Chelsea’s remarkable journey in the Premier League has been a thrill ride of epic proportions. With a trophy cabinet brimming with two Champions League titles and six Premier League crowns, it’s clear that this team has been a dominant force in English football.
But what’s behind their success? Well, in a word: goals.
The Stamford Bridge outfit has been blessed with some truly exceptional goal-scorers – the kind of players who can turn a game on its head with a single, quick strike.
From the Golden Boot winners to the cult heroes, these players have all contributed to Chelsea’s status as a force to be reckoned with in English football.
We take a close look at Chelsea’s top 10 Premier League goalscorers since the competition’s initiation in 1992.
1. Frank Lampard – 147
Lampard isn’t just Chelsea’s all-time top scorer; he’s a legend of consistency, professionalism, and remarkable goal-scoring prowess.
Lampard’s arrival at Chelsea from West Ham United in 2001 didn’t initially set pulses racing. However, it didn’t take long for him to show his worth.
Under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri and later Jose Mourinho, Lampard blossomed into one of the best midfielders in the world.
His ability to time late runs into the box was almost telepathic, often finding himself on the end of crosses and through balls that he would invariably finish with aplomb.
His 22-goal haul in the 2009-2010 season remains one of the highest ever by a midfielder in a single Premier League campaign.
Beyond the numbers, Lampard’s goals often came at crucial times.
Who could forget his brace against Bolton Wanderers in April 2005, which secured Chelsea’s first league title in 50 years? Or his decisive goal against Barcelona in the Champions League?
His knack for scoring in high-pressure situations endeared him to the Chelsea faithful and earned him the reputation of a big-game player.
2. Didier Drogba – 104
Didi’s legacy at Chelsea is powerful, passionate, and unforgettable moments.
Scoring 104 Premier League goals, Drogba’s time at Stamford Bridge is a tale of a player who rose to the occasion when it mattered most, becoming a symbol of strength and resilience.
Brought in by then-manager Jose Mourinho from Marseille in 2024 to spearhead his attack. His arrival was met with skepticism by some, but it didn’t take long for the Ivorian to make his mark.
His blend of physicality, pace, and finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders. Drogba could outmuscle opponents, win aerial duels, and unleash unstoppable shots from any range.
He had an uncanny knack for finding the net in finals, earning him the nickname “The Ultimate Big-Game Player.”
His goals in the 2007 FA Cup Final, the 2010 FA Cup Final, and, most famously, the 2012 Champions League Final, where he scored the equalizer and the winning penalty, are etched into Chelsea history.
3. Eden Hazard – 85
With his dazzling dribbles and breathtaking goals, he carved out a place in Chelsea’s history as one of the most exciting players to ever wear the blue shirt.
Hazard arrived at Chelsea in 2012 from Lille, with a burgeoning reputation as one of Europe’s most promising talents. It didn’t take long for him to prove his abilities in the Premier League.
From the moment he set foot on the pitch, it was clear that Hazard possessed a rare blend of speed, agility, and technical skill that could turn any game on its head.
One of Hazard’s most remarkable traits was his dribbling ability. He could move past defenders with an ease that made it look like child’s play, leaving them trailing in his wake.
His low center of gravity, combined with quick feet and sharp turns, meant he could navigate through the tightest of spaces. Opponents often resorted to fouling him, knowing it was the only way to stop his marauding runs.
His goals against Arsenal in 2017, where he danced through half their team, and against West Ham in 2019, where he dribbled past five defenders, are prime examples of his genius.
4. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 69
Hasselbaink joined Chelsea in the summer of 2000, arriving from Atletico Madrid with a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer.
His arrival coincided with a period of change at Chelsea, and he quickly established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League.
His debut season saw him win the Golden Boot, scoring 23 league goals.
One of Hasselbaink’s most defining characteristics was his powerful shot. Whether it was a thunderous strike from outside the box or a venomous volley, Hasselbaink had the uncanny ability to unleash shots that left goalkeepers with no chance.
His physical strength allowed him to hold off defenders, while his quick release and pinpoint accuracy made him a constant threat in front of goal.
Among his many memorable goals, his long-range efforts against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur stand out.
These goals not only showed his incredible shooting abilities but also his knack for stepping up in big games.
5. Gianfranco Zola – 59
Zola’s contributions went far beyond numbers, summing up the magic and creativity he brought to the game.
He arrived at Stamford Bridge at a time when foreign players were still something of a rarity in the Premier League.
It didn’t take long for the diminutive Italian to make a colossal impact. His debut season saw him win the FWA Footballer of the Year award, despite joining mid-season.
His vision, dribbling, and technical abilities were unrivaled, making him a nightmare for defenders. Zola’s ability to deliver pinpoint passes, take on defenders with ease, and score from seemingly impossible angles turned him into a fan favorite almost overnight.
His free-kick against Stuttgart in the 1998 Cup Winners’ Cup Final, just seconds after coming on as a substitute, remains one of the most iconic moments in Chelsea’s European history.
Zola’s goals often had a touch of genius.
Whether it was his audacious backheel flick against Norwich City or his curling free-kicks that left goalkeepers rooted to the spot, every goal he scored seemed to carry a piece of magic.
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6. Eidur Gudjohnsen – 54
Gudjohnsen’s contributions were integral to the club’s success in the early 2000s, establishing him as one of the finest forwards of his generation.
He joined the Blues from Bolton Wanderers in 2000, bringing with him a reputation as a clever and adaptable forward.
His ability to play as both a striker and an attacking midfielder made him a valuable asset to the team.
His intelligence on the pitch was evident from the outset; he had an innate understanding of the game, which allowed him to link up play and create opportunities for his teammates.
His partnership with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink became one of the most potent in the Premier League. While Hasselbaink provided the power and explosiveness, Gudjohnsen brought finesse and creativity, forming a complementary duo that terrorized defenses.
Gudjohnsen’s goals came in various forms.
He could score from long range, deliver deft finishes inside the box, and head the ball with precision. His brace against Leeds United in 2003, where he proved his composure and technical ability, stands out as a highlight of his Chelsea career.
7. Diego Costa – 52
Joining from Atletico Madrid, brought in by Jose Mourinho to add firepower to the Blues’ attack. From the moment he arrived, Costa’s presence was felt.
His debut season saw him score 20 Premier League goals, helping Chelsea win the title in emphatic fashion. Costa’s style of play was a perfect blend of physicality and technical ability, making him a nightmare for defenders.
Costa’s ability to hold up the ball, combined with his sharp movement and lethal finishing, made him a complete forward. His tenacity and relentless drive meant he was always in the right place at the right time to capitalize on chances.
He played a key role in two Premier League title wins, in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, and his goals were instrumental in the club’s domestic dominance during this period.
Despite his relatively short stay at Chelsea, Costa’s impact was profound.
His departure in 2017 marked the end of a tumultuous yet successful period. Costa returned to Atletico Madrid, but his legacy at Chelsea remains intact. His 52 Premier League goals, countless memorable performances, and passionate displays have cemented his place as one of the club’s top scorers.
