In a candid interview with RFI, former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba expressed his aspirations for the national team, urging them to make a long-overdue return to the FIFA World Cup.
Drogba, who scored 64 goals for the Elephants during his illustrious career, reflected on the team’s triumphs and challenges, setting a clear target for the future.
The legendary striker, now 46, described Ivory Coast’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as an unforgettable achievement, calling it “a film worthy of the Hollywood Oscars” and an “emotional roller coaster.
However, Drogba emphasized the need for the Elephants to aim even higher.
Highlighting the team’s decade-long absence from football’s grandest stage, Drogba humorously remarked, “Maybe I will have to come back so that we can qualify.
On a more serious note, he framed World Cup qualification as a “logical continuation” following their recent continental success and praised the promising young talents in the squad.
“This team thrives on challenges,” he said. “Winning the AFCON was a brilliant achievement, but now we need to end this cycle of missing three consecutive World Cups.
Pour Didier Drogba: «Après avoir remporté la CAN, la Côte d’Ivoire doit aller au Mondial» (2/2) https://t.co/rpWLuRp0Qs pic.twitter.com/mEKNdxbEgy
— Afrique Foot (@Foot_Afrique) December 5, 2024
It won’t be easy, but we have the players to do it. It’s been too long since we’ve been there.
Under the guidance of coach Emerse Faé, Ivory Coast is currently in a strong position in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers.
Unbeaten after four matches, the Elephants lead the group by a single point over Gabon.
While challenges remain, their performances thus far suggest the team is on course to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.
The Elephants’ last appearance at a World Cup was in 2014, a tournament that left bitter memories.
Despite a promising start with a 2-1 victory over Japan, they faltered against Colombia, losing by the same margin, before a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Greece.
A controversial last-minute penalty sealed their elimination, marking the end of Drogba’s international career.
In 2006 and 2010, the Elephants also exited in the group stages, despite boasting a squad brimming with talent.
These early exits were a source of frustration for a golden generation of players who never fully realized their potential on the world stage.
As the Elephants look to reclaim their place among football’s elite, Drogba’s rallying cry reflects the hopes of a nation eager to see its team shine once more on the global stage.
