Chelsea striker Didier Drogba admits he was surprised by this year's recognition from TIME magazine.
TIME named Drogba among the 100 most influential people on the planet.
Drogba said: "It's difficult to speak about myself, especially on that subject. I do everything in my power to serve my country and the African continent on the whole. I try to represent them as best I can and that's important. But, of course, to be on the Time list made me immensely proud and was an exceptional experience."
Asked if it was surreal, Drogba told fifa.com: "I don't know, even the messages we sent pleading for an end to the civil war were very important. I think people don't realise the impact football has on the world - it's enormous. To be a well-known player and have the possibility of being listened to when you speak is very important."