Raffaele Poli, Head of the CIES Oservatory, in "Soccer & Society"

Summary:

Through a study of the iconographic representation of Didier Drogba and other expatriate players in the Ivorian public space and sports press, this article examines the social meaning of footballers in Africa. It analyses expatriate footballers as ‘figures of success’ and examines connections with other important social fields beneficial to acquiring fame in Africa, such as music and politics. Finally, the article extends its focus on the construction and circulation of sports celebrities beyond national and continental borders.