Premier League legend Didier Drogba has put his expansive six-bedroom, 11,000-square-foot mansion in Surrey up for sale, with potential buyers able to acquire the property for $8 million. Widely recognized as one of Chelsea’s greatest players, Drogba accumulated 381 appearances for the Blues in two separate tenures at the club, scoring an impressive 164 goals. His illustrious career included four Premier League titles, a Champions League victory, four FA Cups, and three League Cups. Despite concluding his second stint at Stamford Bridge in 2015, the Ivorian has maintained ownership of a residence on the prestigious Crown Estate in Oxshott, situated in proximity to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.
Now, at the age of 44, the football icon is selling the residence, boasting six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, five reception rooms, a leisure complex, and an extensive swimming pool. The pool provides a picturesque view of the expansive garden through bi-folding doors, and the leisure complex is equipped with a sauna and jacuzzi.
The description on Fine & Country’s listing states: “On the ground floor, five main reception rooms are arranged around a grand reception hall, featuring a sweeping staircase that leads to all floors.”
“At the front, you’ll find a study and a versatile reception room, while at the rear, a magnificent dual-aspect drawing room of generous proportions, a family room, and a spacious open-plan kitchen with modern built-in appliances and a central island for casual dining await. This area leads through to a delightful high-roofed orangery.
Nestled behind electric gates, the property occupies just under one acre of land. A capacious driveway provides ample parking, and a two-story, multi-vehicle garage offers additional space with a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.
To the rear, a south-facing landscaped garden unfolds, featuring manicured lawns that stretch out from a terrace area off the main house—an exquisite spot for relaxation and entertaining.”
The Crown Estate, named for its historical connection to hunting lands owned by the Crown, stands as one of the most prestigious and exclusive areas in the southern part of England. Surrounded by open fields and woodlands, it boasts proximity to some of Surrey’s finest schools.
Positioned equidistant from Heathrow and Gatwick, and strategically located between the M25 and the A3 leading into central London, the estate offers both tranquility and accessibility.
Didier Drogba shared the residence with his Malian wife, Lalla Diakite, from whom he separated in 2020. In a brief statement during that time, the former striker emphasized their continued closeness and the primary focus on their children’s well-being and family privacy.
The couple has three children, including 21-year-old Isaac, who spent time in Chelsea’s academy and played for the reserve team of the French second-tier side Guingamp.
Drogba, the Ivory Coast’s all-time top scorer with 65 goals in 105 caps, initially made his mark in England when Chelsea secured his services for £24 million from Marseille in 2004.
His impactful presence was felt immediately as he played a pivotal role in helping the Blues clinch back-to-back Premier League titles in his first two seasons. Drogba remained with Chelsea until 2012, culminating his tenure with a moment of glory—converting the winning penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
After stints in China and Turkey, Drogba returned to Chelsea for a final season in 2014, contributing to another league title victory. His illustrious playing career concluded with a stint in the USA.