The history of Blues’ is emblazoned with iconic and deadliest goalscorers whose boots left a permanent mark on the turf of Stamford Bridge. While midfield metronome Frank Lampard is the all-time leading goalscorer, there is something special in Blues history about the designated striker. Using criteria involving goalscoring ability, iconic moments, trophies won, and legacy, here are Chelsea’s six greatest strikers:
1. Didier Drogba (2004-2012, 2014-2015)
The Ultimate Big-Game Hunter
Without question the king of the Blues’ deadliest strikers, Drogba was more than just a goalscorer (164 goals – 4th all-time). Drogba was a force of nature who delivered when it mattered most. Who can forget his game-changing moment in 2012 Champions League Final? He scored the equalizer in the 88th minute, bullet header against Bayern Munich. Then followed that with the winning penalty kick. Drogba scored in nine finals for Chelsea, more than any player, inlcuding four FA Cup finals. His authority and aerial ability, plus knowing when and where to score decisive goals helped Chelsea to four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and their one and only Champions League title. He was an embodiment of that ‘will to win’ attitude which propelled Chelsea into a modern era of glory. And he is THE standard bearer for Chelsea strikers.
2. Peter Osgood (1964-1974, 1978-1979)
The King of Stamford Bridge
The statue of Osgood outside of the stadium indicates just how big of a legend he is. Osgood is known as “The King,” given the beautiful blend of grace, power and the Blues’ deadliest finisher (150 goals – joint 5th all-time). Osgood was the player that inspired Chelsea’s first major successes. He scored in every game, including the replay final against Leeds, throughout the FA Cup run of 1970. Moreover, he scored the winner against Real Madrid in the 1971 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final. He was a darling of the crowd. His swagger and flamboyance contributed to him being regarded as an icon. While also not looking poorly at the numbers he delivered. He is representative of Chelsea’s emergence as a glamorous force.
3. Bobby Tambling (1959-1970)
The Record-Setting Pioneer
For over 40 years, Tambling held the record for the Blues’ deadliest goalscoring with an incredible 202 goals (now 2nd all-time). Tambling was a ruthlessly efficient finisher and holds the club record for most goals in one game with five Vs Aston Villa, scored in 1966 โ he shares the record with only Jimmy Greaves and George Hilsdon. He played in an era when the club was less successful but provided consistent brilliance, even top scoring for Chelsea for five consecutive seasons. Tambling was loyal and had remarkable goal output (164 league goals), and this qualification him as one of the best.
4. Jimmy Greaves (1957-1961)
The Most Natural Finisher
Although Greaves had a relatively short career at Chelsea, his goalscoring records are unmatched from a pure rate perspective. While he found the net on 132 occasions in 169 matches (130 + 1), he scored a staggering 41 league goals in the 1960-61 season, which is a club record. Greaves also hit the back of the net 13 times while playing for the Blues, with a natural instinct to put the ball in the net and mental calmness in front of goal.
5. Kerry Dixon (1983-1992)
The Second Division Hero & Top-Flight Star
Dixon’s goals were vital to the Blues’ deadliest resurgence in the 1980s. He fired Chelsea back to promotion from Division Two in his first season. He scored 28 goals in the process. Then went on to win the First Division Golden Boot in 1984/85, his one and only Golden Boot. Dixon entertained Chelsea fans for the best part of nine seasons. With his powerful all-round play, he became a fan favourite with his all-important goals (193 goals, 3rd all-time). Dixon also set the club record for League Cup goals (25) which also demonstrates his consistency and importance to the club in all competitions during a turbulent period for the club.
6. Diego Costa (2014-2017)
The Ferocious Catalyst
No striker epitomized the aggressive win at all costs mindset when Jose Mourinho was pursuing titles with Chelsea more than Diego Costa. When Chelsea signed him they expected goals that would deliver the Premier League, and he did deliver, twice. In his three seasons at Chelsea he scored 20 league goals in both league winning years (2014/15 and 2016/17). This is something no other Chelsea striker has achieved since. Costa created 59 goals with sheer aggression, fantastic hold up play, and the ability to upset defenders. He may not have lasted as long as others on this list. But the direct involvement in attaining two titles and the rank impact on his team cannot be understated.
The Legacy of Goals
From Tambling’s record-breaking exploits and Osgood’s regal stylishness to Drogba’s tectonic finals influence and Costa’s aggressive title challenges; these six strikers represent the Chelsea attacking pantheon. Each of them were more than scorers; they were winners, icons, and creators of excellence whose goals scripted the most exciting chapters in the Blues’ history book. There have been other greats like Gianfranco Zola (80 goals) or Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (87 goals in 177 games), who delighted, but it was the combination of output, trophies, and iconic moments that has earned the sextet’s place as Chelsea’s all-time great striking legend.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
