Chelsea have officially unveiled their all-time greatest XI in celebration of the club’s 120th anniversary, with legendary figures such as Eden Hazard, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard earning well-deserved spots in the prestigious lineup.
The London-based club, founded in March 1905, decided to mark this milestone by allowing fans from across the globe to vote for the ‘Team of 120’—a dream team composed of the greatest players to have ever worn the Chelsea jersey. The voting process resulted in a 4-3-3 formation, bringing together some of the most iconic names in the club’s history.
In goal, fans selected Petr Čech, widely regarded as Chelsea’s best-ever goalkeeper. The Czech international, who spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge, was a crucial figure in the club’s golden era, winning multiple Premier League titles and playing a pivotal role in their 2012 UEFA Champions League triumph.
The defensive lineup features a combination of club legends and modern greats. César Azpilicueta, a long-serving captain, was chosen as the right-back, while the center-back duo consists of John Terry, Chelsea’s most successful captain, and Thiago Silva, who has established himself as a defensive leader despite joining later in his career. Ashley Cole, widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in football history, completes the defensive setup.
The midfield trio includes some of the club’s most influential players. Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time top scorer with 211 goals, was an automatic choice for his incredible leadership, goal-scoring ability, and overall influence on the team. He is joined by Claude Makélélé, whose defensive midfield prowess redefined the role in modern football, and N’Golo Kanté, a two-time Premier League winner known for his relentless work rate, interceptions, and ability to dominate the midfield.
Up front, the attacking trio consists of Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, and Gianfranco Zola. Drogba, a Chelsea icon, secured his place with his four Premier League titles and legendary performance in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored the equalizer and converted the decisive penalty. Hazard, one of the most gifted dribblers and playmakers to ever wear the Chelsea shirt, was selected for his outstanding performances and match-winning abilities. Rounding out the attack is Gianfranco Zola, the only player in the XI from before the Roman Abramovich era, known for his technical brilliance and creativity.
While Chelsea are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase under new manager Enzo Maresca, their rich history remains a source of pride for fans. The club, which has experienced immense success over the past two decades, is still competing for silverware, with the UEFA Conference League offering them a potential trophy this season.
Their next match is a highly anticipated Premier League clash against rivals Tottenham Hotspur on April 3, a game that could prove crucial in their pursuit of European qualification.