Drogba the Great

It truly moves me to see people using power to do good in this world. With the FIFA World Cup in full swing, I just had to dedicate one of my blog posts to an amazing footballer. Look up leader, visionary and greatness in the dictionary and there you shall find the name Didier Drogba.

Drogba is a name I'm all too familiar with. I've obviously glanced at this months cover of Vanity Fair with him and my future hubby stripped to their skivvies. And before then, I had watched many Chelsea games with the talented Drogba as the leading striker. He is no stranger to the football world, that's for sure. As one of the best players in the world, Drogba is representing his homeland, Côte d'Ivoire, in this World Cup. Despite a fractured forearm, he will still play in upcoming matches with a protective cast approved by FIFA.

When Time Magazine released its 100 most influential people of the world, I was surprised with the mention of Didier Drogba. I knew of his athletic accomplishments, but when a friend mentioned his extraordinary work off the field, I was even more intrigued and impressed with the man.

For the past eight years, his homeland has been ravaged by civil war. Ivory Coast still remains divided with rebels in the north and a government presence in the south. United Nations and the French military failed to help, with increased hostility and raids on troops and civilians rising. It was Drogba who organized a statement of peace. He and his Côte d'Ivoire teammates created peace amongst a nation of terror when they qualified for the 2006 World Cup bringing both parties together. Many thank him for starting a positive movement to resolve the Ivorian Civil War.

Drogba has also stated that he will donate every penny earned from endorsements to building new hospitals in his country. I officially have goosebumps and crown Drogba the Mother Theresa of football.

Who knew that athletic greatness could lead to calming a civil war. And to use his personal endorsement money to build hospitals in his country, while others focus their wealth on oversized homes, sporty cars and luxury definitely warrants his name on the 100 most influential people list and so much more. If that wasn't enough, he even has a beer glass named after him, almost double the size of an average pint.

So cheers to you, Drogba! Thank you for being such a wonderful role model and I can only hope that more footballers can transform their fame and fortune to make the world a better place.