Didier Drogba Set to Begin Coaching Career at Chelsea as Mourinho’s Assistant
Didier Drogba may have played his final professional match, as reports suggest the Ivorian legend is preparing to hang up his boots and transition into a new chapter — on the sidelines.
According to Africa Top Sports, the 37-year-old striker is strongly considering retirement at the end of the season and is expected to join Chelsea’s technical staff. The British press has gone a step further, claiming Drogba is set to become an assistant to José Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
If confirmed, it would mark a swift and symbolic shift for the former Ivory Coast captain, who has left a lasting impact both at Chelsea and across world football. Known for his leadership, charisma, and knack for delivering on the biggest stages — including the winning penalty in Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League final — Drogba remains one of the club’s most iconic figures.
After returning to Chelsea for a second spell in 2014, Drogba has reportedly developed a close working relationship with Mourinho, who has often praised the striker’s intelligence and understanding of the game. Transitioning into a coaching role under the Portuguese manager would offer the perfect apprenticeship.
Though no official statement has been released by the club or the player, sources close to Stamford Bridge suggest that talks have progressed, and the idea of Drogba staying on in a backroom capacity has the full support of Chelsea’s hierarchy.
Should Drogba officially retire and join Mourinho’s coaching team, it would position him to follow in the footsteps of former players who have successfully made the leap into management. And with his experience, stature, and exposure to elite football environments, few doubt that Drogba could one day become a top-level manager in his own right.
For African football, such a move would be particularly significant. Drogba, a two-time African Footballer of the Year and one of the continent’s most celebrated players, stepping into a high-profile coaching role in Europe would not only be a personal milestone, but a powerful symbol of progress for African representation in football leadership.
One thing is certain: whether in the dugout or behind the scenes, Drogba’s presence in football is far from over. And if his coaching career mirrors even a fraction of his playing legacy, he could soon be scoring victories of a very different kind.
