Didier Drogba and Geremi are warning young African footballers about the dangers of fake football agents. On July 4, 2023, the former Chelsea duo spoke about a campaign they're running in Africa.

What's happening?

The campaign is in partnership with FIFPro, the Didier Drogba Foundation, and the International Labour Organisation.

FIFPro recently conducted a survey among 263 professional footballers from Botswana, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The findings

The survey revealed that more than 70% of the players were contacted by someone who claimed they could help them move to another club.

Forty-three percent of the players were offered trials, while 39% were told they would be offered a contract with a club.

The impact

Fifty-six percent did not get the trial they were promised, 44% did not sign the contract they were promised, and 70% indicated they had not been educated about agents or intermediaries by their club.

Didier Drogba, president of the Didier Drogba Foundation, said: “It’s a matter that’s dear to our hearts as we’ve experienced it, so when FIFPro got in touch two years ago it was something we wanted to do.

We want to raise awareness among young players who have a dream, who have been inspired by watching the Premier League, the Bundesliga, and Serie A, and want to follow in the footsteps of so many talented African players.

There have been many young players who have been scammed. They have a guy who told them ‘you’re going to have a great career, trust me’ but the dream has become a nightmare.

During my career, I’ve met lots of young African players who have told me they have been left homeless and forced to beg on the streets by these fake agents.

I’ve given them some cash to help but it never lasts long, so it is better that we try to educate them and their parents.

I want to empower these players, so they are more vigilant and can follow their dreams in the right way.

And it is also why FIFPro has been pushing for greater regulation of agents. It is very important that players and their parents check that agents are licensed with FIFA.

Geremi, FIFPro Africa President, added: “African players want to pursue their dreams in football but also to provide for their families at home.

I had some difficult times at the start of my career but I pulled through because I met a good person, who was supportive. I was lucky.

Both Drogba and Geremi had hugely successful careers in Europe after hailing from Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively.

Drogba won four Premier League titles and a Champions League with Chelsea, while Geremi won two Premier League titles, one La Liga, and two Champions Leagues during his time with Chelsea and Real Madrid.

After his time in Europe and a stint in China, Drogba played for MLS team Montreal Impact — where he made the All-Star team — and then he moved to USL side Phoenix Rising, where he is still a minority shareholder.