10 Chelsea Legends of All Time
The illustrious history of the Chelsea football club is packed with notable men.
There is no shortage of amazing footballing individuals who are more than deserving of a place in every fan’s memory, ranging from incredible players to exemplary managers.
To become a legend at a club, though, you must be a fan favorite, a leader among men, and a key figure in establishing this European force.
I was so spoiled for choice when compiling this list that I was compelled to eliminate many deserving contenders, including some current players who would definitely be shoo-ins for this list after their careers have ended (Didier Drogba springs to mind).
So, let’s get started: here are the 10 greatest legends in Chelsea FC’s history.
10. Terry Venables
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In the early 1960s, Venables scored in a League Cup Final triumph, gaining a trophy for his side, but narrowly lost out on an FA Cup championship.
In six years with the club, the midfielder scored 26 goals.
After his playing career, he served as manager of the England national team, where he led the Three Lions to a third-place result at Euro 1996, furthering his status as an English footballing hero.
9. Dennis Wise
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His diminutive stature made him resemble a terrier, as he ran around and played every match with all his heart.
Sir Alex Ferguson remarked that he could “create a brawl in an empty house” due to his often exaggerated behavior.
Despite this, Chelsea supporters appeared to embrace Wise even more after his difficulties.
Wise guided Chelsea to six trophies, including two FA Cups and one League Cup, during his tenure with the club.
Wise will be best remembered for his away equalizer against Milan in the 1999 Champions League, however.
8. Ron Harris
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With 795 appearances, Chopper is remains the club’s all-time leader in appearances.
In his 19 years with Chelsea, Harris was known for his tenacious tackles and tenacious defense, which helped the club win three championships.
7. Kerry Dixon
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Kerry Dixon played 420 matches and scored 193 goals during his nine-year tenure with Chelsea, making him the club’s second-highest scorer and appearance maker.
In his first season at the club, Dixon guided Chelsea to the Second Division championship and a return to the Premier League.
With a hat-trick on the final day of the 1989 To 90 season against Millwall, Dixon led the Blues to their greatest finish in 20 years, fifth in the league.
Dixon’s prowess in front of the net made him a fan favorite and Chelsea legend.
6. Frank Lampard
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Obviously, the fact that Lampard is still playing hurts his standing on this list.
Despite this, he has already amassed an impressive resume at Chelsea.
In his eleven years at Stamford Bridge, Lampard has won ten titles, scored 172 goals, and dished out 110 assists from midfield.
He has been an indispensable member of the most successful Chelsea team in the club’s history.
Even in his twilight years, he has been an integral part of the team, scoring 16 goals this season and assisting on two goals in the club’s dramatic Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona.
When Lampard retires, he will undoubtedly ascend this list, just as his teammates will.
5. Peter Bonetti
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Bonetti, whose nickname was “The Cat” (could there be a more flattering moniker for a goalkeeper? ), was one of the finest goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
In two-thirds of his appearances, he allowed one goal or fewer. He led Chelsea to the FA Cup and Cup Winner’s Cup titles.
Bonetti is unquestionably a legend at Chelsea, despite having arrived before the club’s glory days.
4. John Terry
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Despite this, he continues to build his legend.
However, he led the Blues during the most successful time in the club’s history, leading them to eleven trophies in thirteen years and receiving the PFA Player of the Year Award at center defense.
His tenacious defense and ability to score from set-pieces have made him a threat to opposition teams on both sides of the field.
Upon his retirement, Terry will almost certainly ascend to or near the top of this list.
Bobby Tambling holds the all-time scoring record for Chelsea with 202 goals in 370 games, as well as the record for most goals scored in a single game with five against Aston Villa.
3. Bobby Tambling
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In the 1960s, his goal-scoring prowess earned him only one trophy: the League Cup of 1965.
Tambling’s prowess in front of the net has made him a Blues hero despite the club’s lack of success.
2. Peter Osgood
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His performance in the 1969-1970 FA Cup best illustrates Osgood’s tenure.
Ossie scored in every round, including an incredible diving header against Leeds in the final that proved to be the game-winning goal.
In the subsequent season, he scored in both legs of the European Cup Winners’ Cup, helping Chelsea to victory over Real Madrid.
Osgood scored 103 goals in 10 years and 279 appearances.
However, it was not only the number of goals he scored, but also the manner in which he scored them, that made Ossie such a Chelsea hero.
1. Gianfranco Zola
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Gianfranco Zola joined Chelsea and scored 80 goals in 297 games played.
These stats, however, diminish Zola’s significance to the club.
Throughout his career at Stamford Bridge, he was a fan favorite who endeared himself to all supporters.
He guided the team to six victories, including two FA Cups, a UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup, and a Super Cup in the same year.
After Gianfranco Zola scored a backheeled goal in 2002, Claudio Ranieri commented, “Gianfranco tries everything because he is a wizard, and a wizard must try.”
Gianfranco came before the glory of Premier League titles, but he paved the ground for Chelsea to become the club that they are today.