Didier Drogba has been named the African Player of the Year for the second time in his career.

The Chelsea striker previously won the honour in 2006 (pictured below) and has been in the top three places on four other occasions.

Today (Thursday) on the evening of what is his 32nd birthday he beat the challenges from other nominees Michael Essien and Samuel Eto'o to receive the 2009 award.

The winner is voted by the national coaches from the 54 countries affiliated to the Confederation of African Football.

Unable to be at the ceremony in Ghana due to his Chelsea training commitments, it was collected on Drogba's behalf by an official of the Ivorian Football Federation.

Both Drogba and Essien were named in the African Best XI for 2009.

Essien was quick to congratulate his Chelsea team mate and friend. Speaking from his rehab camp in France he said:

'Congratulations to Didier for winning this superb award. He has worked hard over the last year for Chelsea and Ivory Coast and he deserves every award he wins.

'The winner is chosen by people who know and understand the game and all three of us in the running would have loved to have won it, but there can be only one winner and this time it is Didier - Well done mate.

'I hope this is a sign of things to come in the upcoming Chelsea versus Inter Champions League game. For a Chelsea player to beat an Inter player Eto'o for the award could be a good omen ahead of the game.'

The Decision to give Drogba the Award is nothing short of Atrocious.
Sammy was by a Mile Africa's best Footballer Last season

Chic

Etoo had nothing on DD for d past 3yrs!

T@meD0:

@ OP, there is already another thread about Drogba winning african footballer of the year.

@ mod, abeg, do the right thing o jare.

but it wasn't posted in this section was it? free the guy abeg.

@topic

it doesn't surprise me one bit. CAF prolly wanted to make it up for his loss to kanoute.

@ dominique

Quite said.
Eto'o Fills is the most qualified.
But Drogba was once robbed for Kanoute.
I agree this one is not about the Merit, but a way of compesation.
Still I Congratulate Drogba.

Olaolufred:

One thing endears me to Drogba:
He is always commitedly dedicated on the pitch.
Whether for Club or Country.
If you put Drogba on a pitch for a Friendly Match,
He will turn it to a highly competitive one in his mind.
I think we need such characters in Super Eagle.

TRUE TALK

Olaolufred:

One thing endears me to Drogba:
He is always commitedly dedicated on the pitch.
Whether for Club or Country.
If you put Drogba on a pitch for a Friendly Match,
He will turn it to a highly competitive one in his mind.
I think we need such characters in Super Eagle.

Co-signed.

Not good enough.

Etoo Won so many trophies for barca. on of the highest goal scorer in champions league, won champions league with a goal in the final. Won laliga and other 3 trophy so what is the argument.?

Well intend to improve the understanding of the game "football in Nigeria. So many people do not no that there is a book that contains all the law to be followed on the field of play. from the first whistle to the last whistle.
If you need a copy of the book just mail me at "thegameandthelaw@gmail.com"

Olaolufred:

@ dominique

Quite said.
Eto'o Fills is the most qualified.
But Drogba was once robbed for Kanoute.
I agree this one is not about the Merit, but a way of compesation.
Still I Congratulate Drogba.

guy how will you say Drogba did not merit that position?

Olaolufred:

@ dominique

Quite said.
Eto'o Fills is the most qualified.
But Drogba was once robbed for Kanoute.
I agree this one is not about the Merit, but a way of compesation.
Still I Congratulate Drogba.

guy how will you say Drogba did not merit that position?

Olaolufred:

@ dominique

Quite said.
Eto'o Fills is the most qualified.
But Drogba was once robbed for Kanoute.
I agree this one is not about the Merit, but a way of compesation.
Still I Congratulate Drogba.

guy how will you say Drogba did not merit that position?