Top 5 Greatest Chelsea Players of all Time

Chelsea Football Club’s history is defined by legendary players, memorable performances, and passionate dedication. Through the years, this respected club has seen the greatest players grace its pitch and delight fans with their outstanding skills. Take a closer look at some of its supreme players ever as you explore their incredible accomplishments and contributions to its success.

1. Frank Lampard (2001 – 2014)

Frank Lampard, one of Chelsea’s all-time greats, is widely considered by many to be its most outstanding player ever. With more goals scored than any other midfielder in club history and his legendary timing runs into the box, he was considered an exceptional performer. He made Chelsea successful under Mourinho and won several Premier League titles along with Terry, and Cech. Drogba’s 2012 Champions League Final win against Munich was one of his proudest achievements. Moreover, numerous awards he accumulated during his long stint at Stamford make him truly one of the greatest.

2. John Terry (1998-2017)

John Terry was an extremely reliable and proficient defender during his nearly two decades with Chelsea, serving as captain for most of that time. His leadership improved other players while being adept at passing the ball from defense. Terry scored more goals than any other defender in club history – scoring 67 times from 717 matches – than anyone else and was determined to win every ball in both penalty areas. Under his leadership, he won 14 trophies, such as Champions League titles and Premier League championships, which cemented his legacy as one of Chelsea’s great players.

3. Gianfranco Zola (1996 – 2003)

Gianfranco Zola played for Chelsea before Roman Abramovich bought it. He became one of the club’s toughest defenders and won many trophies with them, such as the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cups, and the League Cup. Fans once voted him Chelsea’s greatest-ever player for his creativity and skill with controlling the ball, as well as his trademark dribbling past players. He scored 80 goals over 312 games played with them!

4. Peter Osgood (1964-74)

Chelsea has had many legendary strikers throughout its history, from Vivian Woodward and Hughie Gallacher to Kerry Dixon, Drogba, and Diego Costa. But Peter Osgood stands as an icon at Stamford Bridge – his statue can be seen outside the West Stand. Osgood was crucial in every victory at Chelsea during the 1970 FA Cup win and both legs of the European Cup-Winners’ Cup final win in 1971. Osgood was an inspiring testament of resilience. After recovering from a broken leg in 1967, he made an astounding transition into a central midfield role at Stamford Bridge before leaving for Southampton seven years later – becoming an esteemed Chelsea legend along the way.

5. Didier Drogba (2004-12, 2014-15)

Didier Drogba is best known for his performance in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich. He scored both a powerful header and the winning penalty, but he was more than that for Chelsea, winning numerous trophies during his time there. Drogba joined top-level football at age 26. With speed, strength, and an uncanny knack for scoring goals often at cup finals, Drogba earned inclusion into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2022 for dominating defenders while scoring goals through various methods.

FAQs About Chelsea

Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard (sportsphotographer.eu | Bigstockphoto)

Who is Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer?

Frank Lampard holds the all-time lead at Chelsea with 211 goals across all competitions since joining in 2001 and remaining with them until 2014.

Is it possible to bet on live Chelsea matches?

Absolutely. Fans can bet on live Chelsea matches. Many regulated bookmakers providing in-play betting options allow this form of wagering.

Who is the current manager of Chelsea?

On 1 July 2023, Mauricio Pochettino began working as the head coach of Chelsea Football Club. He signed a two-year contract with an option for an extra year if necessary.

How can I purchase tickets for Chelsea games?

Tickets can be obtained either by visiting the Chelsea FC website or the box office at Stamford Bridge. Due to high demand, it is advised that tickets be bought well in advance.