Chelsea are one of the most successful English clubs in the 21st century, with the Roman Abramovich era truly transforming them into a continental giant. Five Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, interspersed with multiple FA Cup wins, have only highlighted that fact.
However, Chelsea have some magical moments even before Abramovich took over. They won their first English title in 1955 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1971 and 1998.
There have been some absolute legends who have donned the blue shirt of Chelsea over the years. While the likes of Ron Harris, Bobby Tambling, Kerry Dixon and Peter Bonetti were the darlings of Stamford Bridge in the past, players like Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, John Terry and Eden Hazard were some of the superstars who wrote themselves into the annals of Chelsea's history in the 21st century.
Safe to say, then, that Chelsea fans have quite a few heroes over the years.
Only 11, however, can take their place in GOAL’s greatest ever Chelsea team…
Getty ImagesGK: Petr Cech
Petr Cech is an absolute legend at Chelsea, having made 494 appearances for the Blues and helping them win multiple honours. However, his choice as the goalkeeper of the Ultimate Chelsea XI was not so straightforward.
It wasn't easy to ignore Peter Bonetti, who spent almost 20 years at Chelsea between 1959 and 1979. However, the sheer amount of success that Cech enjoyed at Chelsea was staggering.
The former Czech Republic international played a key role in four Premier League title-winning seasons, their shock 2012 Champions League success and a Europa League triumph. He also lifted the FA Cup four times, and claimed the Premier League Golden Glove award on three occasions.
Cech, then, is our Chelsea Dream Team No.1!
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The current Chelsea captain is an automatic choice at right-back. Though Branislav Ivanovic could stake a claim, it is safe to say that Azpilicueta has earned this spot after a decade of exemplary service, featuring nearly 500 appearances in all competitions.
The Spaniard has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two Europa League trophies. More importantly, Azpilicueta led Chelsea to victory in the 2020-21 Champions League.
A reliable defender who wore the Chelsea shirt with pride, Azpilicueta is an obvious inclusion.
Getty ImagesCB: John Terry
Captain. Leader. Legend. If there was ever a Chelsea player who fit this description, it was John Terry. This warrior of a centre-back was considered one of the greatest defenders of his generation.
A Chelsea youth product, Terry made over 700 appearances for the Blues in a trophy-laden career. A no-nonsense defender known for his strong tackles and commanding style of play, Terry was a captain who truly led by example.
The former England international was part of all of the club's five Premier League triumphs, while he also won the Champions League and the Europa League.
Getty ImagesCB: Ron Harris
The all-time appearance record for Chelsea, with 795 games, but longevity is not the only reason why Ron Harris makes our Ultimate Chelsea XI. He was the face of the club during the '60s and '70s, holding the team together with his tenacity and commitment to the cause.
The tough-tackling defender, who also played as a full-back and a defensive midfielder, led Chelsea to their first major European trophy in 1971: the Cup Winners' Cup.
Harris makes this line-up just ahead of Ricardo Carvalho, who had a very successful stint at Stamford Bridge from 2004-2010 but never quite achieved the same mythical status as the man known as 'Chopper'!
