Didier Drogba will return to the Orange Vélodrome on May 2nd as part of Olympique de Marseille’s 125th anniversary celebration, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
The former Marseille striker is among a host of iconic figures invited to the gala evening organised to honour the rich history of one of France’s most storied football clubs.
The event will bring together Olympian legends, supporters, and notable contributors to Marseille’s legacy in what promises to be an emotional and celebratory gathering.
Although Drogba’s time in the south of France was brief, his impact remains unforgettable. The Ivorian striker, now 47, played only one season for OM in the 2003–04 campaign but left a legacy that still resonates with fans.
In just 55 appearances, he found the net 32 times and led the team to the UEFA Cup final, earning admiration for both his talent and leadership on the pitch.
Drogba arrived at Marseille from Guingamp in 2003 for €6 million, and his performances quickly caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.
Just a year later, Chelsea secured his services for €38.5 million, marking a record sale for the French club at the time.
His departure, though lucrative, left a void and a sense of heartbreak among the Marseille faithful.
Speaking during his farewell press conference two decades ago, Drogba expressed the emotional toll of leaving a club that had come to mean so much to him.
“I had this club written in my heart. Like in a couple, it always hurts to separate. I am sad, I will be very sad, but I will come back,” he said at the time. That promise of return will now be fulfilled as he steps once more into the stadium where he became a legend.
The announcement has already stirred excitement among Marseille supporters, who welcomed the news with enthusiasm on social media.
The club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shared the update with the caption: “Our iconic striker will be there to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary on May 2nd!”—a post that quickly gained traction among fans eager to see the beloved forward back at the Vélodrome.
Drogba’s return follows in the footsteps of other French football legends being honoured this year.
While Auxerre is set to celebrate Djibril Cissé’s jubilee on May 27th, Marseille’s gala promises its own emotional and nostalgic moments.
Though his Marseille chapter was short-lived, Drogba’s contribution remains etched in the club’s history.
The UEFA Cup final run, his emotional bond with fans, and his powerful presence in attack all helped shape a legacy that far outlived his one-season stay.
As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build. For Drogba, it is a homecoming long awaited. For Marseille, it is a chance to honour one of its most beloved sons.
🇨🇮 + 🎯 + ⭐️ = 𝐃𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐁𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐀 !!!! 😍
Notre 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 sera de la partie pour célébrer les 𝟭𝟮𝟱 𝗮𝗻𝘀 du club le 2 mai prochain ! 💪💙
🎟️ Prenez vos places ici 👉 https://t.co/YoNkllPgst pic.twitter.com/7BYcYJaJUM
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) April 9, 2025
