Didier Drogba Breaks Silence After Ballon d’Or Hosting Exit: “I Was Pushed Out”
PARIS, France — Just hours before the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has ignited a storm of controversy, accusing France Football of forcing him out as host after six years at the helm.
In an explosive interview with L’Equipe, Drogba claimed he was “betrayed” and “pushed out” in favor of younger, less controversial hosts. The decision, he argues, was retaliation for his outspoken criticism of the award’s European bias.
Drogba on His Removal: “Plain and Simple, I Was Pushed Out”
The 47-year-old Ivorian striker had co-hosted the gala since 2019 alongside Sandy Heribert. This year, however, Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott will take the stage instead.
Drogba revealed he received the news just two weeks ago:
“I’ve been the face of this ceremony for six years. We built something special, but suddenly I was told, ‘We’re going in a new direction.’ No explanation, just ‘thank you.’ It was a betrayal.”
France Football announced the change on September 9, framing it as a bid for “fresh energy.” But Drogba insists the real reason lies in his outspoken advocacy for African and South American players.
Calling Out Ballon d’Or Bias
Drogba didn’t hold back in his criticism. He highlighted names like Victor Osimhen, Lamine Yamal, and Cole Palmer, who he believes deserved higher recognition:
“The votes are too Euro-centric. Africa produces kings like Sadio Mané and Riyad Mahrez, yet the system is stacked against us. It’s not just about me — it’s about representation.”
This isn’t the first time Drogba has ruffled feathers. In 2024, he pushed for an African Ballon d’Or category and criticized the panel for overlooking non-European talent.
Fans Rally: #JusticeForDrogba Goes Viral
The revelations have sparked outrage among fans. On social media, #JusticeForDrogba surged past 1.8 million posts in less than 24 hours.
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Chelsea supporters chanted his name during the club’s 2–1 win over Manchester United.
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Arsenal fans praised his defense of Thierry Henry, calling him “the classiest host.”
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PSG fans pointed to the leaked rankings that placed Dembélé above Yamal, calling it “proof of bias.”
One viral post summed up the mood: “Drogba built the Ballon d’Or show. France Football just destroyed it.”
France Football’s Response
In a short statement, France Football thanked Drogba for his contributions, calling the change a “natural evolution.” Yet French media reports suggest boardroom tensions over his salary (€150,000 per gala) and his push to add more African journalists to the voting panel.
Why This Matters for the Ballon d’Or
The controversy overshadows tonight’s ceremony, where Jude Bellingham is tipped for the men’s crown and Sam Kerr for the women’s award. But the biggest talking point may not be who lifts the trophy — it’s why Drogba won’t be there to hand it out.
As pundit Gary Neville put it: “This is a PR disaster. Drogba wasn’t just a host — he was the heart of the Ballon d’Or.”
A Legend Who Refuses to Fade
From Stamford Bridge glory to the Ballon d’Or stage, Didier Drogba’s legacy remains untouchable. His parting words capture his frustration but also his fight:
“I hosted for the love, not the spotlight. If honesty makes me controversial, then so be it. But football deserves fairness — and Africa deserves respect.”
Even in absence, Drogba has turned the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala into one of the most dramatic in history.