Didier Drogba
WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Sports and Health
Appointed in October 2021
As a former professional footballer, having witnessed the transformative impact of sports on health and well-being, I am committed to sharing these invaluable lessons worldwide. Through the universal language of sports, we have a powerful tool to combat non-communicable diseases and promote healthy lifestyles, especially among our youth. Together, we can inspire a healthier world where everyone, especially young people, embrace physical activity and healthy living as a vital defence against non-communicable diseases.
The celebrated Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba is the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Sports and Health. Mr Drogba is renowned for his leadership on and off the pitch and advocates for physical activity and healthy lifestyles. His philanthropic work through the Didier Drogba Foundation complements his role in various health campaigns, promoting healthy living and wellness for all.
Since his appointment in October 2021, Mr Drogba has fervently supported WHO’s Sports for Health programme, actively advocating for physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and mental health. Among his key achievements, Mr Drogba led Walk the Talk events in Geneva, Switzerland, and Dubai in 2022, engaging the public in promoting well-being. He also participated in a Sports and Health panel at the World Health Summit in Berlin, further highlighting the importance of sports in maintaining health. Mr Drogba was pivotal in promoting health activities related to the FIFA World Cup 2022 and participated in the "Bring the Moves" campaign, encouraging physical activity and healthy habits worldwide.
His impactful contributions include a public service announcement calling for Health for All, engaging with media, sharing messages on social media, and participating in WHO Facebook live sessions, ensuring a broader reach for crucial health messages.
