Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast football legend Didier Drogba has embarked on a new venture in the world of electric powerboat racing as a team owner in the E1 Series, the first all-electric international powerboat competition. Alongside global icons like Tom Brady, LeBron James, Virat Kohli, Rafael Nadal, and actor Will Smith, Drogba is part of an elite group of investors driving this innovative sport. The E1 Series, which debuted last year, is set to make its first African stop in Lagos, Nigeria, on 4-5 October. Drogba emphasized the importance of showcasing African culture and history through this event, describing Lagos as a vibrant and fitting host city. Gabrielle Lemaire, Drogba’s partner and co-investor, highlighted the opportunity to advocate for sustainability and inspire young people, particularly women, to engage in sports and environmental awareness. The E1 Series aims to promote gender equality, with each team comprising one male and one female pilot. The competition has already visited prestigious locations such as Venice, Monaco, and Lake Como, with Miami scheduled to conclude the season. Drogba’s team includes British powerboat champion Oban Duncan and Olympic sailing bronze medalist Micah Wilkinson. Despite his illustrious football career, Drogba has chosen not to pursue coaching, instead applying the leadership skills he learned from former managers and teammates to his new role in E1. The rivalry among the star-studded team owners extends beyond the water, with Drogba humorously noting the competitive banter in their WhatsApp group. The E1 Series aspires to rival motorsport giants like Formula 1 and Formula E, with organizers targeting a valuation of £500 million ($675 million) within five years. Drogba also expressed his desire to bring the race to his home country, Ivory Coast, with Abidjan as a potential venue, citing its suitability and the success of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations.