Chelsea is one of the top football teams in England, proving its strength over different eras and winning numerous major and minor titles. Known for its diverse and high-quality squad, Chelsea has built a formidable team and achieved success over many seasons. During its development, Chelsea has had many excellent players who have become legends in the hearts of fans. In the following article, the Wintips expert selected the 10 best players of Chelsea of all time, honoring the 10 best names. Let's explore the impressive players who left a special mark in the career of The Blues.
The best Chelsea players of all time
1. John Terry - One of the best players of Chelsea
John Terry spent 19 years at Chelsea, gradually becoming an iconic figure of the team and continuously contributing to the club's success. Throughout his career, he made 717 appearances in all competitions and scored 67 goals. Notably, John Terry was entrusted with the captain’s armband, and under his leadership, Chelsea won nearly every major club title.
John Terry, born in 1980 and having developed through Chelsea's youth academy, is not only an outstanding defender but also a living symbol of the team. He has a strong, fierce playing style and possesses excellent tackling ability. These qualities have placed him in the role of an ideal captain, serving as a role model for generations of young players and leaving a lasting mark on Chelsea's history.
With Terry as the mainstay, Chelsea has enjoyed tremendous success, including 5 Premier League titles, 1 Europa League, and 1 Champions League. His career was not only filled with success but also left a lasting mark on the club's history.
2. Frank Lampard - The greatest captain in Chelsea history
John Terry stands as one of the most enduring icons and greatest captains in Chelsea's history. Having spent 19 years with the team, he made 717 appearances and scored 67 goals in all competitions. As captain, Terry played a key role in securing many of the club’s most prestigious titles, including 5 Premier League championships, 1 Europa League, and 1 Champions League. His stability and leadership have underscored not only his influence but also his major contribution to Chelsea's long-term success.
Frank Lampard is a legendary player who played an irreplaceable role in Chelsea's success. Scoring 211 goals in 648 matches, he became a prolific goalscorer for the team and ranks fourth in the club's all-time appearance list.
Lampard was a prolific goal scorer and also secured numerous major titles, including four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Champions League, and a Europa League. His all-round playing ability and immense influence cement his status as one of Chelsea's greatest legends.
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3. Didier Drogba - Chelsea's "talisman"
Didier Drogba, with his exceptional scoring ability and crucial contributions in big matches, etched his name in the hearts of Chelsea fans. He had two stints with the club, first from 2004 to 2012 and then again from 2014 to 2015.
With 164 goals in 381 matches, Drogba cemented his legacy at Chelsea, helping them secure four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League. Drogba shares a deep and enduring bond with Chelsea, making him one of the club's most illustrious players.
Throughout his Chelsea career, Drogba scored over 160 goals and always shone in crucial matches, creating unforgettable moments for fans.
Didier Drogba's career in the Premier League was an outstanding journey, marked by crucial goals. He helped Chelsea win three Premier League titles between 2004 and 2010 and played a decisive role in the 2012 Champions League campaign. When he returned for the 2014-2015 season, Drogba continued to contribute to Chelsea's dominance in the Premier League, proving his strength and great influence on Chelsea's history.
4. Legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech
When discussing the goalkeeper position at Chelsea, no one can ignore legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech. He was the Blues' number one goalkeeper for many years, making his mark with 494 appearances and becoming an indispensable pillar during Chelsea’s most successful era.
Petr Cech is not only an excellent goalkeeper but also contributed significantly to establishing Chelsea as a leading force in England. He won some of football's most prestigious titles, including the Champions League and Europa League. In addition, Cech won the FA Cup four times and claimed four Premier League Golden Glove awards. With these monumental achievements, Petr Cech rightfully earns his place among the greatest players in Chelsea's history.
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5. Best player Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola, one of the best foreign players in Premier League history, made an indelible impact on Chelsea’s history and is regarded as one of the club’s most influential attackers. With a career spanning seven years, from 1996 to 2003, Zola showcased his immense influence on the team.
Gianfranco Zola was the first Chelsea player to win the "Best Player of the Year" award, as voted by the English Football Writers' Association (FWA), in 1997. At Chelsea, he played more than 300 matches and made important contributions to winning two FA Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, a League Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Gianfranco Zola was not only an excellent player but was also considered one of the most successful signings in Chelsea’s history.
6. Ron Harris - One of the best Chelsea players
Known by the nickname "Chopper," Ron Harris rose to prominence when he played for Chelsea and became the most decorated player in the club's history. Harris started his career in the youth team and built an impressive career in the first team, playing continuously for the club for 19 years.
Ron Harris is not only famous for his fierce tackling style but also his versatility as a defender or defensive midfielder. He took on the role of Chelsea's captain in their quest for the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup title in 1971, marking the club's greatest success at the continental level. Although many other excellent players, such as Ricardo Carvalho, have graced Chelsea's defense, none can rival the legendary Ron Harris, who is always remembered as "The Woodcutter."
7. Eden Hazard - One of the best Chelsea players of all time
Eden Hazard was not only an exceptional player but also a beloved icon at Chelsea, where he spent seven years of his illustrious career. The Belgian star played a crucial role in Chelsea’s attack, characterized by his blistering pace and refined technique, alongside his sharp dribbling and goal-scoring prowess. Those exceptional qualities highlighted Hazard, transforming him into one of Chelsea’s most formidable attackers.
Having played more than 350 matches for Chelsea, Hazard scored 110 goals and played an important role in winning two Premier League titles and two Europa League titles. In 2019, he decided to leave Chelsea to join Real Madrid, which became the most expensive transfer deal in the club's history.
However, with his outstanding contributions and unforgettable memories at Stamford Bridge, Eden Hazard left a lasting impact on Chelsea fans and became an integral part of the club's history.
8. World-leading midfielder Michael Essien
Michael Essien was a formidable presence when talking about dominant players in the Premier League, especially at Chelsea. He appeared on the field more than 250 times and scored many goals, striking fear into his opponents.
During his time with Chelsea, Michael Essien played a crucial role in winning two Premier League titles and four FA Cups. The defining moment of his career was Chelsea’s historic 2012 Champions League triumph.
He was widely recognized as one of the world's top midfielders during his prime. Essien not only did a great job of disrupting the opponent's formation but was also capable of scoring stunning long-range goals, creating unforgettable moments for Chelsea fans.
9. Defensive midfielder Claude Makelele
Claude Makelele was one of the best defensive midfielders and left a lasting impact at Chelsea. With his exceptional defensive skills, he became a reliable anchor, providing stability and allowing the midfield to effectively execute its defensive duties, offering reassurance to his attacking teammates as they pushed forward.
During his five years at Stamford Bridge, Claude Makelele maintained his position with unwavering dominance. He shared the joy with the team by winning two Premier League titles and the FA Cup. Notably, Makelele was honored as Chelsea's 'Player of the Year' in 2006.
With his unique playing style and significant contributions, Makelele is considered a pioneer in the defensive midfielder role, leaving an indelible mark in history and becoming one of Chelsea FC's best players.
10. Ashley Cole - Among the Chelsea's best players all time
Ashley Cole began to gain fame, playing for neighboring team Arsenal, but he became a Chelsea legend thanks to his outstanding contributions after joining the Blues in 2006.
With more than 330 appearances in all competitions over eight years at Stamford Bridge, this famous left-back won many important titles, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Europa League.
Ashley Cole also won Chelsea's "Best Player of the Year" award twice, a clear testament to his excellence and consistency. As a left-back, it is no surprise that Cole was unmatched—a true symbol of the club.
Conclusion
Above is a list of Chelsea's best players so far. Hopefully, it will give you more insight into this legendary club. With continued development and the recruitment of new talent, this is just the first step in building the next generation of legends for the club. Fans will certainly hope to see many other outstanding players emerge and make a lasting impact on Chelsea’s legacy in the years to come. Let's continue to support and follow Chelsea!
