With the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon in 2024 and dozens of Ligue 1 Uber Eats players set to represent their countries in Côte d’Ivoire, we’re kicking off a special series featuring the legends of the game from several of the countries that are participating. Today’s first feature focuses on the hosts — and there are plenty of options — from Didier to Yaya, come relive some magic memories of Les Éléphants’ top players!
Didier Drogba: EA Guingamp 2001-03, Olympique de Marseille 2003-04
Arguably the most legendary player in his country’s history, Drogba made his name winning every title on offer with Chelsea, but before making the trip to England, he was a success in France. He broke through with Guingamp before scoring more than thirty goals in all competitions as he powered Marseille to the UEFA Cup Final, knocking out the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United along the way.
Serge Aurier: RC Lens 2009-12, Toulouse FC 2012-14, Paris Saint-Germain 2014-17
His country’s current captain, playing as an attack-minded right back, Aurier came through at Lens as a teenager before moving on to first Toulouse and then Paris Saint-Germain. As well as an AFCON title in 2015, he also helped the capital side win two trebles and was named to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats Team of the Year twice, in 2014 and 2016.
Max-Alain Gradel: AS Saint-Étienne 2011-16, Toulouse FC 2017-20
Still a regular for his country at the age of 36, Gradel made his professional debut in England, but had his greatest success in France. In addition to helping Les Verts win the 2013 Coupe de la Ligue, he helped the team reach Europe twice, before being vital to helping Toulouse avoid relegation during his second spell in Ligue 1.
Didier Zokora: AS Saint-Étienne 2004-06
Zokora spent just two seasons in France, having first made his name in Belgium, but we would be remiss not to mention Les Éléphants’ record appearance-maker. An elegant and commanding defensive midfielder, he helped his country finish runner-up at AFCON in both 2006 and 2012, and had strong spells at both Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla FC, winning the Copa del Rey with the latter.
Yaya Touré: AS Monaco 2006-07
If Drogba is arguably his country’s greatest ever player, that argument comes from the magnificent career enjoyed by Touré. The powerful midfielder was captain as his country lifted the AFCON trophy in 2015, and also won a slew of trophies with Manchester City and FC Barcelona.
