There is no doubt that the most successful period in Chelsea’s history came after Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

However, before then, the Blues had plenty of legendary players who could all arguably make it into the club’s all-time best XI.

The London club has had its fair share of goalscorers over the years, with the likes of Bobby Tambling, Kerry Dixon, Peter Osgood and Jimmy Greaves.

Players, such as Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris and John Hollins, also become stalwarts of the team from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The influx of foreign talent in the 1990s

Chelsea actually began to throw some money around before Abramovich arrived with chairman Ken Bates bringing in some iconic players from abroad.

Ruud Gullit, Roberto Di Matteo, Gianluca Vialli and Marcel Desailly all came in and made a big impression, but arguably the best import was Gianfranco Zola.

During his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, the Italian magician made 312 appearances and scored 80 goals, winning six major trophies, including the Cup Winners Cup.

Abramovich’s arrival at Chelsea changed everything

Despite the team’s success in the 1990s, the takeover by the Russian billionaire changed the entire face of the club. They quickly became one of Europe’s elite.

Homegrown talents such as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole combined with expensive new additions, including Petr Cech, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, and Ricardo Carvalho to produce a formidable squad, which won two titles in the mid 00’s under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.

5 of Chelsea’s 6 league championships have come over the last 20 years, as well as winning their first 2 Champions League trophies (2012 and 2021). Legends have been born to rival those of the past.

It is, therefore, extremely tough to put together the club’s All-Time Best XI but the below video attempts to do just that.

WATCH on Shots!TV as Chelsea’s All-Time Best XI is named – part of the ‘Dream Team’ series