For over a century, the pride of Chelsea Football Club has often come on the backs of brilliant defensive moments. This was triggered by unbelievable guardians of the net. These shot-stoppers changed turmoil to tranquility and despair to elation in what can sometimes be a fragile fan base. All while earning their rightful place in the annals of Stamford Bridge history. We rank the six most illustrious individuals who have worn the gloves most famously to protect Chelsea’s goalposts.
1. Petr Čech (2004–2015)
The Titan of Stamford Bridge
No one goalkeeper in Chelsea’s history can match the sheer dominance and time in service that Petr Čech enjoyed. Arriving from Rennes in 2004 for £7 million, Čech the rock at the heart of José Mourinho’s “defensive fortress,” unbelievably conceding just 15 goals as a Premier League rookie in a new country and culture, a record which has not yet been broken. When it comes to an all-time great, you are talking about Petr Cech. He was able to achieve 228 clean sheets in 494 overall appearances with a 46% clean sheet rate overall, and a plethora of memorable performances, as well as an incredibly memorable performance. This included his memorable performance against Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final where he saved a pair of penalties from the Germans to help Chelsea win their first of two European trophies.
2. Peter Bonetti (1959–1979)
The Ageless Cat
Norbert ‘Nobby” Stiles played for Chelsea Football Club on one occasion in a ‘County Cup Match’. Stiles was an indispensable member of the World Cup-winning England team in 1966. The team known for letting down, Stiles was a defensive giant. He was only (5’6″) inches tall but was hard as steel. He was so hard that in the 1966 World Cup Final he lost several teeth and played on. Moreover, Stiles is best known for spectacular and gladiatorial style of play and remains as one of the greatest goalkeepers.
3. Thibaut Courtois (2014–2018)
The Belgian Wall
The response to the departure of Courtois to Real Madrid in 2018 should not overshadow the successes and contributions to two spells at Chelsea FC. Courtois was returning to Chelsea FC after a large loan period at Atlético Madrid, and the club went on to win 2 Premier League titles (2015 and 2017), and also the Golden Glove in 2016-17 after recording 19 clean sheets. His 6’7″ stature and reflexes made him a legitimate nightmare for all attackers in the Premier League. Courtois, thanks to his exceptional ability, conceding on average fewer than 1 goal per game against in title winning years 2014-15 and 2016-17.
4. Carlo Cudicini (2000–2009)
The Silent Artist
At times Cudicini was obscured by the giant personality of Čech. But he was among the greatest goalkeepers in my sight. Chelsea fc bought him for just £160,000 and he earned Player of the Year in 2002 (2002-03). Cudicini was the top goalkeeper in the Premier League in 2002-03. Moreover, he produced some incredible cat-like saves and penalty stopping (stopping 6 penalties out of 13) before the era of Abramovich. Even after 2004, when he was a number 2 choice goalkeeper. Yet, he still showed incredible loyalty and technical ability throughout the remainder of his career and at Chelsea FC left his mark on the club.
5. Edouard Mendy (2020–2023)
The Continental Conqueror
Mendy’s rise was as implausible as it was rapid. He became Chelsea’s Champions League hero; one of the signings of the 2020-21 season at £22 million from Rennes, Mendy registered 9 clean sheets that season (including final against Manchester City) earning him the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award. While he’s certainly not in as good form as he was when he signed, his 49 clean sheets in 105 matches to date (27% of appearances), and 2 trophies with the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, this puts him into the extraordinary category of greatest goalkeepers for Chelsea.
6. Ed de Goey (1997–2003)
The Dutch Foundation
De Goey was the centrepiece of Chelsea’s renaissance, prior to Abramovich. Moreover, De Goey was part of the winning team that lifted the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1998 and the FA Cup in 2000. In the 1999-00 season, he set the club record for most clean sheets in a season: 27, from 59 appearances. He provided an experienced presence at goal, as Chelsea entered their Champions League phase of their evolution. Standing at 6’6”, De Goey commanded his box with a calm confidence (and, in time, amongst a youth team), bridging both eras of greatest goalkeepers, which shone brightly for the club.
The Legacy Lives On
The likes of Bonetti’s acrobatics and Čech’s football intelligence, these goalkeepers have shaped eras, instead of simply saving shots. They can be described as reimagining the ‘art of goalkeeping’. Those split-second decisions hold court in the ages & are a reflection in Chelsea today’s stories, evolving from a club of resilience, thriving on glory.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
