“I don’t rate him much , he’s just an overhyphed player” “I don’t think Chelsea needs him” – Didier Drogba claims 25-years old Chelsea target is nothing special.
In a stunning and unexpected outburst that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has offered a scathing assessment of a 25-year-old Real Madrid star, branding him “overhyped” and “nothing really special.” The former Ivorian striker, known for his blunt and fearless opinions, didn’t hold back during a recent interview, making it clear that he doesn’t rate the player as highly as the footballing community might.
The player in question? While Drogba didn’t name names directly at first, insiders and fans were quick to connect the dots. Many believe he was referring to Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, who has recently stepped into a more prominent role at the Santiago Bernabéu following Karim Benzema’s departure and the tactical reshuffling by Carlo Ancelotti. Rodrygo, now 25, has been hailed as one of the brightest talents in Europe, with blistering pace, clever dribbling, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. But Drogba, who knows a thing or two about world-class attacking talent, isn’t buying the hype.
“He’s just an overhyped player, nothing really special about him. I don’t rate him much, to be honest,” Drogba said in a candid discussion on a French football podcast. “I’ve seen players with real presence, real danger. He doesn’t scare defenders the way the top forwards do. He’s good, but not great.”
Drogba’s comments have triggered an avalanche of reactions across social media, with fans, pundits, and former players weighing in. Some are siding with the Chelsea icon, agreeing that the Brazilian star has yet to fully prove himself on the biggest stages without the cushion of elite teammates like Benzema, Modrić, or Vinícius Júnior. Others, however, are accusing Drogba of being unnecessarily harsh, dismissive, and even disrespectful toward a young player who still has years ahead of him to develop into a global superstar.
Drogba’s comments have triggered an avalanche of reactions across social media, with fans, pundits, and former players weighing in. Some are siding with the Chelsea icon, agreeing that the Brazilian star has yet to fully prove himself on the biggest stages without the cushion of elite teammates like Benzema, Modrić, or Vinícius Júnior. Others, however, are accusing Drogba of being unnecessarily harsh, dismissive, and even disrespectful toward a young player who still has years ahead of him to develop into a global superstar.
Many have pointed out Rodrygo’s contributions in clutch Champions League moments, especially his two-goal salvo against Manchester City in the 2022 semifinal, which helped Real Madrid turn the tie on its head. That moment alone had fans and analysts praising him as a future Ballon d’Or contender. But for Drogba, consistency and fear factor seem to be the ultimate measuring sticks—and he doesn’t see either.
“You can have flashes of brilliance,” Drogba continued, “but being great is about consistency, about making defenders afraid every time you touch the ball. I don’t see that in him yet.”
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Drogba has offered pointed criticism of emerging stars. Throughout his post-playing career, he has been vocal about what he believes separates the good from the great. According to him, raw stats and highlight reels aren’t enough—it’s about mentality, presence, and the ability to deliver season after season.
While Rodrygo has not yet publicly responded to the comments, sources close to the Real Madrid camp say the Brazilian is unfazed and more determined than ever to let his football do the talking. With a packed fixture list ahead and Madrid still in the hunt for both domestic and European silverware, the 25-year-old will have plenty of opportunities to prove his doubters wrong—and perhaps, even earn Drogba’s elusive respect.
Whether you agree with Drogba’s assessment or not, one thing is clear: his remarks have added a fresh layer of intrigue to Rodrygo’s ongoing journey at the top level. Will he rise above the criticism and elevate his game further? Or will Drogba’s words prove prophetic?
Only time will tell—but in the ever-intense world of elite football, the spotlight just got a lot brighter.