Abidjan transformed into the heart of African football this Saturday, May 16, 2026, hosting a gala match organized by the Salomon Kalou Foundation. The event, centered around solidarity, brought together former African and international football stars, including the legendary Samuel Eto'o and Didier Drogba.
The Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium welcomed nearly 25,000 spectators who came to witness this exceptional encounter. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the event aimed to raise funds for the construction of a medical center specializing in the treatment of kidney diseases in Grand-Bassam. This project, estimated at over 4 billion FCFA, is a major initiative by the Kalou Foundation to improve care for patients suffering from kidney failure in Côte d'Ivoire.
Samuel Eto'o's team faced off against Didier Drogba's, offering Ivorian fans a memorable spectacle. Other African football stars, such as Alex Song and Stéphane Mbia, also participated in this gala match. The event was preceded by a press conference and a visit to the site where the hemodialysis center will be built.
Salomon Kalou emphasized the importance of this event to support kidney patients and promote the education of young girls. He expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this initiative. Tickets for the match were free, allowing a wide audience to attend and support the cause.
In addition to the gala match, a charity dinner was organized to raise additional funds. The event also included a visit to the national orphanage for girls in Grand-Bassam. This initiative by the Kalou Foundation illustrates the commitment of former African footballers to use their fame for social and humanitarian causes.
The construction of the medical center is expected to start soon, marking an important step in the fight against kidney disease in Côte d'Ivoire.
