Chelsea FC, a beacon of footballing expertise, has been graced by the footprints of legends who’ve left a solid mark on the hallowed grounds of Stamford Bridge.
At the heart of this legacy lies the remarkable journey of goal scorers, whose skill, dedication, and sheer brilliance have woven the very fabric of Blue’s identity.
In this article through time, we’ve dug into the stats, stories, and sheer magic created by the top 20 goal scorers in Chelsea’s rich history.
From the commanding leaders like Frank Lampard to the enigmatic talents of Eden Hazard, this is a celebration of the goal-scoring prowess that has defined an era and fueled the fervor of the Blues faithful.
- Chelsea’s Top Goalscorer: A Quick Recap
- 1. Frank Lampard (211 goals)
- 2. Bobby Tambling (172 goals)
- 3. Didier Drogba (164)
- 4. Peter Osgood (139 goals)
- 5. Kerry Dixon (112 goals)
- 6. Eden Hazard (110 goals)
- 7. Jimmy Greaves (99 goals)
- 8. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (87 goals)
- 9. Tommy Baldwin (86 goals)
- 10. Barry Bridges (84 goals)
- 11. Gianfranco Zola (80 goals)
- 12. Eidur Gudjohnsen (78)
- 13. Dennis Wise (69 goals)
- 14. John Terry (67 goals)
- 15. Willian (63 goals)
- 16. Salomon Kalou (60 goals)
- 17. John Hollins (60 goals)
- 18. Diego Costa (59 goals)
- 19. Nicolas Anelka (59 goals)
- 20. Tore André Flo (50 goals)
- Chelsea’s Record Goal Scorer By Season
Chelsea’s Top Goalscorer: A Quick Recap
In the initial season of the English Premier League, Graham Stuart and Mick Harford both scored nine goals to share the top spot.
But Stuart played more games, featuring in 39 compared to Harford’s 28. In the 1993/94 season, Mark Stein led Chelsea with 13 goals in 18 games.
John Spencer was the top scorer in the next two seasons with 11 and 13 goals in 1994/95 and 1995/96, respectively. Gianluca Vialli took the spotlight in 1996/97 with nine goals in 28 games.
From 1996/97 onward, there was healthy competition among Gianluca Vialli, Gustavo Poyet, Gianfranco Zola, and Tore Andre Flo. In the 1999/00 season, Tore Andre Flo and Gustavo Poyet both scored 10 goals.
Before Jose Mourinho’s arrival, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored 23 goals in the 2000/01 and 2001/02 seasons. Frank Lampard became Chelsea’s top scorer four times, consistently netting 10+ goals in those seasons.
Eden Hazard led Chelsea’s scoring three times, with 12 and 16 goals in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons before moving to Real Madrid.
The 2020/21 season was unusual as defensive midfielder Jorginho became Chelsea’s top scorer, netting seven goals in the English top flight, the highest for the team that season.
1. Frank Lampard (211 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: June 20, 1978
Appearances: 648
Goals: 211
Goal Ratio: 0.33
The epitome of a Chelsea legend tops the list with an amazing 211 goals.
His goal-scoring prowess, consistency, and leadership on the field have solidified his status as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.
2. Bobby Tambling (172 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: September 18, 1941
Appearances: 317
Goals: 172
Goal Ratio: 0.54
Tambling’s era-defining career saw him net 172 goals in 317 appearances, boasting an exceptional goal-per-game ratio of 0.54. His legacy as a prolific forward continues to inspire Chelsea faithful.
3. Didier Drogba (164)
Nationality: Cote d’Ivoire / France
Date of Birth: March 11, 1978
Appearances: 381
Goals: 164
Goal Ratio: 0.43
Drogba’s physical prowess and ability to score crucial goals make him a Chelsea icon. With 164 goals in 381 appearances, he played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s success during his illustrious career.
4. Peter Osgood (139 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: February 20, 1947
Appearances: 351
Goals: 139
Goal Ratio: 0.40
Peter Osgood’s elegance on the ball and clinical finishing endeared him to Chelsea fans. With 139 goals in 351 appearances, he remains a revered figure in the club’s history.
5. Kerry Dixon (112 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: July 24, 1961
Appearances: 285
Goals: 112
Goal Ratio: 0.39
A tenacious English striker, Kerry Dixon’s 112 goals in 285 appearances underline his impact on Chelsea’s goal-scoring charts. His dedication to the club is etched in the memories of fans.
6. Eden Hazard (110 goals)
Nationality: Belgium
Date of Birth: January 7, 1991
Appearances: 352
Goals: 110
Goal Ratio: 0.31
Hazard’s flair and creativity brought a new dimension to Chelsea’s attack. With 110 goals in 352 appearances, he remains a fan favorite and a symbol of Chelsea’s attacking prowess.
7. Jimmy Greaves (99 goals)
Nationality: England
Date of Birth: February 20, 1940
Appearances: 92
Goals: 99
Goal Ratio: 1.08
Despite a short stint at Chelsea, Jimmy Greaves left an everlasting impact with a staggering goal-per-game ratio of 1.08. His clinical finishing is legendary in the annals of the club’s history.
8. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (87 goals)
- Nationality: Netherlands / Suriname
- Date of Birth: March 27, 1972
- Appearances: 177
- Goals: 87
- Goal Ratio: 0.49
Hasselbaink’s powerful strikes and goal-scoring prowess made a lasting impact during his time at Chelsea.
With 87 goals in 177 appearances, the Dutch-Surinamese striker played a crucial role in the Blues’ attacking force, maintaining an impressive goal-per-game ratio of 0.49.
9. Tommy Baldwin (86 goals)
- Nationality: England
- Date of Birth: June 10, 1945
- Appearances: 219
- Goals: 86
- Goal Ratio: 0.39
Baldwin’s contributions to Chelsea’s goal-scoring history are reflected in his 86 goals in 219 appearances. Known for his ability to find the back of the net consistently, Baldwin’s goal-per-game ratio of 0.39 underscores his importance to the team.
10. Barry Bridges (84 goals)
- Nationality: England
- Date of Birth: April 29, 1941
- Appearances: 179
- Goals: 84
- Goal Ratio: 0.47
A skillful forward, showcased his goal-scoring prowess with 84 goals in 179 appearances. His ability to navigate through defenses and finish chances contributed significantly to Chelsea’s attacking flair during his tenure.
11. Gianfranco Zola (80 goals)
- Nationality: Italy
- Date of Birth: July 5, 1966
- Appearances: 312
- Goals: 80
- Goal Ratio: 0.26
Gianfranco Zola, the Italian maestro, left an indelible mark with his sublime skills and vision. With 80 goals in 312 appearances, Zola’s impact extended beyond scoring, influencing Chelsea’s play and capturing the hearts of fans.
12. Eidur Gudjohnsen (78)
- Nationality: Iceland
- Date of Birth: September 15, 1978
- Appearances: 263
- Goals: 78
- Goal Ratio: 0.30
Eidur Gudjohnsen’s versatility and goal-scoring ability made him a key figure in Chelsea’s attacking setup. With 78 goals in 263 appearances, the Icelandic forward played a crucial role during a transformative period for the club.
13. Dennis Wise (69 goals)
- Nationality: England
- Date of Birth: December 16, 1966
- Appearances: 425
- Goals: 69
- Goal Ratio: 0.16
Dennis Wise, known for his tenacity and leadership, contributed both on and off the pitch. While not primarily a goal scorer, his 69 goals in 425 appearances showcase his enduring impact during a prolific era for Chelsea.
14. John Terry (67 goals)
- Nationality: England
- Date of Birth: December 7, 1980
- Appearances: 717
- Goals: 67
- Goal Ratio: 0.09
John Terry, a stalwart in Chelsea’s defense, also chipped in with crucial goals. With 67 goals in 717 appearances, his leadership qualities and occasional goal-scoring prowess solidified his status as one of Chelsea’s greatest captains.
15. Willian (63 goals)
- Nationality: Brazil
- Date of Birth: August 9, 1988
- Appearances: 339
- Goals: 63
- Goal Ratio: 0.19
Willian’s skillful play and flair on the wing contributed to Chelsea’s success. With 63 goals in 339 appearances, the Brazilian forward’s ability to score and create opportunities added a dynamic dimension to the team.
16. Salomon Kalou (60 goals)
- Nationality: Cote d’Ivoire
- Date of Birth: August 5, 1985
- Appearances: 254
- Goals: 60
- Goal Ratio: 0.24
Salomon Kalou, the Ivorian forward, added flair and versatility to Chelsea’s attacking options.
With 60 goals in 254 appearances, Kalou’s knack for finding the back of the net and his ability to operate in various attacking positions made him a valuable asset during his time at Stamford Bridge.
17. John Hollins (60 goals)
- Nationality: England
- Date of Birth: June 16, 1946
- Appearances: 516
- Goals: 60
- Goal Ratio: 0.12
John Hollins’ longevity at Chelsea, with 516 appearances, showcased his commitment to the club. While primarily a midfielder, his 60 goals and tireless work ethic made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the team.
18. Diego Costa (59 goals)
- Nationality: Spain / Brazil
- Date of Birth: October 7, 1988
- Appearances: 120
- Goals: 59
- Goal Ratio: 0.49
Diego Costa’s combative style and clinical finishing made him a formidable presence in the Premier League. With 59 goals in just 120 appearances, the Spanish-Brazilian striker’s impact was immediate and significant during his stint at Chelsea.
19. Nicolas Anelka (59 goals)
- Nationality: France / Martinique
- Date of Birth: March 14, 1979
- Appearances: 184
- Goals: 59
- Goal Ratio: 0.32
Nicolas Anelka, known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, contributed 59 goals in 184 appearances. The French forward’s versatility and knack for scoring crucial goals added depth to Chelsea’s attacking options.
20. Tore André Flo (50 goals)
- Nationality: Norway
- Date of Birth: June 15, 1973
- Appearances: 163
- Goals: 50
- Goal Ratio: 0.31
Tore André Flo, a Norwegian striker, rounded out the top 20 with 50 goals in 163 appearances. Known for his height and aerial prowess, Flo played a significant role in Chelsea’s attacking strategies during his time at the club.
Chelsea’s Record Goal Scorer By Season
Season | Player | Position | Matches Played | Goals scored |
1992/93 | Graham Stuart | Attacking Midfield | 39 | 9 |
1992/93 | Mick Harford | Centre-Forward | 28 | 9 |
1993/94 | Mark Stein | Centre-Forward | 18 | 13 |
1994/95 | John Spencer | Centre-Forward | 29 | 11 |
1995/96 | John Spencer | Centre-Forward | 28 | 13 |
1996/97 | Gianluca Vialli | Centre-Forward | 28 | 9 |
1997/98 | Tore André Flo | Centre-Forward | 34 | 11 |
1997/98 | Gianluca Vialli | Centre-Forward | 21 | 11 |
1998/99 | Gustavo Poyet | Attacking Midfield | 28 | 12 |
1998/99 | Gianfranco Zola | Second Striker | 37 | 12 |
1999/00 | Tore André Flo | Centre-Forward | 34 | 10 |
1999/00 | Gustavo Poyet | Attacking Midfield | 33 | 10 |
2000/01 | Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Centre-Forward | 35 | 23 |
2001/02 | Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Centre-Forward | 35 | 23 |
2002/03 | Gianfranco Zola | Second Striker | 38 | 14 |
2003/04 | Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Centre-Forward | 30 | 12 |
2004/05 | Frank Lampard | Central Midfield | 38 | 13 |
2005/06 | Frank Lampard | Central Midfield | 35 | 16 |
2006/07 | Didier Drogba | Centre-Forward | 36 | 20 |
2007/08 | Frank Lampard | Central Midfield | 24 | 10 |
2008/09 | Nicolas Anelka | Centre-Forward | 37 | 19 |
2009/10 | Didier Drogba | Centre-Forward | 32 | 29 |
2010/11 | Florent Malouda | Left Winger | 38 | 13 |
2011/12 | Frank Lampard | Central Midfield | 30 | 11 |
2011/12 | Daniel Sturridge | Centre-Forward | 30 | 11 |
2012/13 | Frank Lampard | Central Midfield | 29 | 15 |
2013/14 | Eden Hazard | Left Winger | 35 | 14 |
2014/15 | Diego Costa | Centre-Forward | 26 | 20 |
2015/16 | Diego Costa | Centre-Forward | 28 | 12 |
2016/17 | Diego Costa | Centre-Forward | 35 | 20 |
2017/18 | Eden Hazard | Left Winger | 34 | 12 |
2018/19 | Eden Hazard | Left Winger | 37 | 16 |
2019/20 | Tammy Abraham | Centre-Forward | 34 | 15 |
2020/21 | Jorginho | Defensive Midfield | 28 | 7 |
2021/22 | Mason Mount | Midfield | 32 | 11 |
2022/23* | Raheem Sterling* | Left Winger | 15* | 4* |
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