Player Profile – Didier Zokora

Didier “Maestro” Zokora was born on December 14, 1980 in Abidjan. He learnt his football like most of the other Ivorian players on the streets of the streets of Yopougon, and later as part of the first generation of youngsters called up to the football academy established by Jean-Marc Guillou in Abidjan.

One of the most important lessons that Zokora learned at the academy was to remain humble. “You can only become big if you know how to stay small,” stated the sign on the front of the academy wall that Zokora would read every morning during his seven years there.

His humility does not stop the tenacious and energetic ball-winner from playing a captain’s role, however. “It’s in my nature to talk and to play like a leader,” he explained. “That’s how I got my nickname. It’s flattering but it’s not always easy to carry off.”

On graduating from Guillou’s academy, Zokora and one of his six brothers, Armando, were due to sign their first professional contracts with ASEC Abidjan. But when the pair made an ill-fated decision to celebrate the news on the coast in Bassam, Armando tragically lost his life. “Armando didn’t know how to swim. This big wave came and took him. May his soul rest in peace,” Zokora said.

Devastated by the event, Zokora threw himself into football and was soon making giant strides. In 2000, at the same time as his second youngest brother, Arnaud, became the third Zokora accepted at the academy, Didier sealed a move to Europe with Belgian side Genk.

“Maestro is a kid who has got it all,” says Strasbourg’s Arthur Boka, who played in Belgium at the same time as Zokora with Beveren. “He was more advanced both technically and physically than the others.”

Zokora played 126 League games in four years in Belgium, representing Genk in the Champions’ League

When Auxerre, Lille and Saint-Etienne came knocking, the gifted midfield enforcer chose Les Verts. “I’ve discovered a mythical club and (Saint-Etienne’s stadium) ‘Le Chaudron’. Now people can watch me in the Ivory Coast because the French games are televised. I don’t regret it,” he said.

Zokora plays in a withdrawn defensive role and is strong tactical player in the middle of the park. He uses his strength to win tackles and his instinctive positioning to break up attacks.

He will be a key player for the Elephants at the World Cup Finals and will surely partner Yaya Toure in the middle of the park if he is fit to play.