Sidelined without a word of thanks, Drogba settles scores with UEFA over the Ballon d'Or

Didier Drogba has not gotten over his silent removal from the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The former Chelsea and Marseille striker, who served as presenter since 2019 alongside Sandy Heribert, was sidelined after Rodri’s triumph in 2024, without receiving any explanation or thanks.

It is Pascal Ferré, director of France Football until 2022 and jury member for seven years, who lifts the veil on the behind-the-scenes of this decision in his book La face cachée du Ballon d’Or (Albin Michel). According to him, Drogba’s contract non-renewal was “apparently driven by UEFA,” which became co-organizer of the prestigious trophy.

In this work, the 48-year-old Ivorian international speaks without reservation. “I will always be grateful to those who came to find me to let me live this crazy, unforgettable human experience. I took enormous pleasure in it and became even more attached to this trophy. And I perfectly understand that some wanted to move on to something else, to a different presentation,” he concedes.

But the manner of the break still sticks in his throat. “That no one took the trouble, or had the courage, to warn me that it was ending, and even less to send me even the smallest thank you for what I was able to do all these years, leaves me with a bitter taste,” he laments. “For a ceremony based on elegance and respect for those involved, I think it lacks a lot of that. Actually, I don’t find this attitude very Ballon d’Or.”

The next ceremony will be held on Monday, October 26 in London, at the London Palladium — a first, after years at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The choice of venue pays tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first winner in history in 1956, exactly 70 years ago. It is now the duo Ruud Gullit–Kate Scott who will host the evening.