Stamford Bridge, the hallowed home of Chelsea Football Club, has witnessed countless moments of brilliance, drama, and sheer footballing magic.
And at the heart of it all, the prestigious No.10 jersey has been worn by some of the best players to grace the pitch.
This revered number holds a special place in the hearts of Chelsea fans, symbolizing skill, creativity, and leadership on the field.
From nimble playmakers to swashbuckling goal scorers, this esteemed list of players has worn Chelsea’s number 10 jersey, each bringing their unique flair to the pitch.
- Eden Hazard – 245 caps, 85 goals
- Juan Mata – 82 caps, 18 goals
- Willian – 234 caps,37 goals
- Christian Pulisic – 98 caps, 20 goals (still playing)
- Joe Cole – 183 caps, 27 goals
- Mark Hughes – 95 caps, 25 goals
- Gavin Peacock – 103 caps, 17 goals
- Bobby Tambling – 302 caps, 164 goals
- Chris Garland – 92 caps, 22 goals
- Peter Houseman -269 caps 20 goals
- Tommy Baldwin -187 caps, 73 goals
Eden Hazard – 245 caps, 85 goals
Eden Hazard, the shining star of Chelsea’s number 10 in the Premier League era, was one of the most celebrated players in the club’s recent history.
During his seven years in English football, the talented Belgian displayed his brilliance on the field.
When Hazard moved across the pitch, it felt like poetry in motion.
His soft dribbling, audacious skills, and clinical finishing made him a fan favorite. He dazzled spectators with his ability to change the course of a game single-handedly.
Hazard arrived in 2012 as one of Europe’s most promising players, quickly earning a reputation as one of the league’s most captivating talents. His combination of speed, skill, and showmanship made life difficult for opposing defenders.
While Hazard’s time at Chelsea had its ups and downs, there were moments when he was simply unstoppable.
He won two Premier League titles and numerous other major honors, establishing himself as one of the best. In his first title-winning season, he was named PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year.
He consistently ranked among the top two contenders for the PFA award, and he was named Chelsea’s Player of the Season an impressive four times.
Juan Mata – 82 caps, 18 goals
The talented Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the most imaginative playmakers the Blues have seen in recent times.
His vision and technical prowess made him the epitome of a classic Number 10.
He made his move to Chelsea from Valencia, a Spanish club, for a fee of approximately £23.5 million during the summer of 2011. Mata wasted no time in leaving his mark at Stamford Bridge, immediately showcasing his skills and abilities.
One of Mata’s crowning achievements came in his debut season, as he played a pivotal role in helping Chelsea secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.
Throughout his two-and-a-half-year tenure with the club, Mata proved to be an invaluable asset.
His intelligent movement and impeccable passing unlocked defenses with ease. The Spaniard’s creativity and delicate touch left a lasting impression on Chelsea fans.
Mata’s exceptional performances on the field earned him the esteemed title of Chelsea’s ‘Player of the Season’ for two consecutive years, in both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 campaigns.
His displays on the pitch were nothing short of spectacular, captivating fans with his skill and finesse.
Willian – 234 caps,37 goals
In the summer of 2013, the former Brazilian national team player made a move to Chelsea, leaving Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for a hefty fee of around £30 million.
Willian stayed with Chelsea for seven seasons and won five trophies, including two Premier League titles.
His creativity and hard work were vital for Chelsea during his time at the club.
In the 2019-20 season, he was given the special No. 10 shirt. It turned out to be his best season in terms of scoring goals, as he found the net nine times in the Premier League.
With his lightning pace and incredible work rate, Willian was a constant menace for opposition defenses. Equally adept at scoring screamers or providing inch-perfect crosses, he epitomized the modern winger.
This particular campaign could be considered one of Willian’s standout seasons, not only in terms of team success but also on an individual level.
Under Frank Lampard, Willian showed his skills and became a key player for the Blues, shouldering responsibility and making a considerable impact on the pitch.
Christian Pulisic – 98 caps, 20 goals (still playing)
He currently holds the No. 10 jersey at Chelsea, taking over after Willian’s move to Arsenal. He has quickly become an important player for both the club and the United States national team.
Pulisic’s first season in the Premier League showed great promise and highlighted his immense potential.
Although he had a slow start and dealt with some injuries, he found his rhythm under Frank Lampard’s guidance. His incredible speed, technical skills, and attacking abilities made him a valuable asset in Chelsea’s offensive plays.
As the season progressed, Pulisic’s performances drew comparisons to the beloved former Chelsea player, Eden Hazard.
His contributions in the attacking third, including goals and assists, played a crucial role in securing important victories for Chelsea. He finished his debut season with an impressive tally of 11 goals across all competitions.
An outstanding achievement for Pulisic was becoming the first American player to score in an FA Cup Final, this feat against Arsenal in the 2020 edition.
He also played a part in Chelsea’s successful run in the 2020-2021 UEFA Champions League.
He became the youngest Chelsea player and the first American to score in the Champions League semi-finals, as well as the first American to participate in the Champions League final.
Unfortunately, injuries have hindered Pulisic’s progress at times, despite his undeniable talent and impact.
Joe Cole – 183 caps, 27 goals
Arguably the most talented English footballer of the last twenty years had it all – skill, creativity, vision, and confidence.
Watching Cole play was a true joy. He played 281 games for Chelsea and was named the club’s Player of the Year in the 2007/08 season.
Cole was a player blessed with immense skill and trickery.
His close control and ability to beat defenders at will made him a joy to watch. With his audacious back heels and audacious goals, he earned his place among the greats.
Cole was one of the first players to join Chelsea when Roman Abramovich took over the club.
He wore the number 10 jersey for seven seasons and achieved great success.
During his time with the Blues, Cole won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup. He also played in the unfortunate Champions League Final against Manchester United in 2008.
Mark Hughes – 95 caps, 25 goals
Chelsea secured him from Manchester United for just £1 million. Although Hughes was not in his prime at that time, he still made a big impact at Stamford Bridge, creating many unforgettable moments.
One of those moments was when Hughes played a role in Chelsea’s win against Wimbledon in the 1997 FA Cup semi-final, helping the team lift the trophy.
Another unforgettable moment came in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final in 1998, where Hughes scored the deciding goal against Vicenza, turning the game around after being two goals behind. Chelsea went on to win the tournament by defeating Stuttgart in the final.
Hughes was a player known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve.
He was a fierce competitor, blending strength, determination, and a keen ability to find the back of the net.
His unwavering resolve and tenacity not only earned him the admiration of the fans but also established him as a formidable force on the field.
During his three years at Chelsea, Hughes achieved great success, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. The club acknowledged his contributions, and he was honored with the Chelsea Player of the Year award in the 1996/97 season.
Gavin Peacock – 103 caps, 17 goals
Peacock was a dynamic midfielder who excelled in both scoring and creating goals.
Known for his strong work ethic, versatility, and technical ability, he showed his skills in both the attacking and defensive aspects of the game. Peacock’s ability to score goals from midfield and contribute to the team’s overall play made him an influential player on the pitch.
He contributed to the team by helping the club achieve promotion to the Premier League in the 1993/94 season. He also played a part in the team’s midfield, scoring important goals and providing a creative presence.
His performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season.
In subsequent seasons, he remained an influential player for Chelsea.
He contributed with his goalscoring ability and played a vital role in the team’s attacking play. His performances helped Chelsea achieve a mid-table finish in the Premier League and establish themselves as a competitive force.
Bobby Tambling – 302 caps, 164 goals
Started his journey with Chelsea’s youth academy in 1957 and made his debut for the first team in 1959 at the age of 17.
He quickly established himself as a skilled forward and a consistent goal-scorer for the club. He was renowned for his ability to find the back of the net and his precise finishing.
During his time with the West London club, he played a role in the club’s success.
He was part of the squad that won the Football League Cup in 1965 and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971. Also, Tambling contributed to Chelsea’s promotion from the Second Division to the First Division during the 1962-1963 season.
Tambling’s highest feat came in 1970 when he broke Chelsea’s all-time goal-scoring record.
Surpassing George Mills’ previous record of 202 goals, he went on to score a remarkable total of 202 goals in 370 appearances for the club. This record stood unchallenged for nearly fifty years until Frank Lampard surpassed it in 2013.
Following his departure from Chelsea in 1970, he had brief stints with Crystal Palace and Cork Celtic before ultimately retiring from professional football in 1976. He is widely regarded as one of Chelsea’s greatest players and a true legend of the club.
Chris Garland – 92 caps, 22 goals
Chris Garland may not be a household name, but his contributions to Chelsea should not be overlooked.
As a versatile midfielder, he possessed the ability to score crucial goals and create opportunities for his teammates. He proved his talent and versatility in various midfield roles, including as an attacking midfielder and a winger.
During the 1972/73 season, Garland was part of the team’s run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
He scored a memorable goal in the quarter-finals against Club Brugge, helping Chelsea progress in the tournament. His ability to find the back of the net and provide assists made him a valuable asset to the team.
Despite his potential and contributions, his time at Chelsea was unfortunately cut short due to injuries. He left the club in 1974 and continued his career at other clubs, including Plymouth Argyle and AFC Bournemouth.
Though he may not be widely remembered as a standout player in Chelsea’s history, his efforts and abilities left an impression during his time with the club.
Peter Houseman -269 caps 20 goals
Houseman’s time at Chelsea coincided with a transformative period for the club.
He was part of the team that achieved promotion from the Second Division to the First Division in the 1962/63 season. With his skillful dribbling, accurate crosses, and ability to score crucial goals, Houseman quickly became a fan favorite.
Known for his boundless energy, he covered every blade of grass on the pitch, providing relentless support for his teammates.
In 1970, he was a key figure in the team’s victory in the FA Cup, scoring a vital goal in the final against Leeds United, which secured a 2-1 win after extra time. This win marked Chelsea’s first FA Cup win since 1955.
Aside from the FA Cup, he was also part of the Chelsea team that won the League Cup in 1965 and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971.
Tragically, his career was cut short in 1977 due to a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Peter Houseman’s legacy at Chelsea is one of skill, determination, and loyalty.
His contributions as a winger, his important goals in cup finals, and his unwavering commitment to the club make him an esteemed figure in Chelsea’s history.
Tommy Baldwin -187 caps, 73 goals
Baldwin had an uncanny ability to find the back of the net. A poacher extraordinaire, he could turn half-chances into goals with remarkable ease. His predatory instincts made him a nightmare for defenders.
Baldwin quickly established himself as a talented goal scorer and became an important figure in Chelsea’s attack. Known for his agility, clinical finishing, and ability to find the back of the net, he was a key contributor during his time at the club.
One of Baldwin’s most memorable feats came in the 1964/65 season when Chelsea won the League Cup. His performances helped Chelsea secure a 3-2 victory over Leicester City in the final, securing the club’s first major trophy since the 1955 league title.
Baldwin’s time at Chelsea saw him play a part in the club’s promotion back to the First Division in the 1962/63 season. He continued to be a consistent goal scorer and played an influential role in Chelsea’s attacking line-up.
While Tommy Baldwin’s career at Chelsea may have been relatively brief, his contributions to the club’s success cannot be overlooked.
Other Notable Chelsea Players To Have Worn The N0 10 Jersey
- Peter Osgood
- Ian Hutchinson
- Yossi Benayoun
- Slavisa Jokanovic
Wrapping Up
These players have enthralled fans, mesmerized opponents, and etched their names into Chelsea’s history. They exemplify the spirit, creativity, and determination that define the Number 10 position.
While opinions may differ on the ranking and personal favorites, what remains undisputed is the enduring legacy of these players. Their performances have inspired generations, and their contributions have shaped Chelsea’s identity as one of the giants of English soccer.
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