The Ivorian helped lift his side to a final, but the longtime Blues stars couldn't close his career with a trophy
Didier Drogba's illustrious career ended in defeat on Thursday night as Phoenix Rising fell to Louisville City in the USL Cup final.
A second-half goal from Louisville City's' Luke Spencer was just enough on Thursday night as Drogba and Phoenix fell 1-0 in the Ivorian's final match.
Drogba scored three goals in three matches to help lead Phoenix to the final, including a stunning free kick in the team's postseason opener.
The former Chelsea star had announced that he would retire back in March, calling an end to a career that has also seen stops at Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Shanhai Shenua, Galatasaray and the Montreal Impact.
The defeat marks the end of Drogba's trophy-filled career, which included four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Super Lig crown, and, most memorably, the 2011-12 Champions League that saw the Ivorian score a late equalizer before winning the match in a penalty shootout.
Drogba scored 10 goals in 14 games in his debut season before scoring five goals in nine regular season games this campaign.
On Thursday, the first half finished level before the hosts finally broke through in the 62nd minute, firing home from a scramble in front of goal following a corner kick.
After several deflections, blocks and near-finishes, the ball finally fell to Spencer, who fired a shot into the bottom corner to give Louisville City the lead.
The victory saw Louisville City capture the team's second consecutive league crown after topping Swope Park Rangers in the USL Cup finale in 2017
Yeancah79
247
What a legend and never be forgotten by me as Arsenal fan.
hesskant
235
my only sadness on Drogba's career is that he hasn't been able to win the african Nation cup with his country. And we won it right when he decided to stop with the country. thanks for all those great moments of joy. 🙏🙏🙏
Ericssonio
226
But what a career! 4 Premier League titles Scored in the final as Chelsea won the Champions League Turkish Super Lig title African Footballer of the Year twice Legend!
westlosx1st
212
another great Legend has retired..my best of wishes to Drogba..thanks for such great moments on this beauty of a sport.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
163
Unlucky but he can end his career with his head held high cos he won the most relevant trophy in football, the UCL and he did that practically solo. What a guy, he probably got more trophies in his cabinet than Spurs do (kidding). Legit though, what a guy. He's the only striker where even if his tally was below 25 goals a season, you can still call him the best striker. Cos it wasn't about how much but rather how crucial the goals were. I've never seen a striker that singlehandedly can save a match and win it the way Drogba did. A true legend. Best prem striker for me after Henry easily.
Tim5533
89
1x Champions League 4x Premier League 4x FA Cup 3x League Cup 2x Community Shield 2x PL Golden Boot 1x Süper Lig 1x Turkish Cup 1x Turkish Super Cup 2x African POTY 1x Turkish POTY
Kingleo8
78
The King of Chelsea 🤴 is leaving but he will never ever be forgotten