Chelsea captains through the decades: a timeline of leadership | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Captains Define Leadership and Legacy in English Football’s Rich History

The Men Who Led the Blues

Chelsea captains represent some of the iconic names in the English Premier League as well as the sport in general. They are synonymous with the success of the Blues, past and present. In the three-decade era of the EPL, some of soccer’s greats have worn the captain’s armband.

It’s not easy to think of Chelsea without remembering those who have led/are leading the team at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea has won six league titles, with the first dating back to 1954-55 (before the EPL). Roy Bentley was the captain that season, leading the team in goals with 21. Bentley, by the way, led the team in scoring in each of his eight seasons.

Throwing down the gauntlet of leadership, subsequent captains have helped the club become a force in the English Premier League, which is extremely popular at the BetUS sportsbook.

Here’s a look at the captains of Chelsea…

Who is Chelsea’s Captain?

Reece James is the seventh and current Chelsea captain, taking the armband in 2023. His injury bouts have been well-documented, but he’s entrusted on the pitch to try and lead Chelsea to its first EPL title since 2016-17. Chelsea was off to a fine start in the current (2024-25) EPL season, sitting second in the table and leading in goals through this mid-December story.

Who is the Ex-Captain of Chelsea?

Cesar Azpilicueta (2019-23) preceded Reece James as the captain for Chelsea, leading the club to a pair of UEFA titles in 2021.

Who was Chelsea’s Captain in 2009?

John Terry wore the captain’s armband in 2009, part of a legendary tenure (2004-17) in which he led the Blues to five EPL trophies as well as a Champions League title in 2012.

Who is Chelsea’s Famous Captain?

When the subject is Chelsea football captain, it doesn’t take long to get around to John Terry.  He is certainly the biggest name to wear the armband (2004-17) during a 19-year career, along with the longest-serving. Terry was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2024.

Who is the Best Chelsea Captain of All Time?

Once again, we are returning to John Terry who, among his accolades, is the highest-scoring defender in the history of Chelsea. There were quite a few off-field incidents and allegations that resulted in fines, suspensions, and British press fodder, but Terry’s on-field exploits made him the best leader of the Blues during their time in the EPL.

Who is Chelsea’s 3rd Captain?

It was Andy Townsend (1991-93) as Chelsea’s first captain in the English Premier League, succeeded by Dennis Wise (1993-2001). Next, after Wise and before John Terry came Marcel Desailly. Desailly had the honor of being the third captain of Chelsea during its time in the EPL.

By the way, the name among the Chelsea captains we did not mention was Gary Cahill (2017-19). Cahill had the unenviable task of succeeding John Terry, In other words, he was the man after THE MAN…a no-win situation.

Any Final Thoughts?

Regardless of the squad, it takes a unique player suited to be a captain. This isn’t to suggest some other “non-captains” aren’t qualified, but the overall responsibility of leading a team by both word and deed cannot be overemphasized.