lifestyle.
Didier Drogba. Photo/ Sky Sports
Didier Drogba Speaks of WHO Honour
The former Chelsea striker termed it an honor that WHO awarded him.
“I am honoured to team up with the World Health Organization and support its work to help people reach the highest level of health possible, especially young people in all countries,” he said.
He spoke at WHO headquarters in Geneva.
Drogba says that his new role is in line with his life’s ambition of leading a healthy lifestyle.
“I have benefited first hand from the power of sports to lead a healthy life and I am committed to working with WHO to share such gains worldwide.”
Why WHO Appointed Didier Drogba
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus exuded confidence in Drogba delivering in his role.
Dr Tedros says that his track record in health advocacy is proof enough that he is WHO’s right pick for the role.
The WHO boss says that it is good having Drogba on board his football experience notwithstanding.
WHO is focused on lowering the rate of non-communicable diseases through Sports and healthy lifestyle advocacy.
Part of Drogba’s ambassadorial role will be promoting the benefits of frequent physical activity and sports.
“Didier is a proven champion and game changer both on and off the pitch,” said the WHO boss.
“We are pleased to have him playing on our team, and helping communities worldwide reach and score goals through sports for their physical and mental health and well-being.
“He will also support the mobilization of the international community to promote sports as an essential means for improving the physical, mental health and social well-being of all people, including in helping COVID-19 recovery efforts.”
Healthy 2022 World Cup Campaign
Drogba’s WHO Goodwill Ambassador appointment came hot on the heels of Healthy 2022 World Cup – Creating Legacy for Sport and Health campaign Launch.
It is a joint partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health and its Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, WHO, and world football’s governing body, FIFA.
Data by the global health organization shows that one out of four adults and four out of five adolescents are physically inactive.
Didier Drogba Retirement
Drogba retired at 40 years in 2018 after 20 years in the football world.
In his retirement statement, Drogba shared an old photo of him in 1989 posing at a football field.
Didier Drogba. Photo/ talkSPORT
“1989 or where it all started!! When I think of the last 20 years of my professional career, looking at this picture can’t make me more proud of what I’ve achieved as a player but most importantly how this journey as shaped me as a man.”
“If anyone tells you your dreams are too big, just say thank you and work harder and smarter to turn them into reality. #alwaysbelieve. I wanna thank all the players, managers, teams and fans that I have met and made this journey one of a kind!!!”
Drogba prides on scoring 164 goals in 381 appearances. He propelled Chelsea to win the Premier League four times and the Champions League in 2012.
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