Ending the civil war, relying on one person, one goal, and one hope.

Sona59

I once heard a saying, 'Football can unite everything, because it not only brings players together but also unites the entire nation. This is not a legend but a true story. In the world, there is a person who, with his own efforts, led Ivory Coast football to rise, united the entire nation, and allowed 23 million Ivorians to harvest peace and dignity from the baptism of war. He is the 'Beast' Didier Drogba.

In 2002, the internal conflict began in Ivory Coast. The government led by President Laurent Gbagbo controlled the southern region, while the rebel forces led by Guillaume Soro occupied the northern part of Ivory Coast. On September 19, the war broke out, and the rebel forces began to attack from the rear, gradually seizing cities across the country. After several months of fierce warfare, both sides entrenched themselves in the north and south. In 2004, the situation began to stabilize, and in 2005, the situation deteriorated again, casting a gloomy shadow on Ivory Coast's internal prospects. It was at this time that a football match brought about a dramatic change for Ivory Coast.

On October 8, 2005, Ivory Coast defeated Sudan 3-1, securing a place in the World Cup finals for the first time in history. The entire Ivorian people were ecstatic, and even the soldiers forgot that the country was in a state of civil war. After the game, Drogba invited the cameras of the Ivorian National Television into the locker room. Suddenly, he knelt in front of the camera, picked up the microphone, and confessed passionately, 'Our country is undergoing an unprecedented disaster (civil war). I implore both sides of the conflict to forgive each other, return to the negotiating table for the interests of the country and the happiness of the people. As long as both sides can show sincerity in resolving the issues, I believe everything will get better!' After hearing this, the entire nation was shocked. Although Ivory Coast was eliminated from the group stage, Drogba's hope to stop the war never ceased. Through Drogba's efforts, Ivory Coast mediated the five-year civil war, giving this troubled country a reason to hope. Drogba's efforts for the peace process made him one of the most influential figures in magazines at that time.

Samiksha

The charm of football is indeed difficult to express in words.

Yamini003

Drogba is indeed a hero.

Ritu13

The ones who suffer in war are always the people; Drogba just voiced everyone's hope.

Indra55

Ending the civil war depends on the will of both parties; he is just a spokesperson.

Jafar224

Football can unite people.

Isha000

I've heard this argument before: Only industries that produce things usable by people are truly useful.