Chelsea Football Club, one of the most successful clubs in English football, has seen numerous talented players grace its ranks throughout its illustrious history. From past legends to recent heroes and rising stars, The Blues has produced a plethora of remarkable footballers who have made an indelible mark on the club’s legacy. In this article, we will rank the top 10 best Chelsea players of all time, considering their contributions to team success, individual achievements, and longevity at the club.
Ranking top 10 greatest Chelsea players of all time
When it comes to the storied history of Chelsea Football Club, there have been numerous exceptional players who have donned the famous blue shirt. From iconic goalkeepers to legendary strikers, the club’s rich legacy is adorned with talents that have left an indelible mark on the game. Here, we take a look at the 10 best players for Chelsea, ranked:
10. Jimmy Greaves
- Full name: James Peter Greaves
- Nickname: None widely known
- Date of birth: February 20, 1940
- Place of birth: Manor Park, England
- Position(s): Forward
- Club(s): Chelsea, Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United
- Achievements: 1 FA Cup
Although his time at Chelsea was relatively short, Jimmy Greaves left an indelible mark as one of the greatest goal scorers in the club’s history. Greaves possessed an innate ability to find the net with astonishing consistency, scoring a remarkable 124 goals in just 157 appearances. His clinical finishing and predatory instincts remain unmatched.
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9. Ashley Cole
- Full name: Ashley Cole
- Nickname: Cashley
- Date of birth: December 20, 1980
- Place of birth: Stepney, England
- Position(s): Left-back
- Club(s): Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy
- Achievements:
- 1 Premier League title
- 4 FA Cups
- 1 League Cup
- 1 UEFA Champions League
- 1 UEFA Europa League
Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in football history, Ashley Cole’s defensive prowess and attacking contributions made him an invaluable asset to Chelsea. Known for his pace, intelligent positioning, and superb tackling ability, Cole was an integral part of Chelsea’s formidable backline during their most successful years.
8. Eden Hazard
- Full name: Eden Michael Hazard
- Nickname: The Belgian Magician
- Date of birth: January 7, 1991
- Place of birth: La Louvière, Belgium
- Position(s): Midfielder, Forward
- Club(s): Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid
- Achievements:
- 2 Premier League titles
- 1 FA Cup
- 1 League Cup
- 1 UEFA Europa League
The Belgian magician, Eden Hazard, brought flair, creativity, and unpredictability to Stamford Bridge. With his electrifying dribbles, precise passing, and ability to score breathtaking goals, Hazard was a constant threat to opposing defenses. During his time at Chelsea, he played a pivotal role in securing several major trophies.
7. Ron Harris
- Full name: Ronald Edward Harris
- Nickname: Chopper
- Date of birth: November 13, 1944
- Place of birth: Hackney, England
- Position(s): Defender
- Club(s): Chelsea
- Achievements: 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
A no-nonsense defender, Ron “Chopper” Harris embodied the fighting spirit of Chelsea. Known for his tough tackles and uncompromising style, Harris etched his name in the annals of Chelsea’s history as the club’s all-time appearance leader. His longevity, coupled with his unwavering commitment, make him an integral part of the club’s fabric.
6. Peter Bonetti
- Full name: Peter Philip Bonetti
- Nickname: The Cat
- Date of birth: September 27, 1941
- Place of birth: Putney, England
- Position(s): Goalkeeper
- Club(s): Chelsea, St. Louis Stars
Revered as one of the finest goalkeepers in Chelsea’s history, Peter Bonetti’s acrobatic saves and lightning reflexes made him a fan favorite. Nicknamed “The Cat,” Bonetti showcased his shot-stopping abilities in over 700 appearances for the club. His unwavering loyalty and dedication to Chelsea established him as a true legend.
5. Gianfranco Zola
- Full name: Gianfranco Zola
- Nickname: Magic Box, The Artist
- Date of birth: July 5, 1966
- Place of birth: Oliena, Italy
- Position(s): Forward, Attacking Midfielder
- Club(s): Nuorese, Torres, Napoli, Parma, Chelsea, Cagliari, Italy
- Achievements:
- 2 FA Cups
- 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
- 1 UEFA Super Cup
Although Gianfranco Zola had a relatively shorter stint at Chelsea compared to other players on this list, his impact on the club’s playing style and fanbase was immense. Zola’s skillful and creative style of play made him a fan favorite. During his time at Chelsea, he won two FA Cups, one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. Zola’s technical ability and flair make him an iconic figure in Chelsea’s history.
4. Petr Cech
- Full name: Petr Čech
- Nickname: Big Pete
- Date of birth: May 20, 1982
- Place of birth: Plzeň, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic)
- Position(s): Goalkeeper
- Club(s): Chmel Blšany, Sparta Prague, Rennes, Chelsea, Arsenal
- Achievements:
- 4 Premier League titles
- 5 FA Cup
- 3 Football League Cup
Goalkeeper Petr Cech is widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in Chelsea’s history. Signed in 2004, Cech played a crucial role in the club’s success under Jose Mourinho. With his exceptional reflexes, commanding presence, and ability to make crucial saves, Cech helped Chelsea win four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2012. His contributions to the team’s defensive solidity cannot be overstated.
3. Didier Drogba
- Full name: Didier Yves Drogba Tébily
- Nickname: The Drog, King Didier
- Date of birth: March 11, 1978
- Place of birth: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
- Position(s): Striker
- Club(s): Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Chelsea, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact
- Achievements:
- 4 Premier League titles
- 4 FA Cups
- 3 League Cups
- 1 UEFA Champions League
No list of Chelsea’s greatest players would be complete without mentioning the formidable Didier Drogba. His physicality, technical ability, and sheer determination made him a nightmare for defenders. Drogba’s knack for scoring in big games, including his memorable goal in the UEFA Champions League final, solidified his place among the club’s greatest ever strikers.
2. John Terry
- Full name: John George Terry
- Nickname: JT, Captain, Mr. Chelsea
- Date of birth: December 7, 1980
- Place of birth: London, England
- Position(s): Defender
- Club(s): Chelsea, Aston Villa
- Achievements:
- 5 Premier League titles
- 5 FA Cups
- 3 League Cups
- 1 UEFA Champions League
- 1 UEFA Europa League
A true icon in the heart of Chelsea’s defense, John Terry exemplified what it means to be a leader. Known for his bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment, Terry captained the club to numerous domestic and international triumphs. His defensive prowess, combined with his ability to score vital goals, ensured his place in Chelsea’s hall of fame.
1. Frank Lampard
- Full name: Frank James Lampard
- Nickname: Super Frank
- Date of birth: June 20, 1978
- Place of birth: Romford, England
- Position(s): Midfielder
- Club(s): West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City
- Achievements:
- 3 Premier League titles
- 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups
- 1 UEFA Champions League
- 1 UEFA Europa League
- Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer with 211 goals
The midfield maestro, Frank Lampard, stands tall as Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer. His ability to find the back of the net consistently, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, cemented his status as a club legend. Lampard’s intelligence on the field, coupled with his precise passing and unparalleled work rate, made him a force to be reckoned with.
Criteria for rankings
Determining the best Chelsea players of all time requires a careful evaluation of various factors. While individual opinions may differ, certain criteria can help establish a comprehensive list:
- Contribution to team success: The impact a player has had on Chelsea’s achievements, including winning trophies and pivotal performances in important matches.
- Individual achievements: Recognition and accolades received by the player, such as individual awards, top goal scorer titles, or selection in prestigious teams.
- Longevity at the club: The duration and consistency of a player’s tenure at Chelsea, reflecting their loyalty and commitment to the club.
Conclusion
That concludes our rankings of top 10 best Chelsea players of all time. Overall, The Blues boasts a magnificent lineage of players who have left an indelible impact on the sport. From Lampard’s goal-scoring prowess to Terry’s leadership, each player on this list has contributed significantly to the club’s success. Their contributions have shaped Chelsea’s identity and secured their place in football history.
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FAQs
Who is the all-time leading goal scorer for Chelsea?
The all-time leading goal scorer for Chelsea is Frank Lampard, who scored 211 goals during his time at the club.
Which Chelsea player has won the most Premier League titles?
John Terry holds the record for the most Premier League titles won by a Chelsea player, with five titles to his name.
Who is the most decorated Chelsea player?
John Terry is the most decorated Chelsea player, having won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League during his career at the club.
Has any Chelsea player won the Ballon d’Or?
No but several Chelsea players have been honored with the prestigious Ballon d’Or award throughout the history of the club. Frank Lampard finished as the runner-up in 2005, while Didier Drogba and Michael Owen, although not at Chelsea during their wins, have also claimed the prestigious award.
Are there any current Chelsea players on track to become legends?
Several current Chelsea players, such as Mason Mount and Reece James, have shown great potential and are on track to establish themselves as club legends in the future.