Where Are They Now? How Didier Drogba’s Heroics Inspired Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League Glory

SME News UK. Chelsea return to the Allianz Arena tonight to face Bayern Munich in their opening fixture of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League — the very ground where, 13 years ago, the club achieved its greatest triumph.On May 19, 2012, Roberto Di Matteo’s patched-up underdogs stunned the German giants on their own turf to lift the Champions League for the first time in history. It was a night defined by Didier Drogba’s towering late header, Petr Čech’s penalty heroics, and an unyielding team spirit that defied all odds.While Manchester United’s dramatic comeback in 1999 and Liverpool’s miracle in Istanbul in 2005 are often hailed as the competition’s most iconic finals, Chelsea fans will forever argue their case that Munich belongs in the same breath.Here’s what became of those who started that unforgettable night for the Blues.Petr Čech – GoalkeeperThe legendary Czech remained at Chelsea until 2015, winning almost every domestic honour as well as the Europa League in 2013. He later joined Arsenal before retiring in 2019. Post-retirement, Čech returned to Stamford Bridge as technical director, while also indulging his passions for ice hockey and music.José Bosingwa – Right-backThe Portuguese full-back departed shortly after the final, joining QPR before ending his career at Trabzonspor. A Euro 2008 participant with Portugal, Bosingwa has largely stayed away from the limelight since retiring.David Luiz – Centre-backA penalty scorer in the Munich shootout, Luiz left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2014 but returned to Chelsea two years later, helping secure more silverware. He later moved to Arsenal and then back to Brazil with Flamengo and Fortaleza, before a surprise move to Cyprus with Pafos. Off the pitch, he co-owns a London restaurant with Willian.Gary Cahill – Centre-backCahill spent seven more years at Stamford Bridge, collecting two league titles and captaining the club. After spells at Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, he retired and has since returned as a Chelsea ambassador.Ashley Cole – Left-backOne of the finest defenders of his generation, Cole left in 2014 for spells with Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby County. He moved into coaching with Derby, Chelsea, Everton, Birmingham City and England, while earning a remarkable 107 caps for his country.John Obi Mikel – MidfieldMikel remained until 2018, later playing in China, Turkey, England and Kuwait. Internationally, he won Olympic bronze with Nigeria in 2016. Now retired, he hosts his own podcast, The Obi One.Frank Lampard – MidfieldChelsea’s all-time top scorer left in 2014, before spells with Manchester City and New York City FC. Moving into management, he has led Derby, Chelsea, Everton and is currently manager of Coventry City.Salomon Kalou – Right MidfieldKalou joined Lille that summer before a long spell with Hertha Berlin. He later played in Brazil and Djibouti before retiring. Today, he runs the Kalou Foundation and even launched a chocolate business in Ivory Coast.Juan Mata – MidfieldThe Spaniard left in 2014 for Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. More recently, he played in Turkey, Japan and Australia, and is now part of the ownership group of MLS side San Diego FC.Ryan Bertrand – Left MidfieldFamously making his Champions League debut in the final, Bertrand struggled for minutes and moved to Southampton in 2014, later finishing his career at Leicester. He has since ventured into fintech and player representation, with his agency representing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.Didier Drogba – StrikerThe hero of Munich left Chelsea weeks later, returning for a final spell in 2014 to win another Premier League title. After stints in China, Turkey, MLS and the USL, Drogba retired as an Ivory Coast icon with 65 goals in 105 caps. Beyond football, he is celebrated for his humanitarian work through the Didier Drogba Foundation and as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.Legacy of a Night to RememberThat unforgettable night in Munich was a story of resilience, redemption and destiny. Chelsea’s “patched-up” side, missing their suspended captain John Terry, stood firm against all odds to etch their names in history.Thirteen years on, as the Blues prepare to walk out once again at the Allianz Arena, memories of Drogba’s bullet header and Čech’s penalty saves will come flooding back for supporters — a reminder of the night Chelsea conquered Europe against all logic.