Didier Drogba, one of Africa’s greatest-ever footballers and Chelsea’s talismanic striker, is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with the best in the game. From leading the Blues to Champions League glory to going head-to-head with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Drogba saw it all at the highest level.

Yet back in 2018, the Ivorian made headlines with a bold claim that surprised many fans of the beautiful game. Speaking to The Mirror, Drogba was asked about Lionel Messi — and while his praise for the Argentine was clear, he didn’t quite crown him the greatest.

“Messi could stop now, and he would already have done a lot for football,” Drogba said. “To win a World Cup would make him even more legendary. He’s an extraordinary player!”

But then came the twist. Despite the glowing admiration, Drogba added: “He’s still not at the heights of Maradona and Pele, but he’s not far away.”

At the time, Messi had not yet won the World Cup — something that, for many, stood between him and football immortality. Fast forward to 2022, and Messi finally lifted the iconic trophy in Qatar, adding the last jewel to an already glittering crown.

Did Drogba change his view after that legendary moment? We don’t yet know. But his earlier words placed Diego Maradona and Pelé — two South American legends — at the top of the football pantheon, with Messi chasing their shadows.

Interestingly, Drogba also had high praise for Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2018 World Cup, calling him “the best striker at the moment in the world.” He continued:
“He is complete — headers, left foot, right foot, free-kicks. Always moving. It’s very difficult for defenders to stop him.”

As 2025 rolls on, the football world still debates who truly sits on the throne. Has Messi’s full trophy cabinet, including that long-awaited World Cup, finally earned him the nod from Drogba over his childhood heroes?

Time may tell. But one thing remains clear: Drogba’s respect for the greats, including Messi and Ronaldo, is unwavering — even if his personal Mount Rushmore of football might still have a classic 80s touch.