Chelsea legend named Balon D’or ambassador

Chelsea’s legendary striker, Didier Drogba has been named France Football’s new ambassador for the Ballon d’Or.

The former Chelsea star will co-host the Balon D’or award ceremony set for December 2 in Paris, and will present the trophy. The former Ivorian international who retired earlier this year will represent the France Football magazine and the award in the official ceremonies.

Drogba never won the award himself, but he must have come close in those first years under Jose Mourinho, when his teammate Lampard came second to Ronaldinho in 2005. He was nominated eight times for the prestigious award between 2004 and 2012, and even came fourth in 2007.

“I would have liked to do better but this fourth place is a great reward,” admits Drogba.

Now he steps up to prepare to hand over awards to the next generation.

“I feel honoured to present this prestigious award. I see it as an acknowledgement of my career and its exemplarity,” Drogba said in a statement.