The former Chelsea star came off the bench as a second-half substitute and scored just six minutes later, helping the Impact overcome the Chicago Fire in a 2-1 victory at Toyota Park.
Drogba's teammate, Argentine midfielder Ignacio Piatti completed the comeback with a stunning strike in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to help the Impact move into sole possession of first place in the MLS Eastern Conference, three points clear of the Philadelphia Union, which play the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night.
Having sat out five of Montreal's first six matches of the season in order to avoid having his aging knees play on artificial turf, Drogba made just his second appearance of the season and picked up where he left off in 2015, when he scored 11 goals in 11 regular season matches.
Drogba back-heeled a Dominic Oduro pass beyond the reach of Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson to help Montreal tie the score at 1-1, a finish that was the first goal allowed by the Fire in four matches.
Drogba nearly scored a second goal in the 83rd minute, but his low left-footed shot from 15 yards out was denied by a diving save by Lampson.
The Impact did well without Drogba through the first month of the season, posting a 3-2 record and holding a share of first place in the East, but Drogba's return has Montreal looking like the favorite to stay atop the conference, especially with preseason favorites New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew struggling.
Saturday's match is the first of six in a row the Impact will play on natural grass, which will allow the 38-year-old Drogba to settle back into the starting role for an Impact attack that has done well in his absence. Piatti has been one of the best players in MLS, while new addition Harry Shipp has also helped the attack.
Drogba's Impact return to action on April 23 at home against Toronto FC before traveling to Yankee Stadium on April 27 to face New York City FC in what could be a reunion with former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard, who has yet to play this season due to injury.
