The World Cup fever is beginning and new stars are emerging. There will be many new players who will shine at Fifa World Cup in Germany. And Didier Drogba is one of them.

With his hot pace, strength and lethal finishing, he can upset any team’s defence. This Chelsea striker Drogba is one of the most talented players to emerge from Ivory Coast. However, he has struggled to live up to his high prolific goal record since joining the west London club in a big money move in 2004.

Drogba was born in Abidjan. His interest in soccer was inspired by his uncle, Michael Goba. Goba a professional player in France convinced Drogba’s parents that their child should come with him to France, as it would offer him a better chance at life.

Drogba began to catch the eye, while playing for Levallious club. From there he was signed as a youth player for Le Mans and was signed by Gumnigamp when he was 23. He spent just one season there, impressing enough for Marseille to shell out £3.3 million for him in 2003.

Drogba was an instant success there. He scored 27 goals in 41 matches for the club before landing to Chelsea in a GBP 24 million bid for a player. Drogba signed for Chelsea and helped the club to the Barclays Premier League title in his first season.

Drogba has become a hero in his homeland Ivory Coast after helping the country reach its first ever Fifa World Cup. However, his recent African Nations Cup ended in agony as he missed the final spot kick in the penalty shoot-out against Egypt in the final. He is hungry to make amends in Germany and can give Ronaldo a run for his money when it comes to speed, strength and power. — Compiled by Ashov Shrestha, Class VIII, Modern Indian School