Chelsea FC came into being as a football club in 1905 under chairman Henry Augustus “Gus” Mears and his brother Joseph Mears. The brothers had initially tried to bring Fulham FC to the Stamford Bridge ground that they had purchased but decided to start their own club after the Cottagers rebuffed their offer. What a brilliant decision that was.
110 years after the Mears brothers decided to start the club, name it Chelsea Football Club, and make blue the official color, it has become a global powerhouse in world football. The Blues have been champions of England five times and have lifted European trophies before and after the Russian takeover.
None of these accomplishments, or the club for that matter, would have been possible without a host of great players that have worn the Chelsea shirt and kept the blue flag flying high. We here at The Pride of London, after much deliberation and passionate discourse, have chosen the fifty best players that called Stamford Bridge home.
RELATED: Chelsea FC’s Top 30 Transfers Of All Time
It is nearly impossible to come to a consensus on where each of these giants of the game rank but we have tried our very best to do so. After taking this journey through greatness, let us know in the comments below how you feel about our list.
Next: #50
50. William “Fatty” Foulke: 1905-06
Aside from his legendary stature, reported to stand at 6’4″ and weigh over 300lbs, William “Fatty” Foulke is best known by Chelsea fans as the first ever keeper to ever play for the club. Although he was built more like an NFL lineman, Foulke was a two-sport athlete in both cricket and football.
He began his career with Sheffield United 1894 until he was convinced to join Chelsea in 1905 and was even named club captain. Foulke was a major crowd pleaser and his antics of storming off the field and throwing around opposing defenders were just as impressive as his size and skill.
The legendary keeper is also credited in one way or another for two of football’s staples. The famous chant of “Who ate all the pies?” was reportedly directed towards him by his own fans at United and through some strange coincidence his involvement in the game lead to the creation of ball boys. Chelsea wanted to call more attention to his size, as if they really had to, by placing two boys behind his goal to retrieve the ball if it had gone out of play.
Foulke also made a single appearance for the England national team in 1897 but, similar to Andre the Giant, the literal magnitude of the man took centre-stage. He was not the best keeper to have ever played for Chelsea but he was the first and definitely the biggest. He does still hold the record for consecutive clean sheets by a keeper with nine, a record that has stood for 110 years.
Next: #49
49. Ken Shellito: 1959-65
Ken Shellito was a fullback for Chelsea FC in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. He came up through the Chelsea academy and became a first team regular under manager Tommy Docherty. Shellito was a primarily attacking fullback known for his rampaging runs opposite fellow fullback and Chelsea great Eddie McCreadie.
The London native was part of the Chelsea side that lifted the 1965 League Cup but was not included the squad for the final because of injury. What could have been a great career with the Blues was cut short because of a serious knee issue but in seven seasons he made 285 appearances. A once promising international career that would have lead to his inclusion in the 1966 World Cup squad was also cut down by that same injury.
Shellito is also one of several former players who went on to become manager of Chelsea as he took on the post from 1977-78. He did not lift any trophies with the club but he is remembered as one of the greats in a side full of legends that fill up much of this list. The 75-year-old is now working for the Asian Football Confederation in Malaysia and is considered as the third best right-back in Blues’ history.
Next: #48
48. Paul Canoville: 1981-86
The story of Paul Canoville is one of overcoming tremendous odds and showing incredible bravery in the face of abuse. Canoville joined Chelsea FC from Hillingdon Borough in 1981 and became part of the side that would win the Second Division in 1984, but he is best known for being the first Black player at the club. The 1980’s were a turbulent time for the Blues and for Canoville it was no different.
As a boy he spent time in a juvenile detention center but began to play semi-pro football while living in an abandoned car in 1979. In two years time he went from homeless to playing for Chelsea and making nearly 200 pounds a week. This was not the end of his troubles however as he began to experience racist abuse from his own supporters.
Even after he had won over many of the fans, the racist abuse continued during his tenure at the club. Canoville found life at Chelsea difficult at times because of the hatred, some of which he received from his own teammates, but he still became one of the club’s better players during his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Since retiring, Canoville has battled drug addiction and cancer but much like the odds of him becoming a professional footballer, he beat both of those as well. His story is commemorated in a memoir and a documentary and he will always be remembered as a trailblazer at the club.
Next: #47
47. David Webb: 1968-74
David Webb is a remarkable footballer, not just for his defensive acumen as a fullback, but for his incredible versatility. Football was certainly a different game in the 1970’s and positional changes were more commonplace but not many could play all over the pitch like David Webb.
The Stratford native played primarily as a fullback but also played as a central defender, a center forward, and even a goalkeeper for Chelsea during his career. As a striker, Webb notched a hat-trick in the league in 1968 and also kept a clean sheet as a keeper three years later in 1971. Imagine Thibaut Courtois playing striker or Branislav Ivanovic wearing the number one shirt in the modern game!
Webb is also a cult hero at Stamford Bridge for his performance in the famous 1970 FA Cup Final against Leeds United. Deployed as a center back, Webb rose up and headed home Ian Hutchinson’s long throw in extra time to capture the first FA Cup in club history. He also helped the Blues win their first European trophy in 1971 as they defeated Real Madrid in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
In a common theme in this list, Webb went on to manage Chelsea but only on an interim basis in 1993. He helped the club stay in the Premier League after an awful start to the domestic season but was not offered an extension.
Next: #46
46. John Hollins: 1963-75, 1983-84
John Hollins is a player of incredible durability and longevity who played professional football at a high level for nearly 25 years. He started his career as a youth player in the Chelsea FC academy and graduated to the first team in 1963. A key player in the exciting Chelsea sides of that era, Hollins went on to make 592 appearances and held the consecutive appearances record until it was broken some twenty years later by Frank Lampard.
For his hard-running and positive attitude, Hollins was handed the club’s captaincy and helped the Blues win the FA Cup in 1970. He was not much of a goalscorer overall but did manage to score 17 goals in 1972. Hollins was destined to be a one-club man but relegation in 1975 forced the Blues to sell off some of their best players and he made a move to QPR and later to Arsenal.
Hollins returned to Chelsea in 1983 to help the Blues earn promotion back to the First Division but called it quits shortly after at the age of 39. By the time he had retired Hollins had played in 939 matches in his 25 year career, a fantastic accomplishment for any player.
Not long after retiring, Hollins was appointed as Chelsea FC manager in a reign that lasted three years. He lead a title challenge in 1985-86 and lifted the now-defunct Full Members Cup but was sacked after the club was relegated in 1988. It was a poor way to end Hollins’s career with Chelsea but he has since found moderate success managing clubs like Swansea City and Stockport County.
Next: #45
![By Невідомо [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1fcfb0544df4ca2f0c8fd56392f991cc71eb632260191b48d287c602ef8c566e.jpg "By Невідомо [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons")
45. George Hilsdon: 1906-12
About 100 years before Frank Lampard and Joe Cole moved from West Ham United to Chelsea FC, George Hilsdon made that move in 1906. Hilsdon was an out-and-out center forward and did great things for the club during his six years at Stamford Bridge, including helping them earn promotion to the First Division in 1907.
The man known as “Gatling Gun” was a prolific scorer and became the first Chelsea player to score 100 goals, having scored 108 in 164 appearances. He faced great difficulties as a result of his battle with alcoholism but was still able to bang in goals and sits 9th on the club’s all-time scoring lists. During his Chelsea career, Hilsdon was the first Blue to play for England and scored 14 goals in eight appearances for the Three Lions.
After the 1912 season, Hilsdon returned to West Ham until the outbreak of World War I where he was forced to serve in the armed forces. He suffered a mustard gas attack while on the front line and that effectively ended his footballing career. Hilsdon died in relative anonymity but is now a cult figure of sorts around the club as a weather vane modelled after him is at Stamford Bridge.
Legend has it that removing the vane would bring great misfortune to the club and that is precisely what happened during the renovations of 1970’s. Let us hope that the future renovations to the ground keep that in mind!
Next: #44
44. Eddie McCreadie: 1962-73
Opposite Ken Shellito in the marauding Chelsea FC sides of the 60’s was fullback Eddie McCreadie. The Scottish international joined the club from East Stirlingshire in 1962 and he went on to play in 410 matches for the club.
McCreadie was an attacking fullback in an era where that concept was still a novelty in English football. He and Shellito were famed for their overlapping runs in the final third, causing havoc to opposing defenses. The fullback only managed to score four goals in his Chelsea career but was a strong presence in one of the strongest sides in club history.
After retiring, McCreadie took on the role of Chelsea manager from 1975-77 and helped usher in the next generation of stars including Ray Wilkins. He was never sacked from the club but instead resigned after the Blues rejected his request for a company car. Perhaps that’s why so many managers get the sack at Chelsea, the club just wants to save on the cost of a company car.
The Chelsea great went on to manage the Memphis Rogues of the fledgling North American Soccer League and even managed an indoor football team called the Cleveland Force.
Next: #43
43. Roy Bentley: 1948-56
Roy Bentley is one of many veterans of the armed forces who played for Chelsea FC, having served in World War II for the Royal Navy. After the end of the war, Bentley played for Bristol City and later for Newcastle United from 1946-48.
Bentley struggled to adapt at first to Chelsea’s style of play but in a short time became one of the club’s best ever center forwards. He played as a deep-lying forward (an unusual slot at the time) who would force center backs out of position. The England international was gifted from range and was a force in the air so he piled up goals for the Blues.
The Bristol native ended his Chelsea career in 1956 with 150 goals in 367 appearances and is tied for fifth on the club’s all-time goalscoring charts with Peter Osgood. Bentley was one of many incredible strikers to wear Chelsea blue and was the predecessor to fellow greats such as Bobby Tambling and Osgood.
The Chelsea striker also made 12 appearances for England and is the last surviving member of the Three Lions squad that traveled to the 1950 World Cup. An interesting tidbit is that he was in the side that lost to the United States in one of the biggest upsets in the history of world football.
Next: #42
42. John Dempsey: 1969-78
John Dempsey was the steel in the exciting Chelsea FC sides of the late-1960’s that featured stars like Bobby Tambling and Peter Osgood. The Republic of Ireland international joined the Blues from neighboring club Fulham in 1969 and helped them win a pair of major trophies in the FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
In his nine years with the club, Dempsey made 207 appearances and scored seven goals, also lifting the two aforementioned trophies. He played through the difficult period of the 1970’s and made his name as one of the better defenders in club history.
With Chelsea languishing in the second division in 1978, Dempsey made the unorthodox move to the United States to play in the North American Soccer League. He spent two years alongside Peter Osgood playing for the Philadelphia Fury and won the award for the league’s best defender in 1979. He is still fondly remembered at Stamford Bridge and is often involved in tribute ceremonies for the teams of the 70’s.
Next: #41
41. Terry Venables: 1960-66
If Chelsea FC held a contest for “most interesting man” to ever play for the club, Terry Venables would be at the top of the rankings for the honor. Starting his career in the Chelsea academy, the London native graduated to the first team 1960 and spent six years with the club, making 237 appearances.
Venables lifted the League Cup in 1965 but was shipped out to Tottenham Hotspur after a series of conflicts with manager Tommy Dougherty for £80,000. The decision would come back to bite Chelsea as the midfielder helped lead Spurs to a victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup Final in 1967.
It was after his playing career was over that Venables became such an interesting character. He began his managerial life with Crystal Palace after making 14 appearances for the Eagles as a player in 1976 and stayed at Selhurst Park for four seasons.
He then went on to manage Queens Park Rangers for four years, Barcelona for three, Tottenham for six, and Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, and Leeds United for a year each. In the mid-1990’s he also managed England and Australia for two years and one year respectively.
His honors as a manager are lengthy including helping Crystal Palace go from the third division to the first, winning La Liga with Barcelona, and an FA Cup with Tottenham in 1991. Venables was clearly just as adept at managing a football team as he was captaining one from midfield.
Next: #40
40. Mark Hughes: 1995-98
Mark “Sparky” Hughes is one of several players to have played for both Manchester United and Chelsea. Though he is best known for his exploits at Old Trafford, Hughes achieved some great things in blue.
Signed by the club on the same day as Ruud Gullit, Hughes was part of the revitalization of the club in the 1990s. He was not the continental star that Gullit or Gianfranco Zola were, but the Welshman was an established international in the Wales side and had an already impressive trophy cabinet from his time at United.
At Chelsea, Hughes was the man for the big occasion when it came to cup competitions. Not quite as prolific as Didier Drogba, he still helped lead the Blues to the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup by scoring 13 goals in 27 cup appearances. His scoring record overall was also impressive as he scored 39 goals in 123 total appearances.
The former striker has gone on to a career in management with Wales and clubs like Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers. He is currently managing Stoke City and has started a revolution of sorts at the club where they have become a much more attractive in their style of football.
Next: #39
39. Charlie Cooke: 1966-72, 1974-78
Charlie Cooke was a well-traveled winger who started his career with Aberdeen and Dundee before joining Chelsea for a club-record £72,000 in 1966. Cooke replaced another player on this list in Terry Venables and went on to become an equally important player in the club, making 373 appearances and scoring 30 goals.
He was yet another member of the successful Chelsea sides of the early 1970’s and played a vital role in helping the Blues win the 1970 FA Cup Final against Leeds United. With the Blues down 1-0 in the replay, Cooke provided the assist on the equalizer to Peter Osgood in a match they would win 2-1.
The winger was eventually sold to Crystal Palace in 1972 during Chelsea’s lean years though he did return to the club in 1974 when it was struggling in the Second Division. Cooke then helped the Blues earn promotion back to the top flight in 1977.
The midfielder followed his former teammate Eddie McCreadie to the United States where he played and managed for several clubs in both indoor and outdoor soccer leagues. Also like McCreadie, Cooke has settled in America and lives there to this day.
Next: #38
38. Tore Andre Flo: 1997-2000
A great campaign with Norwegian outfit Brann peaked the interest of many continental clubs. Chelsea, however, beat everyone to Tore Andre Flo’s signature in the summer of 1997. With his contract closing in on expiration, the Blues captured the forward for a reasonably cheap £300,000 fee.
His 163 competitive appearances brought him, and the club, 50 goals as he complimented legends such as Gianfranco Zola and Dennis Wise. His four seasons with the Blues coincided with a heady period in the club’s history.
The Nordic striker helped Chelsea win multiple trophies including one FA Cup and one League Cup. He was also part of the squad that brought home that famous European Cup Winners’ Cup. His importance to the side is evidenced by the fact that he featured in all three of these finals. His quality, meanwhile, is proven by the mega £12 million fee that Rangers were willing to cough up in order to secure his services. Flo departed in late 2000, acknowledging that his playing opportunities were diminishing.
While he has played for a multitude of clubs throughout his career, Flo holds the Blues closest to his heart. He has since returned to Stamford Bridge as a youth coach and club ambassador. You will struggle to find anyone complaining about his continued association with Chelsea FC.
Next: #37
37. Carlo Cudicini: 1999-2008
Carlo Cudicini is one of the most underrated players in the history of Chelsea FC. His name is often forgotten when the argument of who the best keeper to ever play for the club takes place but one can make a strong case for the Italian.
Cudicini started his career in Italy with AC Milan and went on to feature for three other Italian clubs before coming to Chelsea on loan in 1999. He only made three appearances for the Blues before they made the deal permanent for a fee of £300,000, which ended up being quite the bargain.
The Italian keeper became a Chelsea regular for the next four years and ended up making 216 appearances in all competitions. Of those 216 appearances, Cudicini kept a clean sheet in 101, enough to put him third all-time for the club behind Petr Cech and Peter Bonetti. His excellent performances in a Chelsea shirt helped him win the club’s Player of the Year award in 2002.
Cudicini stayed at Chelsea until 2009 but was not a first-choice keeper after his place was taken by new arrival Cech in 2004. He was part of the squads that won several honors over the next four seasons but was on the bench for most of the Blues’ triumphs. Perhaps because of his lack of trophies as the number one, Cudicini is never quite given the respect he deserves from Chelsea fans but he is still a beloved figure at the club.
Next: #36
36. Juan Mata: 2011-14
A regular response to the question – does a 2.5 year career for a club & a voluntary transfer request to a top league rival, especially due to incompatibility with a much revered manager, beget near-legendary status? – would be a-laugh-in-your-face moment. But that the answer is a rare affirmative, as is in the case of Juan Mata, speaks volumes of the love (rightfully deserved) that Chelsea fans have for this diminutive Spanish midfielder.
A reasonably high transfer fee of £23.5m contradicted the quiet manner of his arrival from Valencia in 2011, as a 23-year old, amidst rumours of a transfer to Arsenal (no surprise, since all that Arsenal can d0 is have players ‘linked’ to their club). Mata then took no time in proving the adage ‘big-things-come-in-small-packages’ true, quickly showing that he rightfully deserved the No.10 shirt.
Speed, precision-level passing and a fairly uncanny knack of scoring important goals are a part of Mata’s repertoire and during his Chelsea years, he often crafted goals for us out of thin air. He is a rare combo of sporting skills, affability and erudition (multiple education degrees), but one which made him such a darling of the Chelsea crowd. He also brought us three trophies in 2.5 years, two of which were European titles.
After Mourinho’s return, Mata found himself on the sidelines more often than not and was forced to ask for a transfer to Manchester United. A £37m transfer fee later (a whopping 50% profit for Chelsea), Mata was on his way to Old Trafford in the winter transfer window of 2014. Mata was the first for Chelsea, in recent times, to be sold to a direct top rival, setting precedent for Petr Cech’s transfer to Arsenal, a year later.
In the hearts of Blues fans, his was a Chelsea career that was far too short.
Next: #35
35. Cesar Azpilicueta: 2012-Present
How many players on this list have made it while playing nearly their entire career out of position? After joining in 2012 for around £7 million from Marseille, Cesar Azpilicueta played much of his first season on the right flank. However he has been deployed as a left-back since Jose Mourinho returned to the club in 2013 and has not looked back. He even displaced club great Ashley Cole from the position and did so well that he made the PFA Team of the Year in the spot.
In the long list of great fullbacks that have worn the Chelsea shirt, the man known as “Dave” is climbing the rankings. He has already lifted the Europa League and Premier League with the club and is well on his way to becoming a fixture in West London for the rest of his career.
At just 26-years-old, Azpilicueta is one of the younger members of this list, and although he is in a bit of rough patch currently, he should have no problem making his way up the list. Many supporters have called for him to return to his natural position, the one he played so well in 2012 and currently with the Spanish national team, but his ability to play well on both flanks and his quiet acceptance of his role speaks volumes about his quality.
Next: #34
34. Joe Cole: 2003-10
Joe Cole was the tricky winger brought in to replace the legendary Gianfranco Zola and he did his best to live up to that incredible standard. While Zola was one of the greatest players to pull on the shirt, Cole ended up being quite good himself.
Making 280 appearances, scoring 39 goals, and notching 33 assists in seven seasons, Cole was a key member of the Chelsea sides that won three Premier League titles in the 2000s. He, along with Arjen Robben, provided trickery and pace to complement the steel of players like Michael Essien and Claude Makelele.
Cole’s true potential was never reached because of chronic injury problems but he was a joy to watch when fit and on form. His Chelsea career ended prematurely because of those injuries but he will always be fondly remembered at Stamford Bridge.
Next: #33
33. Pat Nevin: 1983-88
Pat Nevin is best known these days for causing a bit of controversy regarding Cesc Fabregas and contributing to the Chelsea FC official site but he is an all-time great for the club as well. Nevin joined Chelsea from Scottish outfit Clyde FC in 1983 for £95,000 and stayed at the club until 1988.
In those five years, the man known as “Wee Pat” for his small stature made 242 appearances and scored 45 goals. The pint-sized winger had tremendous pace and skill and was a pivotal player for the club. He helped the Blues win promotion to the top-flight in 1984 and was named the club’s Player of the Year for that season.
He continued to be a pivotal player and helped Chelsea become title contenders in 1986 although they fell short of the goal. His performances were still at a high level as he won the Player of the Year award for the second time.
When the Blues were relegated after the 1988 season, Nevin was sold for an incredible fee worth £925,000 to Everton, especially considering his initial price, where he played for four years. He continued playing professional football until 2000 and was an established Scotland international throughout his career.
Next: #32
32. Ray Wilkins: 1973-79
Ray Wilkins is yet another player on this list who has featured for both Chelsea FC and Manchester United. Wilkins began his career with Chelsea after being promoted to the first team in 1973. Two seasons later, the 18-year-old Wilkins was given the captaincy by manager Eddie McCreadie and helped the Blues earn promotion after the 1977 season.
Two seasons later, in a story we have seen oft repeated in this list, Chelsea were relegated once again and short on cash. Wilkins was sold to Manchester United. Before that move, Wilkins made 198 appearances and scored 34 goals, not bad for a player seen by many as “negative”.
Wilkins was a terrific footballer who should have spent the majority of his career with the Blues but financial circumstances dictated otherwise. He became a regular for the England national team during his playing career and made 84 appearances for the Three Lions. Wilkins is currently a well-travelled assistant manager who spent several seasons in that role at Stamford Bridge.
Next: #31
31. Branislav Ivanovic: 2009-Present
Branislav Ivanovic may not be a favorite at Stamford Bridge these days because of his poor play, but the bulky right-back has been a giant for Chelsea FC. Joining the club in 2009 for £9 million as a relatively unknown player, he made no impact in his first season and made no first team appearances.
The following season he was linked with moves to Italy and even entered negotiations with Fiorentina in January but the club decided against selling him. Just a few months later under manager Guus Hiddink, Ivanovic finally came to life for the Blues. Against Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals, Ivanovic scored two powerful headers to give Chelsea a commanding 3-1 first-leg lead.
It was under Carlo Ancelotti that Ivanovic finally became a first team regular and established himself as one of the best right-backs in England. He was named to the 2009-10 PFA Team of the Year at the right-back position and went on to do so again in 2014-15.
Ivanovic became known for scoring timely goals almost as much as he was for his defending. He often saved those goals for big occasions or as winners in the league. He scored the winning goal in the 2013 Europa League Final against Benfica in stoppage time and also scored the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup semifinals in 2015.
The Serbian defender never had the pace usually required to be a fullback and his crossing leaves much to be desired, but he has used his tremendous power and reading of the game to win battles against tricky wingers. His powers may be waning at this point but he is a true Chelsea great and loves the club as much as the supporters love him.
Next: #30
30. Steve Clarke: 1987-98
Before Branislav Ivanovic made a name for himself, Steve Clarke was the greatest right back to pull on a Chelsea FC shirt. Clarke joined the club from Scottish club St. Mirren in 1987 for £422,000 and stayed at Chelsea for 11 seasons.
In those 11 seasons, Clarke made 421 appearances in his right-back position and scored 10 goals in the process. He was best known for his steady presence and was a nearly automatic selection for the starting XI from 1987-98.
The Scotland international also helped the Blues lift four trophies including the FA Cup and League Cup in back-to-back seasons. He was also named as the Chelsea Player of the Year in 1994 and seven years after he left the club he was named to the club’s centenary XI.
Since retiring as a player, Clarke has pursued a career in management and has spent time at Stamford Bridge as the youth team coach and assistant to Jose Mourinho from 2004-08. He managed West Bromwich Albion but was most recently with Reading before being sacked in December 2015. Clarke is still beloved at Stamford Bridge and wherever he is managing is often seen as a good destination for Chelsea to send a few of their many loanees.
Next: #29
29. Kerry Dixon: 1983-92
Kerry Dixon began his professional career with Oxford United but joined Chelsea FC in 1983 for a fee of £175,000. Before becoming a pro, Dixon spent time in the Tottenham academy but never made an appearance for Spurs. Dixon’s fee, while somewhat impressive at the time, was an absolute bargain for the production that Chelsea received in return.
In nine seasons with the Blues, Dixon scored an incredible 193 goals in all competitions. This was while Chelsea was yoyo-ing between the First and Second Division but it was an impressive feat nonetheless. So impressive, in fact, that he is still third on the club’s all-time leading scoring charts.
Dixon won no major honors with the Blues but his goal tally speaks for itself and guarantees him a place in the club’s history. Since leaving Chelsea he played for several other clubs and took on the role of player-manager and co-manager at several other clubs.
Next: #28
28. Damien Duff: 2003-06
Damien Duff is known mostly for his exploits with Fulham in the late 2000s and 2010s but he made his name at Chelsea FC years before that. He began his career with Blackburn Rovers before being snapped up by the Blues for £17 million in the summer of Abramovich.
His first season with the club was excellent as he made an immediate impact and helped the Blues finish second in the Premier League. Duff saw his place threatened by the arrival of Arjen Robben but the Dutchman’s injuries helped him regain his spot under Jose Mourinho.
The Ireland international was crucial to the Blues’ title-winning sides in 2005 and 2006. He was a deft winger who was always keen to run at defenders, weaving in and out of them with relative ease. Unfortunately, his career with the Blues ended somewhat prematurely.
The emergence of Joe Cole made him surplus to requirements and he moved on to Newcastle United in 2006. Duff scored 19 goals in 125 appearances and was a key figure in the glory days of Mourinho’s first reign. The affection that the Stamford Bridge crown still hold for him was reflected by the rapturous applause he would receive each time he returned.
Next: #27
27. Gus Poyet: 1997-01
Gus Poyet is not the most beloved figure around Stamford Bridge these days after an unfortunate badge-kissing incident with Tottenham but there was a time when he was incredibly popular at the club.
Poyet arrived from Real Zaragoza in 1997 on a free transfer and went on to become a vital player for Chelsea. Operating from midfield, Poyet scored a fantastic 49 goals in 145 appearances for the Blues. His biggest came in the 1998 UEFA Super Cup victory over Real Madrid but he did his damage in the league as well.
He was seen as surplus to requirements by Claudio Ranieri in 2001 but the four years he spent at the club coincided with a turning of the tide for the Blues as they became regular contenders for titles. Since retiring, he has gone on to a career in management and was the man who ended Jose Mourinho’s lengthy home winning streak in the Premier League in 2014.
Next: #26
26. Frank Leboeuf: 1996-01
Frank Leboeuf is one of those players, like Ruud Gullit and Gianfranco Zola, who helped raise the profile of the club during his time there. He joined the Blues from Strasbourg for £2.5 million in 1996 and made 204 appearances for the Blues, scoring 24 goals. Most of those goals, 17 in fact, came from the penalty spot which is of course unusual for a defender.
Known as a “cultured” center back that was adept on the ball, Leboeuf helped the Blues win a series of domestic and European honors during his tenure. Those trophies include two FA Cups, a League Cup, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup in 1998. During his time with Chelsea, Leboeuf was part of the France squad that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships, making him among the most decorated Chelsea players from an international perspective.
Leboeuf was one of the cuts to the Chelsea squad to bring down the overall age made by Claudio Ranieri and in 2001 he returned to France to play for Marseille. After two seasons in France and two years in Qatar, the Frenchman went on to pursue a career in acting and has made several appearances in film and television.
Next: #25
25. Dan Petrescu: 1995-2000
Dan Petrescu was another of the foreign players that were brought in towards the end of the decade as Chelsea looked to establish themselves. Stamford Bridge wasn’t his first English home, though, as he spent just over a season with Sheffield Wednesday before being poached.
He quickly became an integral part of the Chelsea set-up, featuring over 40 times in each of the last four of his five Chelsea campaigns. With a total of 208 competitive appearances. he was part of squads that were triumphant in the FA Cup, League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup.
The Romanian brought his attacking instincts to the fore as he repeatedly bombed down the right flank from his right-back position. A positive player, he was equally capable of carrying out the principle duties of his role if necessary and his quality was further recognised by election to the overseas Premier League Team Of The Decade in 2002.
Petrescu helped usher in a new era of success for the Blues and was greatly revered by the fans. Unfortunately, the tail end of his Blues career was tainted with a sour relationship between himself and then-manager Gianluca Vialli. Nevertheless, he will continue to be cheered each time he returns to Stamford Bridge.
Next: #24
24. Michael Essien: 2005-14
Michael Essien did not come cheap, and not without press coverage either. After wrangling between the player and the Lyon Club President, Chelsea eventually forked out around £25 million for his services. If people were wondering why the Blues were so keen on Essien in 2005, they knew by the time that 2014 arrived.
With 256 competitive appearances over eight seasons at Stamford Bridge, Essien dominated the midfield as he drove Chelsea to multiple successes. The Ghanaian would have turned out on more occasions, but injuries hampered him at various stages.
Nevertheless, he was still vital to the squad that picked up two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup and the Champions League. Personally, he won numerous accolades including the prestigious Chelsea Player Of The Year in 2007. Essien was forceful in the middle of the park and was perhaps the only person who even came close to filling Claude Makelele’s boots.
Furthermore, he was prone to scoring the odd incredible goal as well, making sure that fans were on the edge of their seats each time he lurked near the box.
While he isn’t Chelsea’s greatest ever player, he is certainly worthy of a spot on this list.
Next: #23
23. Gianluca Vialli: 1996-99
Gianluca Vialli’s stay at Stamford Bridge saw the club enjoy much success and that was no coincidence. The fiery Italian joined Chelsea in 1996 and had a playing career that lasted three years. While that may not be the longest on this list, Vialli was also tasked with managing the side as well.
The Italian’s scoring record was certainly nothing to scoff at, as he hit the back of the net 40 times in just 78 competitive appearances. He helped the team to their first FA Cup triumph after nearly thirty years when they defeated Middlesbrough in 1997 final
He then stepped into the managerial role in February 1998, relieving Ruud Gullit, and successfully juggled both his duties as he led Chelsea to League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup glory.
The forward was immensely skilled, a sentiment underlined by his scoring record as he delved into his 30’s, and although his Blues career wasn’t long and storied, it was certainly short and sweet.
Next: #22
22. Jimmy Greaves: 1957-61
Jimmy Greaves is not just one of Chelsea’s finest, but he is one of England’s finest. The prime of the striker’s career did not take place at Stamford Bridge, unfortunately, hence he finds himself in this somewhat high spot.
Greaves started his career with the Blues, developing a reputation as a lethal goalscorer over his four-season stint. He turned out on 169 occasions for the club, hitting the back of the net an impressive 132 times. It is safe to say that this was an indication of what was to come during the rest of his career.
To be fair to the Englishman, he had reason to leave the Blues as they plateaued in the middle of the First Division. But despite his premature departure, his name is still splattered all over the Chelsea record books. Greaves holds the club records for the most goals in a season (43) and the most hat-tricks all-time (13). His goal tally also leaves him seventh overall while he has scored five times in one game on three separate occasions.
Greaves was simply prolific and what’s more impressive is that his Chelsea career spanned the tender ages of 17-21. His skill was off-the-charts as would be proven in the even more successful seasons that would follow his Blues exit.
Next: #21
21. Bobby Tambling: 1959-70
Before Frank Lampard became Chelsea FC’s all-time leading goalscorer in 2013, Bobby Tambling sat alone at the top for more than 40 years. Tambling played professional football for 20 years but played the first 11 at Chelsea after graduating from the club’s youth academy in 1959.
During those 11 years and after an initial adjustment period where he made five appearances in two years, Tambling became an unstoppable goalscoring machine. It was not just his profligacy in front of goal that made him impressive but his longevity as well.
From 1961 to 1969, Tambling scored no less than 19 goals a season, including a season in 1962 where he scored 37 times. His record of 202 goals in just 370 games is incredible even by the freescoring standards of modern football. Compare that to Frank Lampard who took 648 appearances to score his 211 to truly put it into perspective.
Playing alongside the likes of Peter Osgood and Eddie McCreadie, Tambling shined bright as one of the stars of Stamford Bridge. He just missed out on one of the club’s great moments of the 1970 FA Cup Final but lifted the League Cup in 1965 for the Blues. Tambling is still second on the goal-scoring charts and with no active player within reach of even the top 10 he should be there comfortably for quite a while.
Next: #20
20. Arjen Robben: 2004-07
Before he became a star at Bayern Munich, Arjen Robben made his name at Chelsea FC under Jose Mourinho. While he does not seem like a traditional Mourinho player because of his lack of defensive work, Robben was precisely the sort of pacey winger that a manager craves.
Equally adept at playing on either wing, Robben joined Chelsea for £12.1 million from PSV Eindhoven but injuries in preseason prevented him from making an instant impact. That was essentially the story of Robben’s career at Chelsea but he was still able to make a difference when healthy.
In 2005 and 2006 he was an integral part of the Blues’ title-winning sides and managed to make 40 and 37 appearances in all competitions in his final two seasons with the club. In his time at Stamford Bridge, Robben won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.
Real Madrid came sniffing around for the winger in 2007 and made an offer that the Blues could not refuse as they bid £24 million for his services. Things did not quite work out at Madrid but he has since become a global superstar at Bayern Munich. One can only think of what Robben could have accomplished had he spent the majority of his career in West London but given the trophies he has won at both clubs it is highly unlikely that the Dutchman has any regrets about the move.
Next: #19
19. Eden Hazard: 2012-Present
Not since Frank Lampard in the mid-2000s have Chelsea FC had a player that could be included in the conversation of best player in the world. Things have taken a turn in the current season but it was not so long ago that Eden Hazard’s individual brilliance helped lead the Blues to a Premier League title.
RELATED: Eden Hazard: Top 10 Goals for Chelsea FC
Hazard is not the most prolific goalscorer but his mastery extends further than just his ability in front of the net. He is a supremely gifted footballer with world-class technique and ability who draws the attention of all 11 opposing players every time he touches the ball.
In his short time with the club he has accomplished a great deal, including winning the PFA Player of the Year last season and finding himself on the Ballon d’Or list of nominees in 2015. Despite being linked with moves to PSG and Real Madrid, Hazard has consistently reiterated his love for Chelsea FC and he has the potential to become the best player on this list.
At just 24 years of age, Hazard could conceivably play another eight years at a high level for Chelsea and make his way to the top. He is enduring a rough patch of form in his career at this moment but his talent and work ethic should see him through and on to greater things.
Next: #18
18. Eidur Gudjohnsen: 2000-06
Although he has played for some 13 different teams, Eidur Gudjohnsen’s longest spell at a sole club (by far) was with Chelsea. The Icelander arrived in the summer of 2000, moving south after impressing at Bolton Wanderers.
His six seasons at Stamford Bridge saw him be an ever-present in the side. He featured more than 35 times in each campaign and at least 40 times in four of them. While he was a striker by trade, his frequent employment in a supporting and more midfield role goes some way to explaining his underwhelming tally of 78 goals. Playing alongside the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Didier Drogba, Gudjohnsen acted as a perfect foil.
His contributions were rewarded with back-to-back Premier League titles in addition to a League Cup as he was able to bask in the glory of Jose Mourinho’s first spell in charge. He was a fan-favourite throughout his time with Chelsea due to his unwithering loyalty and commitment to the cause.
The fact that Barcelona came calling was testament to his value to a team and he would go on to enjoy further success in Spain (including the 2008/09 treble-winning season).
It is safe to say that he will always be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge with open arms.
Next: #17
17. Michael Ballack: 2006-10
Michael Ballack was always considered as one of the better midfielders in football. Hence, it was some coup when Chelsea managed to bring him to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer. While his four-season stay at Stamford Bridge did hit the odd speed bump, his contributions to the club have been widely acknowledged in the aftermath.
His reputation was already forged by the time the 29-year-old had arrived in West London. Success with Kaiserslautern and then Bayern Munich meant that the German brought a wealth of experience to the Blues squad. Perhaps it was this that led to accusations of complacency throughout his first campaign, but he made 46 appearances nonetheless.
An injury saw his second season affected, but 91 appearances in his last two terms saw him drive the team to multiple trophies. Featuring 166 times for the Blues overall, the midfielder added one Premier League title, one League Cup and three FA Cups to his well-endowed trophy cabinet. His 25 goals may have been underwhelming, but they were usually crucial.
However, he has often been jibed for the numerous occasions on which he has finished second and runner-up positions in the 2008 Champions League and League Cup were achieved during his Stamford Bridge spell.
Nevertheless, his quality was apparent each time he pulled on a Chelsea shirt, even if he appeared to be gliding around the field on cruise control.
Next: #16
16. Ricardo Carvalho: 2004-10
Ricardo Carvalho arrived at Stamford Bridge alongside Jose Mourinho, who signed him as he came over with Porto. His £20 million price tag (huge for a defender) meant that he had high expectations to fulfil. By virtue of his inclusion on this list, he most certainly met them.
His six seasons in West London saw him sit at the heart of an incredibly successful Chelsea team. Many point to the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard as the pillars upon which this modern Blues side was built, but Carvalho was a significant support as well.
Four out of his six campaigns saw him make at least 35 competitive appearances as he bulked up an already impressive trophy cabinet. His material rewards at Stamford Bridge came in the form of three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups while his total 210 appearances makes him one of Chelsea’s greatest servants.
He was renowned for his ability to deal with pressure situations, adding grace to what is usually a rather primitive position in centre-back. The fact that he still features consistently for AS Monaco, despite being 37-years-old, underlines how his style has helped him prolong his career at the highest level.
A class act overall and perhaps one that has been somewhat overlooked throughout the years.
Next: #15
15. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: 2000-04
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink joined the Blues in the summer of 2000 for a mega £15 million fee. He had forged a reputation as a prolific striker after 34 league goals in 69 appearances for Leeds United were followed by 24 in 34 for Atletico Madrid. Hasselbaink had returned to English shores after just one season away.
To say that he didn’t justify his transfer fee would be an injustice. The Dutchman hit the back of the net 88 times for Chelsea in 177 competitive games. With a Stamford Bridge career that only spanned four seasons, Hasselbaink featured over 40 times in each campaign as he lead the Blues front line time and again.
The striker brought passion and fire to each one of his displays, using his strength in combination with his undisputed skill to help Chelsea to victory. The greatest travesty of his career is that he never won a trophy with the Blues; his four years coincided with a barren period in Chelsea’s history. He can, though, take credit for being a part of that 2002/03 squad that finished fourth in the Premier League, convincing Roman Abramovich to buy the club.
However, that doesn’t matter to those who saw him play for they know that he is definitely one of Chelsea’s finest.
Next: #14
14. Peter Bonetti: 1960-75, 1976-79
If it wasn’t for a certain Petr Cech, Peter Bonetti would be undisputedly the greatest goalkeeper to ever pull on a Chelsea shirt. He spent 18 years at Stamford Bridge, with a one-year sejour with the St Louis Stars of the now-defunct NASL breaking it up into two stints.
Over his Blues career, he would feature 729 times, leaving him second in the all-time list while his total of 208 clean sheets leaves behind Cech in that respect as well. He was simply part of the furniture at the club, saving himself into Chelsea’s record books.
His efforts didn’t go unrewarded either. He won the League Cup and the FA Cup, while also bringing home the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971. The two decades in which his career took place were fairly tumultuous for the Blues, but Bonetti was instrumental in helping them bounceback on both occasions that they were relegated.
He efforts with Chelsea also saw Bonetti be involved in that victorious 1966 England World Cup squad. Unfortunately, Gordon Banks was around in the same era and thus the then Leicester City man was first-choice. Nevertheless, Bonetti’s contributions to the Blues will never be forgotten.
Next: #13
13. Ruud Gullit: 1995-1998
Ruud Gullit was a bona fide superstar before he came to Chelsea. His arrival heralded a new era for the Blues, one which would eventually lead to Roman Abramovich’s purchase.
Having won several league titles, trophies and European Cups with the likes of Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan, Gullit brought his talents to Stamford Bridge for free as his career reached its twilight. This is in no way stating that he was past it, though, as he would prove.
He made 64 competitive appearances over his three seasons, helping the club begin a new era with their first FA Cup triumph in nearly 30 years. More impressively, his efforts during his last two campaigns came as Chelsea’s player-manager.
His undisputed quality saw him drive his teammates to get up to speed and thus his contributions established the Blues as a genuine footballing power. His stay may not have been as long as some of the other Chelsea FC greats, but there is no denying that his impact during his short stint was felt for years to come.
Next: #12
12. Roberto Di Matteo: 1996-2002
Roberto di Matteo was a legend at Stamford Bridge even before he delivered us (and Roman Abramovich) the coveted Champions League title in 2012, as the manager.
The 1990s constituted Chelsea’s resurgence era and Di Matteo played a crucial hand in the club’s journey to better times, which, incidentally, later led to Chelsea becoming Abramovich’s prized asset. Arriving from Lazio in 1996, for a then record £4.9 million fee, Di Matteo quickly (pun intended, since he scored the then fastest FA Cup goal, after just 42 seconds vs Middlesbrough) established himself as a fan-favourite, scoring milestone goals for the club.
Chelsea began to finish consistently in the top half of the league and in 1998, he led the team to the League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup, our first European title in 27 years. He would win six trophies.
Injuries cut short what would otherwise have been an even more chequered career for Chelsea and probably even Italy, the national team for which he plied his trade and with whom he had a rather modest tenure.
Later, in 2012, post the debacle of the Andre Vilas Boas experiment, Di Matteo, the manager, fashioned what turned out to be a historic run for the club, leading them to the FA Cup and Champions League. Along the way, the victory over Napoli, the sweet revenge of defeating Barcelona in the semifinals & the momentous final win against Bayern Munich are truly unforgettable moments for every Chelsea fan.
Di Matteo will always occupy a pedestal in the annals of the club’s history, both as a player and a manager.
Next: #11
11. Ashley Cole: 2006-14
Ashley Cole may be worthy of a place on this list solely because he fobbed off Arsenal to join the blue side of London. He arrived in 2006 in a deal that saw William Gallas head in the other direction. Safe to say that Chelsea were the beneficiaries from the transaction.
Cole laid a claim to being the best left-back in world football during his stay at Stamford Bridge as he patrolled the flank diligently while providing an attacking option whenever needed. Somewhat unfortunately, his stint coincided with a lean patch on the Premier League front for the Blues, as he won just the one title.
Having said that, four FA Cups, one League Cup, a Europa League and the Champions League more than compensated for that.
Cole was an indispensable part of the squad for each but his last season in West London. He amassed just under 340 competitive appearances, turning out at least 40 times in all bar two campaigns.
After leaving Stamford Bridge, he has played for AS Roma but his future is now up in the air. One thing for certain, though, is that he will go down as one of the greatest defenders to ever pull on a Chelsea shirt.
Next: #10
10. Claude Makelele: 2003-08
The arrival of Claude Makelele in the summer of 2003 was a significant coup for a Chelsea team that had just been purchased by Roman Abramovich. The fact that many Real Madrid fans still regret his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu is testament to the quality he carried.
The Frenchman played a midfield role so unique yet so vital that it was named after him. Several supposedly world-class footballers have tried to fill the position throughout the game but none have been a patch on Makelele.
Sitting in a deep position, he would protect the back four like a mother with her baby, redefining what it meant to be a defensive midfielder. While it previously was a role that was best left for a player who didn’t quite suit any of the other positions, Makelele’s career turned it into a slot for a highly-prized specialist.
He made 217 competitive appearances for the Blues, turning out at least 35 times in each of his five campaigns. While a dismal goal tally of two would usually point to a negative-minded player, in Makelele’s case it more underlined his immense discipline and commitment to his job.
He was justly rewarded, too, with one FA Cup, two League Cups and two Premier League titles as the modern Chelsea was built on top of him.
The fact that Real Madrid did not win a trophy for four years after his acrimonious departure is testament to the magnitude of the role he performed. Furthermore, the fact that Chelsea are yet to replace the Frenchman only emphasises this. He may truly never be unseated from the defensive midfield throne.
Next: #9
9. Dennis Wise: 1990-2001
Coming over to Chelsea as a 24-year-old, Dennis Wise was just about to hit the best stretch of his career. He certainly did go on to spend all of his prime at Stamford Bridge as his stay in West London would last an impressive 11 years.
While the Englishman was often surrounded by international superstars such as Gianfranco Zola, Ruud Gullit and the rest of that star-studded late 1990’s squad, Wise was the glue that held the club together. While Frank Lampard and John Terry are considered stalwarts of the modern Chelsea, Wise was one of the pillars holding the Blues up throughout that decade.
The midfielder turned out a whopping 445 times for the Blues, leaving him in 7th place in the all-time appearance list just behind Petr Cech. Despite standing at only 5ft 6in, Wise’s heart and passion more than compensated for his lack of physical presence.
He won two FA Cups, a League Cup and a Cup Winners’ Cup during his tenure, but perhaps his most significant achievement was being handed the captaincy as his Blues career came to a close. While he was lining up alongside some of the most experienced stars from around the world, Wise was the one respected enough to lead the team.
A great servant to Chelsea FC and simply one of the best.
Next: #8
8. Ron “Chopper” Harris: 1961-80
If there ever is a ‘Mr Chelsea’ competition, this man would win it (sorry John Terry). Ron “Chopper” Harris had a 19-season career with the Blues as he was the ultimate Chelsea player.
With 795 total competitive appearances, Harris stands atop Chelsea’s all-time appearance list along with any derivative appearance list that goes with it. The club may have modern marketing campaigns that talk about bleeding blue, but Harris genuinely did.
A defender, he brought a presence to every game, no matter how old or young he was. While no-nonsense defenders typified his era, he was arguably beyond it. As tough as they come, Harris was an absolute rock for the Blues in the backline.
His tenure at Stamford Bridge saw the club win the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup. He was also relegated to the Second Division on three separate occasions.
With the length of his stint and his evident leadership qualities, it was no wonder that Harris captained the side, a role that he fulfilled for over a decade.
John Terry is probably the only other player who can be compared to Ron Harris and that is probably the biggest compliment that you could pay both men.
Next: #7
7. Petr Cech: 2004-15
Petr Cech’s legacy has taken a major hit because of his recent move to Arsenal but it is impossible to argue that he is the greatest keeper to ever play for the club. A look at the Chelsea record books sees Cech’s name featuring all over the place, including the most clean sheets with 220 overall, the most clean sheets in the Premier League with 162, and the most clean sheets in a season with 28.
Cech displaced fellow Chelsea great Carlo Cudicini in 2004 and never looked back. His arrival coincided with the greatest period in club history and his list of trophies and accomplishments is downright incredible.
Much like Didier Drogba, Cech saved one of his best performances in a Chelsea shirt for the biggest stage in the 2012 Champions League Final. The Blues goal was under siege the entire match but Cech kept Bayern Munich at bay for 80+ minutes before finally conceding. The heroics did not end there as he saved Arjen Robben’s penalty in extra time and successively kept out penalties from Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the shoot-out, paving the way for Drogba’s defining title-winning kick.
Big Pete, as he is known, was one of the key components of the Chelsea spine that featured John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, helping the Blues win so many titles during his time at Stamford Bridge. It is testament to his services that he has seamlessly moved to Arsenal and to this day still remains a much loved figure at Stamford Bridge.
Next: #6
6. Peter Osgood: 1964-74, 1978-79
To Chelsea FC fans who started following the club in the 2000s, Didier Drogba is the King. The original, and rightful by most accounts, holder of the title of King of Stamford Bridge belongs to the one and only Peter Leslie Osgood.
Peter Osgood graduated from the Chelsea academy to the first team in 1964 and the hype surrounding the youngster was already immense. Much was expected of the skinny striker and he did all that he could to live up to those lofty standards.
In 380 appearances for the Blues, Osgood scored 150 goals in all competitions, including 105 in the league. More importantly, it was the timing of the goals and the matches in which they came. Drogba was the man for the big occasion for the current generation but in the 1960’s and 70’s it was Peter Osgood.
“The Wizard of Os” as many call him, scored in every round of the 1969/70 FA Cup, scored the equalizer in the replay of the 1970 FA Cup Final, and scored in both legs against the mighty Real Madrid in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. Osgood continued to score at a fine clip for the Blues but after a series of conflicts with manager Dave Sexton he was transfer-listed and sold to Southampton.
After playing for Norwich City on loan and spending a season in the NASL with the Philadelphia Fury, Osgood returned to Chelsea FC much like his successor to the crown Drogba. Unlike Drogba however, he was unable to save Chelsea or help them win another trophy as the club was relegated at the end of the 1979 season.
Osgood was a beloved figure at Stamford Bridge and is still one of the club’s most popular icons, even nearly a decade since his passing in 2006. He was given the honor of having his ashes being buried under the penalty spot near the Shed End and a statue outside Stamford Bridge was built in 2010. Chants of “Born Is The King Of Stamford Bridge” still ring around the ground and a banner still hangs in his honor.
Next: #5
5. Marcel Desailly: 1998-2004
To say that Chelsea were blessed to have the privilege of Marcel Desailly’s services is an understatement. The classy French defender arrived at Stamford Bridge as a 30-year-old veteran in the summer of 1998. He would, however, show that his age was no barrier to his quality.
The centre-back was an institution in the Blues team, making 222 competitive appearances during his six-season stay. He was consistently involved in the line-ups and turned out in at least 33 games in five of the campaigns; his last season saw him feature 25 times.
Perhaps attracted to the club due to their Cup Winners’ Cup triumph the season previous, Desailly brought with him a packed trophy cabinet that included two Champions Leagues, the EUROs and a World Cup. He managed to add to it, albeit minimally, while in West London with triumphs such as the FA Cup in 2000.
Charged with the captaincy as well, there will be few disputing that his leadership played a key part in forming a squad that caught the eye of Roman Abramovich. He was one of the men who truly exemplified Chelsea’s ability to attract the best international talent.
Two seasons in Qatar followed his departure from Stamford Bridge and now he can deservedly take his position in fifth place on this list.
Next: #4
4. Didier Drogba: 2004-12, 2014-15
Didier Drogba was the 3rd musketeer, after Lampard and Terry, for Chelsea over the last decade. One of Jose Mourinho’s first signings, arriving from Marseille for £24m as a 26-year-old, he was the spearhead (pun intended) of the team in nearly all its recent successes.
In a fairytale of sorts, he departed the club on a high after its first ever Champions League triumph, scoring two of the most important goals in our club’s history – one in regulation time and one in the penalty shootout in the famous European final against Bayern Munich.
RELATED: Didier Drogba’s Top 10 Chelsea FC Goals
In a bigger fairytale of sorts, he returned to the club in 2014, with Jose Mourinho at the helm, again, to win his and the club’s 4th Premier League title. Now, in what appears to be a much bigger fairytale, he is on the verge of a yet another return to the club, albeit in a different role.
Two of the most standout images of Drogba’s Chelsea career are his emotional goodbye to the club in Munich and his impassioned protestations against the referee after that infamous match vs Barcelona in 2009, one that gets every single Chelsea fan’s blood to boil like molten lava.
In a stellar nine-year Chelsea career, Drogba has won 14 trophies and scored 164 goals for the club in all competitions, making him the 4th highest goalscorer for the club. His incredible record of 10 goals in 10 finals leading to 10 trophies has led to him often being referred to as “the ultimate big game player”.
As if he needed to further endear himself, he would, time & again, stick it to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, scoring an astonishing 13 goals in 14 matches against our much hated crosstown rivals turning into their biggest nemesis in recent times.
Despite playing across the world in China, Turkey and America post-Chelsea, each time, like a homing pigeon, King Didier inevitably seems to be finding his way back to Stamford Bridge. We fervently hope his second homecoming will be a permanent and fruitful one for all of us, especially for the King himself.
Next: #3
3. John Terry: 1998-Present
Many of us don’t realise that John Terry, like Frank Lampard, also came through the West Ham youth system. But unlike Lampard, he moved to Chelsea early (at the age of 14 in 1995) before proceeding through the academy and club ranks to become “JT, Captain, Leader, Legend”, as we know him today.
The English first captained a Chelsea side in 2001 and then permanently took over in 2004, both times replacing another club legend, Marcel Desailly. He retained the captaincy despite a change of guard at the club level, with a new owner and a new coach taking their places.
Since then, he has ably led the team through its most successful phase in history, winning 16 trophies to date. He is thus Chelsea’s most successful captain ever while taking on the role for the national team as well.
Terry has had a commendable return (for a defender) of 62 goals for the club in all competitions and 2014/15 was one of his most successful seasons in terms of goals scored (8). The defender has been a vital cog in Chelsea’s spine over the last decade, put in place by our Special One and so instrumental in all our recent successes.
Despite controversies that have tailed him, no one can doubt his credentials as the soul of the club. He is the last player to have successfully graduated from the Chelsea academy to a full time playing role, achieving legendary status on the way.
Seeing him go all out on the field, every single time, rallies the Stamford Bridge faithful like nothing else and hell hath no fury like a Blues fan scorned, when one of their favourite sons gets treated like dirt (as was seen when Terry was sidelined during Rafa Benitez’s reign as interim manager).
Seeing the Englishman bid goodbye to his playing career, especially with Chelsea, will be one of the saddest (yet proudest) days for a Blues fan.
Next: #2
2. Gianfranco Zola: 1996-2003
Words cannot describe how talented this player was. Gianfranco Zola arrived at Stamford Bridge in 1996 by way of Parma. His under-appreciation in Italy meant that the little maestro was eager to move, with Chelsea parting ways with a paltry £4.5 million for his services.
Zola made 312 competitive appearances for the Blues, featuring at least 40 times in all but his initial campaign. He would score 80 goals, but it was dribbling and consistently dazzling displays that brings him to this position on the list.
RELATED: Gianfranco Zola: Top 10 Chelsea FC Goals
The winger was simply a delight to watch, as anyone who had the privilege to witness him will attest to. Weaving in and out of players, many have claimed that his modern day incarnation is Lionel Messi himself. More have stated that he is the best player to have ever played in the Premier League.
His efforts over the seven seasons were materially represented by two FA Cups, a League Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup. However, he has been inundated with various individual awards and comparisons that still do little justice to the skill that he possessed. He was even awarded an OBE as Britain as an entity recognised his contributions to the nation’s livelihood.
You could go on and on praising the wizard, but why not watch what he did best? Check out his top 10 goals for Chelsea, but not before you find out who number one is…
Next: #1
1. Frank Lampard: 2001-2014
They say that you never forget your first (what/whoever it may be). That there are exceptions to it, is best exemplified by Frank Lampard or Super Frank, as he is known to us Blues.
Frank’s first was West Ham United and considering that his father had played for them as well, it seemed a match made in heaven, until a cash-strapped Chelsea severed that umbilical connection in 2001 and paid a then-risky £11m to bring this 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge. And thus began a true love-affair with Chelsea (strengthened by an equally strong loathing for the Hammers), one that lasted 13 long years and brought home 13 trophies, with at least one of almost every kind that was on offer. Did someone say 13 was an unlucky number?!
RELATED: Frank Lampard’s Best Moments At Chelsea FC
Right from his debut, Frank entrenched himself in the Chelsea XI (& in our hearts), along the way creating a rare record for an outfield player of 164 consecutive Premier League appearances. He redefined the job description of a midfield player with his prolific scoring that made him the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and the only Premier League midfielder to score over 150 goals.
Thanks to his glorious career, his name is now practically synonymous with the term box-to-box midfielder, with his exploits nearly winning him the Ballon D’Or (losing only to Ronaldinho). The icing on his career cake was captaining the team to glory in the finals of both the Champions League and the Europa League (though that was karmically unfair to Terry).
Ever the consummate team-player, an on and off the field role model and a genuinely nice bloke, Frank, to us, was the ultimate professional footballer and one who finds himself near the top of most Chelsea greatest lists. Despite not being able to end his career with the Blues, he left the club 13 years later with a rich trophy haul, a treasure trove of amazing memories and contributions worth umpteen times more than that £11m that we paid for him in 2001.
He has subsequently moved to the MLS and New York City FC, with a pit-stop at Manchester City that saw him become only the 2nd player to achieve 600+ PL appearances. But despite the shenanigans (for no fault of his own) surrounding his Man City tenure, he remains to this day a much loved icon for us real Blues, a priceless jewel in our crown. Diamonds, indeed, are forever.