Didier Drogba has issued a rallying cry to the four African clubs preparing to compete in the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, calling on them to embrace the opportunity and aim for global glory.
With the tournament now held every four years and featuring 32 teams, the former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker expressed his excitement about the scale and potential of the revamped competition.
Speaking ahead of the tournament’s kickoff, Drogba stressed that the presence of four African representatives—Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)—signals a defining moment for the continent’s club football.
“It’s a great opportunity for players from a continent like Africa, where you don’t often see this kind of team in the biggest tournaments,” Drogba told FIFA in a recent interview. “It will be very important for the African teams because it will be an opportunity for them to show what they are capable of. And also an opportunity to become world champions.”
Drogba’s message is one of ambition and self-belief.
Drawing on the emotional weight of previous African success stories in the old format, he highlighted the performances of TP Mazembe and Raja Casablanca, who reached the final of the competition in 2010 and 2013 respectively.
Although both clubs fell just short of lifting the trophy, their achievements remain landmarks in African football history.
Giving more players the opportunity to compete on the global stage 🌎🏆
FIFA Legend Didier Drogba looks ahead to the inaugural @FIFACWC, a competition which features his former club, @ChelseaFC. pic.twitter.com/RCDfAmxmkr
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) May 28, 2025
Now, with an expanded format providing more matches, greater visibility, and wider global engagement, Drogba believes the 2025 edition is uniquely poised to deliver a breakthrough for African clubs.
He directed a message of support and encouragement to the qualified teams, including Wydad Casablanca, who have recently been linked to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr due to the competition’s prominence: believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to aim for the top.
“Imagine what it feels like to be a world champion playing here in Ivory Coast, or anywhere in Africa, ahead of clubs like Chelsea or Real Madrid. It’s a great achievement,” Drogba added, underscoring the transformative potential of such a victory.
With the tournament set to kick off in just a few days, the tone is clear.
The spotlight is on Africa, and one of its greatest footballing icons has thrown his full support behind the continent’s finest, urging them to dream big—and deliver even bigger.
