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Having been one of the most successful Premier League clubs, Chelsea have been fortunate with their captains. The Blues have witnessed some of the greatest leaders in football wear the Captain's armband in their history. Some of these Chelsea captains have led them to numerous honors, etching their names in the history books.
Chelsea have always been a force to be reckoned with in the English top flight, and have enjoyed sustained success in the past two decades. It goes without saying that Roman Abramovich's takeover in 2003 played a pivotal part in their glory. The Blues have won five Premier League titles and two Champions League titles since then.
On that note, let us take a look at
Chelsea's 5 best captains of all time
Special Mentions: Frank Lampard always took on the responsibilities of a captain in the absence of John Terry. Despite not being a regular captain, the legendary midfielder led the squad to a Community Shield win as the club's captain.
#5 Cesar Azpilicueta
It was a bold move to pick Cesar Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea's greatest ever captains. But the veteran right-back has already proven himself as a leader during his brief tenure with the armband. Azpilicueta led the Blues to Champions League glory at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, which is a great achievement in itself.
In his nine-year tenure at the club, Azpilicueta has won everything there is to win in club football barring the Club World Cup. Azpilicueta has only had three seasons as club captain due to the presence of John Terry and Gary Cahill.
Cahill's decreased minutes on the pitch during the latter stages of his career saw the Spaniard rise up and take charge of the Blues in 2019. Evidently, Azpilicueta has done a fine job since then.
#4 Marcel Desailly
Marcel Desailly was one of the crucial players who led Chelsea to greater heights in the early 2000s. The French superstar was a fan favorite due to his no-nonsense demeanor on and off the pitch. He was a formidable defender and was nicknamed 'The Rock' for his defensive prowess.
During his six-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, Desailly was notable for his composure and well-timed tackles to stop opponents. The centre-back formed a solid defensive partnership with Frank LeBouef. He led Chelsea to runners-up positions in the 2002 FA Cup and a second-place finish in the league in 2004.
Desailly was also a mentor to John Terry and was cherished by fans for his never-say-die attitude on the pitch.
#3 Dennis Wise
Diminutive in nature, Dennis Wise was immensely skilled on the ball and will go down as one of Chelsea's most successful captains. The Englishman was responsible for ending Chelsea's 26-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup in 1997. He then led them to numerous titles as club captain.
Wise featured for the Blues for over a decade, racking up 65 goals and 32 assists in 403 appearances. The attacking midfielder had it all. He could dribble past opponents with utter ease and also create chances for his opponents with his dangerous through balls.
Wise led Chelsea to the FA Cup final in his very first season as captain, ultimately losing out to Manchester United. Despite the initial setback, Wise marched on to help the club win five major trophies under his leadership.
#2 Ron Harris
Rising up from Chelsea's youth teams, Ron Harris went on to become the record holder for most appearances in the club's history (795). The legendary defender had spent a whopping 19 years with the Blues, racking up 795 appearances for the club.
Ron Harris was renowned for his crunching tackles and aggressive nature on the pitch. The legendary defender believed in the classic style of defending which made him immensely effective at the back. He was a fan favorite and a natural leader, both on and off the pitch.
Ron Harris led Chelsea to two FA Cup finals and the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup during his tenure, among other notable accolades. The first European title is special for any club and Ron Harris was the one who led Chelsea towards European glory. He won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with the Blues in 1971.
#1 John Terry
It comes as no surprise that John Terry sits at the top of the list of greatest Chelsea captains ever. Captain, Leader, Legend - the legendary footballer needs no introduction. He is Chelsea's most successful captain and one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history.
Over the years, Terry's defensive prowess has taken him into a league of his own. The Englishman had all the hallmarks of a great defender and he proved it with some sensational, consistent displays at the back. As leader, he was crucial to Chelsea's organization at the back and their approach to matches.
In addition to his legendary status as a defender, Terry bagged 67 goals for his beloved club. Under his leadership, Chelsea won five Premier League titles and a Champions League title, among other notable achievements. Terry was undoubtedly the heart and soul of the club.
