Former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba has just been awarded the 2020 UEFA President’s Award by Aleksander Čeferin, with the UEFA President selecting the Ivorian bagsman for his “commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch”.

The President's Award "recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities," and the UEFA boss praised Drogba's philanthropic action in improving the lives of children in developing countries following his retirement as the reason for his latest piece of silverware

The 42-year-old’s own foundation has helped do this by providing educational assistance, such as building schools and helping provide children a route out of poverty.

“Didier is a hero to millions of football fans for his achievements throughout his glittering playing career. He is a leader – a pioneer. I will remember him as a player for his skill, strength and intelligence, but above all for his insatiable appetite to succeed – a trait which is just as present in his desire to help others off the field of play,” said Čeferin.

Drogba, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 and scored 164 goals in 381 appearances for the Blues, said: “To have won a Champions League, to have played and scored for my country at a World Cup – these are things I could only have dreamed of when I was a child. There are so many children in the developing world who have the potential to become not only footballers, but also doctors, teachers and engineers. This is why it is so important to help and support our youngsters to let them fulfil their dreams and aspirations.”