Premier League football is known far and wide as the most competitive due to the highest number of top-level clubs competing for domestic titles and cups. Nowhere else can as many as 10 or so teams battle for the title each year and have a legitimate chance to win it. There have been many phases and eras of English football, with the late 2000s and early to mid 2010s being marked by none other than the London Blues, Chelsea. From league titles and cups to greatness at the European stage, they did it all, and had hoped to do it again soon.
However, since the golden generation, there have been periods of struggle with an occasional title or two. Now, the team is revamped and under new life, aiming at the Conference League title in next week’s final. But how much do you know about this team and who their best players are so far? Read on to learn about Chelsea’s smartest transfer deals in the last 5 years that have helped them reach this stage and have a bright future.
Cole Palmer (2023-Present)
By many, the best current player of the club is the Englishman Cole Palmer, nicknamed “Cold Palmer” for his demeanour under pressure and stone-cold performances. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City on the 2023 summer transfer deadline day for £40 million. Initially planning to stay at City, Palmer moved to Chelsea seeking more consistent playing time due to the crowded offense dominated by Haaland. Since his arrival, he has become a standout performer and a scoring machine with 40 goals in 89 appearances. The 23-year-old’s impressive performances have earned him recognition, including many player of the month and player of the year nominations and awards on multiple levels.
Thiago Silva (2020-2024)
After a very productive career, the famed Brazilian defender Thiago Silva signed with Chelsea in August 2020 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite being 35 at the time and without many expectations from the fans, Silva’s experience bolstered Chelsea’s defence. He played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s 2021 UEFA Champions League victory, even though he was forced off injured in the final game. Over his four-year tenure, Silva extended his contract multiple times and became Chelsea’s oldest goalscorer in the Premier League. He departed the club at the end of the 2023–24 season after 155 appearances and 9 goals.
Moises Caisedo (2023-Present)
Moisés Caicedo joined Chelsea in August 2023 for a British record fee of £100 million, which could potentially rise to £115 million with add-ons. It is a massive contract and signing, with many naysayers claiming it was in vain at the time. The Ecuadorian made his debut shortly after signing but faced challenges in his initial matches. However, his resilience shone through as he scored his first goal for Chelsea on the final matchday of the 2023 – 2024 Premier League season. In the 2024 – 2025 season, he captained Chelsea for the first time and continued to demonstrate his leadership and midfield prowess. So far, the central midfielder right-back has made 91 appearances for the club.
Marc Cucurella (2022-Present)
There have been some great Spanish players in the ranks of Chelsea, and Marc Cucurella has quickly established himself as the latest. He was signed by the Blues in August 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee that could rise to £62 million. Naturally, he initially faced criticism for his performances and battling injuries, as Chelsea fans expect only the best from their players. However, Cucurella has redeemed himself with consistent performances that include scoring crucial goals at the right moment. His improved form has been instrumental in Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification, and he played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. He is one of those players that every team wants in their starting XI because he contributes all over the pitch despite playing as a left-back/wing-back. He currently stands at 105 appearances and 8 goals.
Edouard Mendy (2020-2023)
Although he is not with the club anymore, the talented young Frenchman is remembered fondly for his contributions to what proved to be a return to glory days for the club. Édouard Mendy was brought to Chelsea in September 2020 from Rennes for £22 million. He made an immediate impact and kept clean sheets in his first three Premier League matches, a feat not achieved by a Chelsea goalkeeper since 2004 and one Peter Cech. Mendy was instrumental in Chelsea’s 2021 UEFA Champions League victory, as well as that Panenka-style penalty from Sergio Agüero in a crucial match against Manchester City. He departed the club in June 2023, joining Al-Ahli, having won a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021.
Chelsea’s Conference League Hopes and Odds
Now that the excitement around FA Cup betting has just settled after a thrilling final, finishing with Crystal Palace taking their first trophy home, the only titles English clubs can still win are continental. The Europa League final sees Manchester United facing Tottenham Hotspur, but more importantly for us here, Chelsea is playing Real Betis in the Conference League. If you were wondering whether there is a team with an UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League titles in their history, the answer is no.
Or rather, not yet, as the Blues attempt to become the first to win the modern UEFA treble. After winning 2 CL titles (2012, 2021) and 2 EL titles (2013, 2019), they can add one more continental trophy to their list and secure higher-level football next season. Interestingly, they are also the only club ever to win the Europa League while being the defending champions of the Champions League, which they did in 2012 and 2013. It has been a testament to their continuous overcoming of struggles and finding ways to get back on top at whichever stage it happens.
On Wednesday, May 28, at the Wroclaw Stadium, the big game takes place, and the English side is the heavy favourite. They have been dominant all season without a single loss or draw in the third-tier Euro competition, and have naturally reached the final as everyone expected. Now, they get 1.81 odds to win the game while Real Betis only gets 4.80. The draw odds are 3.60. It will be a very interesting game for the fans of both sides, but also betting enthusiasts, since there are many options to play on Stake.com. The winner not only gets the trophy but a spot in next season’s Europa League, and if Chelsea is serious about their aspirations, it is a must-win game to usher in a new era of strong play and title wins.
Chelsea’s Best Ever Players
Transfer deals in the last 5 years have been impactful and have led to some great moments for the club, but to truly grasp the importance and dominance of the London club, we have to scratch a bit further. Over the decades, there have been numerous legends of the game playing for Chelsea, stars who are still remembered fondly and whom the fans adore and cherish.
Frank Lampard
Many legendary players have worn the Chelsea shirt over the decades, but none are more iconic than the current top scorer for the club, and one of the best midfielders ever, Frank Lampard. Without a doubt, he was the most influential figure in Chelsea’s long and successful history. A box-to-box midfielder with an extraordinary knack for scoring, Lampard not only became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer but also brought consistency, leadership, and professionalism during his 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge. His vision, timing, and ability to score crucial goals earned him a place among the Premier League’s elite. He has been there during the golden generation and led teams consisting of all of the following five on the list.
John Terry
Another towering figure for the team is John Terry, Lampard’s trusty centre back and Chelsea’s long-time captain. Best of all, he was a product of their youth academy who grew up into a team legend. Known for his fearless defending, aerial dominance, and commanding presence, Terry was the heart of Chelsea’s defense for nearly two decades. He captained the team through its most successful era and won multiple Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League victory in 2012. His loyalty and leadership made him the defensive presence that anchored many of Chelsea’s triumphs.
Petr Čech
In goal, Petr Čech redefined what it meant to be a modern goalkeeper at Chelsea. Arriving in 2004, he was pivotal in solidifying the team’s backline. He would often pull off world-class saves that kept Chelsea in title races and cup competitions when the defence failed. Čech holds numerous club records, including the most clean sheets, and his calm demeanour under pressure was a major asset during the most competitive years of the Premier League. He is famous for his helmet he had to wear due to a knee-to-head injury.
Didier Drogba
Up front, while Lampard dominated the midfield and Terry and Čech defended the goal, Didier Drogba would run rampant in front of the opponents’ goals. He was a game-changer and an uber striker. Known for his incredible strength, clutch goals, and ability to deliver on the biggest stage, Drogba became a cult hero in London. His goal in the 2012 Champions League final and the decisive penalty in the shootout sealed his status as a Chelsea legend, but he had done more both before and after that. His knack for scoring in finals and derbies made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe and a stalwart figure on the pitch.
Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola played in the late 1990s and early 2000s and remains a beloved figure for his flair, creativity, and humility. At a time when Chelsea was still evolving into a European power it would become, Zola never saw those days, but his brilliance on the ball and sportsmanship made him a fan favourite. His influence went beyond goals, as it was about the joy he brought to the game and how he helped shape Chelsea’s modern identity. As a player who ended up bridging generations, he is worthy of mention now that the club has a strong identity.
Eden Hazard
Another Chelsea all-time great is the Belgian goalscorer Eden Hazard. The winger lit up Stamford Bridge with his dazzling footwork and incredible dribbling, as well as the ability to change games single-handedly. He joined the club in 2012 at the height of Chelsea’s powers, and quickly became the creative heartbeat of the team that blended flair with ruthless efficiency. His low centre of gravity, acceleration, and close control made him almost impossible to defend against on his day. Weaving through defences, scoring stunning solo goals, or delivering pinpoint assists, he could do it all, and the fans enjoyed his time there and still feel a little bit betrayed when he left.
Chelsea FAQs
When was Chelsea Football Club founded?
Chelsea FC was founded on March 10, 1905, at The Rising Sun pub (now The Butcher’s Hook), opposite Stamford Bridge.
Why are Chelsea called “The Blues”?
The nickname comes from the colour of Chelsea’s home kit, which has traditionally been royal blue since the early 1900s.
What is Chelsea’s home stadium?
Chelsea’s home ground is Stamford Bridge in Fulham, London. It has been their home since the club’s founding in 1905.
Who is Chelsea’s all-time top scorer?
Despite being a midfielder, Frank Lampard holds the record as Chelsea’s all-time top scorer with 211 goals.
How many times has Chelsea won the Premier League?
As of 2025, Chelsea has won the Premier League title 5 times: 2004, 2005, 2009, 2014, and 2016.
Has Chelsea ever won the UEFA Champions League?
Yes, Chelsea has won the Champions League twice, in 2012 against Bayern Munich and in 2021 against Manchester City.
Who are Chelsea’s biggest rivals?
Chelsea’s main rivals include other London teams like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also bitter rivals due to historically competitive tensions.
Who is Chelsea’s most expensive signing?
Enzo Fernández is Chelsea’s most expensive signing, arriving from Benfica in January 2023 for over £106 million.
What is the significance of Roman Abramovich in Chelsea’s history?
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and ushered in a new era of success with significant investment that led to multiple domestic and European titles.
