Chelsea Football Club have, in recent times, become one of the most successful teams in English football. Founded in 1905, the club took time before joining the elite ranks, spending much of its early years in the shadows of more dominant sides.
The club’s first major breakthrough came in 1955 with a First Division title. The decades that followed were a rollercoaster—marked by relegations, spirited cup runs, financial challenges, and a loyal following drawn to Stamford Bridge by the club’s attractive football and charismatic stars.
Chelsea’s true transformation began in 2003, with the arrival of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. His investment changed the club’s fortunes dramatically, bringing in top-tier talent and appointing José Mourinho, one of the game’s most iconic managers. What followed was a golden era.
To date, Chelsea have won:
6 English league titles
8 FA Cups
5 League Cups
2 UEFA Champions League titles (2012, 2021)
2 UEFA Europa League titles
2 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups
1 FIFA Club World Cup title
The 2012 Champions League win, secured in dramatic fashion against Bayern Munich in their own backyard, marked the pinnacle of the Abramovich era and earned Chelsea their first appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup. They reached the final but lost 1–0 to Brazilian side Corinthians.
Nearly a decade later, Chelsea returned to the tournament, having beaten Manchester City to win the 2021 Champions League. In 2022, they defeated Palmeiras 2–1 after extra time to lift the FIFA Club World Cup trophy for the first time—completing their rise from domestic contenders to global champions.
Now under American ownership led by Todd Boehly, Chelsea are undergoing another rebuild. With a focus on youth and long-term planning, the club is working toward a new era, though not without its growing pains. Despite recent struggles—including a failure to qualify for the Champions League in 2023—they bounced back to finish fourth last season, securing a return to Europe’s top competition.
Their return to the FIFA Club World Cup—now under an expanded format—presents an opportunity for new manager Enzo Maresca to assess his young squad on a global stage. As his players continue to gel and adapt to his philosophy, the tournament could serve as both a test and a statement for the next generation of Chelsea.
In this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea are placed on Group D alongside Brazil’s Flamengo, Los Angeles Football Club from the USA and Esperance from Tunisia.
On paper, Chelsea are the clear favourites in the group, but must be vary of other sides who will also have a point to prove on the global stage.
