Latest news with #DidierDrogba
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Man United and Chelsea are dealt huge transfer blow as Victor Osimhen is approached by Saudi giants
Al-Hilal have made a contract offer to in-demand striker Victor Osimhen. The forward, lit up the Super Lig at Galatasaray last season, scoring 25 goals and providing five assists in 29 games for the Turkish giants. Osimhen, who has previously been discussed by Manchester United and Chelsea, is currently on loan from Napoli and is set to return to the Italian club this summer, where his contract expires in 2026. The 26-year-old scored 31 goals in all competitions as he fired Napoli to a first Serie A title in 33 years in the 2022-23 season, and has since been rated as one of Europe's elite frontmen. However, he was forced to desperately search for a new club in last summer's transfer window after Napoli boss Antonio Conte signed Romelu Lukaku and left Osimhen out of his squad. Despite reports of a potential move to Chelsea and a host of Saudi sides, no move permanent move materialised. Chelsea were in a transfer saga with the Nigerian last summer but could not agree on a deal Last summer, Chelsea legends John Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba reached out to the forward to try and talk him into a Stamford Bridge switch. 'I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I'll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority,' said Mikel. 'But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea. I'm sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him. I think if we can secure his signature it would be fantastic for the club. 'Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club. If it happens, it happens. It's a huge transfer fee, but if we can match it and get him to the club that would be absolutely fantastic.'
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
How PSG built the best team in Europe
There is plenty of contrast between the Chelsea side of 2012 – the last team to win the Champions League at the Allianz Arena – and this all-conquering PSG side. But, beyond the surroundings, there is another strand that links the two triumphs – a seeming absence of logic in their timing. By 2012, the chance to win the Champions League looked to have passed for Chelsea. They had gone close before, in 2008, when they would have won it but not for that infamous John Terry slip in the shootout in the Moscow monsoon. Come 2012, they were an ageing team. Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, John Terry and Didier Drogba, the spine of the side, had entered their twilight years. The squad needed refreshing, as their sixth-placed finish in the Premier League laid that bare for all to see. And they were under the interim stewardship of Roberto Di Matteo. The conditions were not exactly ripe for Chelsea to lift the title in Munich. The same applies to PSG. If a frontline of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé could not deliver the Champions League, what could? Without Messi and Mbappé last season, PSG performed better in Europe, reaching the semi-finals. With Mbappé still at the club, however, the defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and the manner of it, felt like a major missed opportunity. When Mbappé left a few weeks later to join Real Madrid, he left a void that would not be filled. The expectation that their lack of superstars would hinder them on the European stage was dramatically subverted in the historic 5-0 win over Inter. The superstars on the pitch have been replaced by a mastermind off it: Luís Campos. The Portuguese sporting director has completely overhauled the squad; seven of his signings started against Inter, including five who had been signed this year, and there were eight more on the bench. Forty players have also left the Parc des Princes in the past three years. This side is unrecognisable from the one that was beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League final five years ago. Of the players in the squad that night, only Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe, who has played just a handful of minutes since suffering a serious achilles tendon injury in February 2023, remain. The Campos revolution at PSG represented a major upheaval, a disavowal of the previous regime, and one that was absolutely necessary. His arrival in 2022 raised eyebrows, however. Campos was highly rated, especially in France, given that he had been the architect behind the Monaco and Lille title-winning sides, the only ones to deny PSG the Ligue 1 title in the past decade; if you can beat them, you're good enough to join them. But there were questions about whether he was the right fit. Campos had always been the shrewd operator, someone who would extract the maximum from a minimal budget. Financial means are not exactly in short supply at PSG, even if there were some Financial Fair Play concerns upon his arrival three years ago. The strategies implemented at his former clubs contrasted starkly with how PSG had been functioning for the decade before his arrival. With Messi, Neymar and Mbappé all at the club, the 'bling-bling' era was at its peak; Campos was tasked with bringing an end to it. Just as French political parties are frequently remoulded to become vehicles of their leaders' own personal ambitions and ideologies, PSG has become a willing hostage to Campos' vision. He didn't like what he saw, so he changed it, and he was empowered to do so. From the outset, Nasser Al-Khelaifi changed his tune, channeling his recently installed sporting director and highlighting the need to end 'bling-bling' and replace it with a 'no player is bigger than the institution' ethos. Even before Messi's unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia, PSG were hesitant about renewing his expiring deal; the Argentinian left on a free in 2023 and Neymar followed him out that same summer, as did Marco Verratti, Mauro Icardi, Julian Draxler, Georginio Wijnaldum, Leandro Paredes and Sergio Ramos. The pillars of the old regime were crumbling as Campos laid the groundwork for his project. After spending just under €150m in his first year, PSG splashed the cash in his second summer. They spent €450m on Ousmane Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, Gonçalo Ramos, Manuel Ugarte, Lucas Hernández, Bradley Barcola, Lee Kang-in, Lucas Beraldo, Milan Skriniar and Marco Asensio. There was no more working on a shoestring budget for Campos, whose own methods have evolved as a result. He is no longer fishing in the same ponds, but the success he had at Monaco and Lille has translated at the Parc des Princes. By and large, those signings have coalesced with Luis Enrique's vision, even if there are exceptions. Skriniar, an opportunistic pickup on a free, never looked to have a place in the side. Reports suggest that the manager, not yet in place at the time of his arrival, was opposed to the transfer. Then there is the case of Randal Kolo Muani, the most expensive transfer of the Campos era and also the biggest disappointment. Kolo Muani simply doesn't fit in with Luis Enrique's vision and so he was forced to rebuild his career at Juventus in the second half of the season. Ramos, too, available for transfer this summer, has not made his mark, with Luis Enrique opting to play Dembélé through the middle. That choice has certainly been justified, but it has left over €150m worth of talent on the bench, or out on loan. At PSG, such a faux-pas is relatively inconsequential, as Saturday night showed. But there are significantly more success stories than failures. Ruiz, Vitinha, and João Neves were all brought in by Campos to create what is most dynamic and technically gifted midfield in Europe; Willian Pacho, a relative unknown, was the best defender in Ligue 1 last season and was the origin of PSG's second against Inter; then there are the homegrown talents: Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. Neither came cheap but simply casting an eye over the incredible pool of domestic talent marks a break from the previous regime. Some of their purchases seem no-brainers, hardly even worthy of praise, but PSG moved on them when others did not. Another obvious choice has been the one to lean on the club's academy. The way in which Kinglsey Coman, Christopher Nkunku and Mike Maignan were permitted to leave, rather than providing a pathway to success at the Parc des Princes has been a stick with which to beat PSG during the QSI era. With Warren Zaïre-Emery and now Senny Mayulu breaking through, the culture has changed. The end of the galácticos era could have marked an end to PSG's bid for their holy grail, the Champions League. Domestic rivals even may have smelt blood in the summer, however, Campos' revolution has ushered in a new age of dominance, one that has taken Les Parisiens to even greater heights. This is an article by Get French Football News
Forbes
31-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Didier Drogba And Gabrielle Lemaire Are Using E1 To Spark Africa's Next Generation
When Lagos was announced as the first African city to host the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, it generated a surge of excitement across the continent, and for good reason. Now, just four months away from race weekend, that excitement is evolving into something tangible and powerful: a bold statement positioning Africa at the forefront of global sustainability, innovation, and economic opportunity. This October, the Lagos Lagoon will roar with the world's first all-electric raceboats, ushering in a new era of electrified marine technology and placing Africa firmly on the map for cutting-edge, green motorsport. Driving this groundbreaking moment are two visionary leaders: Didier Drogba, the Chelsea and African football legend whose impressive accolades include a UEFA Champions League title, four Premier League crowns, and two African Footballer of the Year awards; and Gabrielle Lemaire, a pioneering entrepreneur, CEO of Barons Agence Conseil En Communication, and Vice President of the Didier Drogba Foundation. Their partnership has been instrumental in bringing the race to African shores, fuelling a movement that promises to inspire a generation and reshape the continent's future. In an exclusive interview with Didier Drogba and Gabrielle Lemaire shared insights into their vision for the race, the impact they hope it will have across Africa, and how this event signifies a turning point for sustainability and innovation on the continent. When asked about their venture into electric boat racing and co-ownership of Team Drogba, Drogba shared a perspective rooted in a deep awareness of global climate challenges. He explained that their decision was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to sustainability while combining sport and innovation. 'First of all, what inspired us is that we live in a world now aware of climate issues, and there are many ways to contribute,' Drogba said. For him, E1 provides a unique platform to raise awareness through competitive sports. Beyond the race, Drogba values collaborating with other high-profile co-owners, merging sport, technology, and shared responsibility. He emphasised the importance of joining a pioneering project with long-term potential to benefit Africa and the world. As a global citizen, Drogba sees Team Drogba as more than a racing team: 'It was important for me to be part of this project, to spread information about sustainability and raise awareness about Africa's climate issues.' He highlighted tangible challenges like coastal erosion and environmental degradation affecting many African countries. 'We have coastal problems in many countries due to climate change.' By combining excitement with serious environmental messaging, Drogba believes that E1 is an ideal platform to promote sustainability to diverse audiences. This vision embodies Team Drogba's commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and global cooperation, with a special focus on Africa's challenges and opportunities in sustainable development. The arrival of the E1 on African waters marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the continent's growing role in global sustainability. For Lemaire, the Vice President of the Drogba Foundation and co-owner of Team Drogba and advocate for gender equality and social development, the Lagos debut holds deep personal and symbolic meaning. 'I'm honoured and happy as a woman to be co-owner of this team,' Lemaire said, noting she is currently the only female co-owner in the series, highlighting the importance of gender representation. 'We have a foundation with three main pillars, education, health, and sustainability, but women are at the centre of our programs. So yes, I'm thrilled.' Lagos, Nigeria's vibrant commercial and cultural hub, was chosen to launch the African leg of E1 after collaboration with partners including the African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) impact investment platform FEDA, Lilium Capital Group, and the Drogba Foundation. This consortium plays a critical role in promoting the race across the continent. 'Lagos is a special place in Africa. Although we are from Ivory Coast, after discussions with partners, we agreed Lagos was the ideal launch site,' Lemaire explained. The city's energy, connectivity, and creativity make it a natural fit for this forward-thinking event, while Nigerians' enthusiasm for sustainable sports initiatives further confirmed the choice. Lemaire also shared plans to expand the E1 to other locations such as Ivory Coast and the Bahamas, reflecting growing momentum for green technology and environmental awareness across regions. 'We have many ideas for future races in Africa.' Team Drogba's leadership blends strong ties to Africa's economic and development sectors. Dr Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank; Simon Tiemtoré, Chairman and CEO of Lilium Capital Group and co-owner; and Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA and co-owner through FEDA, bring expertise and resources to ensure lasting impact beyond the races. Together, this consortium aims not only to deliver thrilling, sustainable sport but also to leverage the platform to drive investment, innovation, and awareness of Africa's climate challenges, positioning Lagos and the continent as hubs for sustainable sport and environmental advocacy. When asked about the impact of E1 on Africa, Drogba speaks with the insight of someone who understands the continent's cultural richness and sport's power to inspire change. For him, the fusion of sports, education, and culture creates a catalyst for progress. 'Lagos is the city of culture,' Drogba notes, highlighting its status as a creative hub with celebrated artists, Grammy winners, and a vibrant event calendar. This cultural energy, combined with strong political support, particularly from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is vital for the event's success. 'We're pleased to have the governor's support, opening his arms and hosting us. For us to have an impact, this event must succeed. All eyes will be on Lagos.' The global spotlight will also shine on Lagos, amplified by influential sports and entertainment figures co-owning teams in the championship. Drogba says, 'Can you imagine having Tom Brady, Will Smith, or LeBron James in Lagos? When you talk about impact, there's nothing better than that.' Their involvement signals global collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Drogba's vision is clear: by combining sport's universal appeal with cultural richness and influential ambassadors, E1 can spark investment, inspire communities, and drive dialogue on sustainability across Africa and beyond. 'Having these influential figures there,' Drogba says, 'is the best image and impact E1 can have on Africa and the world.' As Lagos prepares to host this groundbreaking event, the convergence of sport, culture, and environmental advocacy promises a new chapter where innovation meets tradition and global attention focuses on Africa's leadership in sustainable development. Drogba is candid when discussing Africa's historical exclusion from major global sports and cultural events. This absence, he suggests, is not just a missed opportunity for the continent but a factor that perpetuates broader economic and social challenges. Reflecting on the fact that Africa has hosted only one FIFA World Cup in its entire history, he underscores the urgency for change. 'We've always been left aside when it comes to big events, big sports events,' Drogba remarks. 'Do you know how many World Cups there have been in history, but we've only organised it once? You know, how many European Championships? We never organise those, even though they can take some events from France, England, Saudi Arabia, America, and Asia, but it never really happens in Africa. So, for us, it's a must.' This exclusion is about more than just prestige; it touches on the very livelihood of millions. Africa faces ongoing challenges with youth unemployment and migration, issues that global attention and investment in the right places could begin to address. Drogba highlights the transformative potential that a high-profile event like E1 could have on the continent. 'When you bring this attention to the continent, and you create jobs, by organising such great events, you create an economy,' he explains. 'Youth will begin to think, hold on, I have an opportunity here. Why should I leave to reach my dreams?' This vision challenges long-standing patterns and invites the continent to step confidently into a global spotlight where innovation meets opportunity, helping to shape not just the future of mobility, but also the future of African youth and economies. Lemaire shares a deep passion for connecting the Foundation's mission with the sustainability goals championed by E1. While education and health have long been pillars of their work, sustainability is a newer, but increasingly vital, focus for the Foundation. 'For the past few months, we have been actively developing the sustainability pillar. This is incredibly important for us as Africans because, internationally, Africa often lacks the tools to negotiate effectively on these issues. Our goal is to raise awareness among the youth so they understand the importance of sustainability and can lead the charge for the continent.' This commitment is not about quick wins. Lemaire emphasises that their approach to sustainability is a long-term project that aligns perfectly with E1's mission. 'It won't be something accomplished in just one or two races, it's a sustained effort. That's why E1 is such an amazing platform for us. We plan to use it extensively to raise awareness not only in Ivory Coast and Africa but for young people globally. But honestly, Africa remains the greatest challenge and priority for us.' The decision to bring E1 to Africa was deliberate and strategic. Lemaire recalls their early conversations with key E1 figures Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso, which inspired both her and Drogba to become co-owners of Team Drogba. Adding a personal and culturally resonant touch to the initiative, Lemaire shares a lighthearted anecdote about Drogba's recent conversation with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy. 'Didier told him, 'I'm going to Lagos, your country, and you need to be there. Maybe you could even join the team one day.' We have many ideas and exciting plans ahead.' For Drogba, the impact goes beyond the race itself. 'When you succeed somewhere, for me, success means sharing knowledge and helping others succeed as well,' he says. 'If I can open the door for another African to have their own team in E1, that is a true legacy. That is what matters.' This shared vision between the Foundation and E1 reflects a broader narrative of African empowerment through sustainable innovation and global partnership, one that promises to inspire generations and reshape Africa's future on the world stage. When it comes to shaping the future of environmentally conscious sports and entrepreneurship, Drogba believes Africa has both the depth and the determination to lead the way. But to understand its potential, he says, we must first reframe how the world views the continent. 'Africa isn't just a place of conflict or struggle,' Drogba explains. 'Too often, we highlight only the challenges, wars, famine, and instability, but we forget to talk about our Nobel Prize winners like Dr. Denis Mukwege, and icons like Nelson Mandela. Africa is home to brilliant minds, incredible resilience, and unmatched beauty. That's what we want to put forward.' This vision isn't about glossing over the continent's difficulties. Rather, it's about showing that Africa's narrative is not one-dimensional. 'Yes, we face challenges,' he acknowledges, 'but we also have bright people who are ready to face them head-on, and we'll never stop. That's how we inspire, that's how we educate the next generation, and that's how we ensure they're ready to lead Africa to an even greater future.' For Lemaire, this belief is rooted in experience. She and Drogba have lived in global cities, Paris, London, and New York, but Africa remains their anchor. 'Africa is the future in so many ways,' she says. 'There are so many entrepreneurs, people who are resourceful, creative, determined. Everyone's doing something. The drive is there. What they often need is just a small push, a spark, to set it all in motion.' That's where events like E1, and the visibility they bring, become so powerful. Lemaire sees every event, every conversation, and every engagement with the youth as a chance to ignite something meaningful. Drogba agrees that the real power lies in representation. 'When young people see Lemaire when they see me out there, it plants a seed. It tells them: 'One day, I can be there too.' That's our mission. It's not about being special, it's about showing that there's opportunity, and if you have the will, you can make it happen.' He adds that their work goes far beyond competition or performance. 'For us, it's not about whether we win or lose the race. It's about the impact. And that's why we're proud of what E1 has already done. It's still early, but the direction is right. We're not just racing, we're opening doors, creating tools, and helping young Africans believe in their potential.'
Newsweek
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Chelsea vs Liverpool: Live Stream Premier League, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chelsea will face Liverpool in this Premier League matchup on Sunday, and you can catch all the action live with Peacock. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on August 25, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on August 25, 2024 in Liverpool, to Watch Chelsea vs Liverpool: Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025 Time: 11:30 PM ET Stream: Peacock (WATCH) Chelsea and Liverpool will take the pitch on Sunday, May 4th, at Stamford Bridge in this Premier League clash. Liverpool has already clinched the Premier League championship after going 25-7-2 this season, absolutely crushing the rest of the competition. They have a +48 goal differential on the year, and are a staggering 15 points ahead of second-place Arsenal. Chelsea has had a decent campaign and will look to finish the season strong and claim one of the top five spots in the final standings. They are currently tied for fifth place with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, who all have 60 points. Liverpool's top goal scorer, Mohamed Salah, is looking to break the record for most goals in a season by a player over the age of 30. He needs just one more to tie Didier Drogba, and two more to pass him. Considering he has scored 28 goals in 34 starts, he should be able to accomplish the task. This is a great Premier League match. Tune into Peacock to catch all the action. Live stream Chelsea vs Liverpool with Peacock: Start your subscription now! This event can be live-streamed with a one-month subscription to Peacock, which you can cancel at any time. Premier League Potential Lineups: Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Elliott, Gakpo; Diaz Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Metro
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal or PSG? Didier Drogba asked to pick Champions League favourite
Former Chelsea and Marseille striker Didier Drogba is hoping that both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain miss out on winning the Champions League this season. PSG have secured the advantage ahead of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week following a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The other semi-final tie is also set up for a thrilling conclusion as Barcelona and Inter played out an epic 3-3 draw in their first leg on Wednesday. Drogba, meanwhile, famously scored Chelsea's winner in their Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012 and provided plenty of headaches for Arsenal's defence during the rivalry between the two clubs. The former Ivory Coast striker also has a strong allegiance with Marseille, PSG's arch rivals in Ligue 1, and was reluctant to pick a winner between Arsenal and Luis Enrique's side next week. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. When asked who he would rather see in the final between Arsenal and PSG, Drogba told RMC Sport: 'Do you really want to know the answer? Neither team. More Trending 'But I think it's good for French football to have a team that's gone this far. Good luck to them.' Asked if it was painful to watch PSG progress so far in the tournament, Drogba replied: 'No comment! It's the truth. 'Good for them but it won't change anything. Forever the leaders, as they say.' Drogba then revealed that his preference to win the Champions League would be either Barcelona or Inter. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Mikel Arteta explains risky Arsenal team selection against Bournemouth MORE: Arsenal linked with shock approach to sign Manchester United transfer flop MORE: Daniel Farke reveals why he sat on bench as Leeds United won the Championship
