Fans favour dynamic Drogba

"At the World Cup, we won't only be representing the people of Côte d'Ivoire, but also millions of African people!" Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com just a few months ago, Didier Drogba underlined the immense pride and keen responsibility with which he is approaching the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ this summer.

The world class Ivorian striker, who stars at club level for London giants Chelsea, can hardly wait to hit the goal trail in his home continent this June. You, the fans from all over the world, are equally excited at the prospect of watching Drogba in full flow. In our latest FIFA.com poll, when we asked which striker you were most looking forward to seeing at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup finals, the 31-year-old carried off the honours with 29.06 per cent of the votes cast.

Torres and Eto'o fired up
A close second place behind the 2006 African Player of the Year went to Spain and Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres, who garnered 27.19 per cent of the votes. The 25-year-old netted the only goal of the UEFA EURO 2008 final in Vienna 18 months ago as the Spanish beat Germany to claim their second senior continental crown. The red-hot striker will now be looking for a similar outcome at Soccer City in Johannesburg on 11 July this year, the date and place for the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final on African soil.

Another man as good as certain to make waves in the summer is Samuel Eto’o. The Cameroon goal-getter, who switched to Italian champions Inter Milan for this season, rates alongside Drogba as the best African in his trade. There can be no questioning the 28-year-old’s utter determination to write history at the finals. Eto’o, who took third spot in our poll on 17.57 per cent, fired a remarkable nine goals in eleven FIFA World Cup qualifiers with the Indomitable Lions, and will do his utmost to increase that tally when Cameroon stake their claim to glory in June.

Inspirational Luis Fabiano
Fourth place went to a player who has already found out what it takes to earn fame and honours in South Africa. Sevilla superstar Luis Fabiano struck no fewer than five times as Brazil roared to the trophy at last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup. The player marched off with the adidas Golden Shoe for his outstanding effort. Many people feel the 29-year-old, who polled 14.17 per cent in our survey, could be the man to fire the Seleçao to a sixth world crown. "I want to be the best," the Brazilian ace declared when he spoke exclusively to FIFA.com some six months ago.

Finally, Wayne Rooney will doubtless approach the showdown in South Africa with his customary self-belief and resolve. The Manchester United forward, who is only 24 but has already amassed 60 caps for England, scored 12.12 per cent in our survey. Rooney’s goals and consistently effective support play are among the reasons why the 1966 world champions, transformed of late under coach Fabio Capello, look genuine contenders for the first time in a very long while.

Have Your Say
All five of these popular players intend to stamp their authority on the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals next summer. However, the world’s favourite game boasts a huge array of talented goal-getters alongside our select five. Who are you personally most looking forward to seeing at the global showdown? Tell us what you think! Click 'Add your comment' and let everyone know your opinion, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

Source: FIFA.com