DIDIER DROGBA'S girlfriend Gabrielle Lemaire was nearly struck in the face as she made her way down the Ballon d'Or red carpet.

Chelsea icon Drogba, 46, was in attendance to host Monday night's ceremony in Paris, where Manchester City star Rodri picked up the top prize.

6

6

6

He dressed up for the occasion, wearing a cream blazer and black bow-tie.

Drogba's partner Gabrielle wore a stunning white dress for the event.

But she suffered an awkward moment with journalist Sandy Heribert - who presented the Ballon d'Or awards alongside Drogba.

As Sandy ushered Drogba towards the cameras for a picture with the Ivory Coast legend, the reporter stretched out her flowing dress.

READ MORE ON BALLON D'OR

AWARD SHUN

Ballon d'Or in awkward moment as Real Madrid leave award UNCOLLECTED

DOUBLE

Win a Lamborghini and a VW Campervan or £175,000 cash from just 42p with our code

In doing so, it almost hit Gabrielle in the face but she quickly ducked out of the way.

The clip circulated on social media as fans reacted.

One said: "Yellow card offence."

Another, mistaking Gabrielle for his wife, added: "Is no one going to talk about what Sandy Heribert did to Drogba's wife?"

Most read in Football

SKY'S LIMIT

Neville's Forest ban 'triggered widespread alarm' as Prem and Sky hold talks

ARSENAL LATEST

Sesko 'contact', Gunners targeting 'next Mbappe', Martinez return EXCLUSIVE

UNITED LATEST

Saudi club to make £100m Fernandes bid, Garnacho 'EXIT', defender to leave

HANDY CARROLL

Andy Carroll and new love walk hand-in-hand in Ibiza amid 'marriage plans'

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

6

6

While a third replied: "Straight red 🤧."

Drogba and Sandy presented Monday's awards for the fourth time - having previously done so in 2019, 2021 and 2023.

Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony after learning Vinicius Junior was missing out on the men's award.

6