Players from the African continent have made a significant impact in the annals of Chelsea’s history. These six players – representing Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana – lead the way for the Blues.
Three players from Africa – Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Mikel John Obi – played a major part in Chelsea’s famous victory in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich. Michael Essien scored a goal that is seared into Arsenal’s collective memory as well as Chelsea’s. Celestine Babayaro was the trailblazer from Nigeria, and Victor Moses is his worthy heir.
These players top the list of Chelsea’s all-time best, having created memorable moments amongst stand-out careers at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Essien
Chelsea appearances (goals): 256 (25)
Chelsea signed Michael Essien from French side Lyon for £24.4 million in the summer of 2005. At the time he was the most expensive player in African history. He came to the club during Jose Mourinho’s second season in charge at Stamford Bridge. Essien was a box-to-box midfielder, and quickly became a firm favourite with the Chelsea faithful.
The Ghana international was the first African player to be voted player of the year by the supporters, in May 2007. Like Drogba before, Jose Mourinho held Essien in high regard.
Injury blighted his Chelsea career to a degree. But it did not prevent him from collecting seven major trophies during his time in a blue shirt.
In the twilight of his Chelsea career in 2012, Essien once again teamed up with Mourinho at Real Madrid, for a season-long loan. In an interview following the announcement Essien said “I was in my hotel room yesterday, and I had a call from my daddy, and he said he’d love to have me here (Madrid)”. He went on “I call him that (Daddy) because I see him as like a father.”
Essien went on to play in Italy, Greece and is currently plying his trade with Indonesian club Persib Bandung.