While the spotlight often shines brightest on outfield players, Chelsea’s goalkeeper position has been one of drama and resilience, the unsung backbone of countless campaigns.
Even when the team struggled to find consistency elsewhere, the men between the Stamford Bridge sticks have delivered unforgettable moments and performances that have turned the tide of seasons since the Premier League's inception.
Some goalkeepers have become legends, helping the club achieve unprecedented success, while others had flashes of brilliance that cemented their place in Chelsea's history.
Here Are Chelsea’s 10 Best Goalkeepers in Premier League History
10. Dave Beasant (1988–1993)
Dave Beasant’s Chelsea tenure was brief but memorable. Arriving in 1989 with a reputation as a dependable and commanding goalkeeper, he brought experience and leadership to Stamford Bridge. Known for his penalty-saving heroics, including a famous stop in the 1988 FA Cup final with Wimbledon, Beasant bolstered Chelsea's defence.
However, his time was marked by ups and downs, including a bizarre toe injury and a brief exclusion following costly errors. Despite the challenges, Beasant's professionalism left a lasting impression on the club during a transitional period.
9. Frode Grodas (1996–1997)
Frode Grodås may not have had a long career at Chelsea, but his contribution during the 1996/97 season earned him a special place in the club’s history. The Norwegian international, already a seasoned goalkeeper with several caps for his country, brought a calm authority to the team during a transformative period under player-manager Ruud Gullit.
While Grodås' stint at Stamford Bridge was relatively brief, it was capped with an unforgettable high point: his role in Chelsea’s triumph in the 1997 FA Cup final, a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. This victory ended a 26-year trophy drought, and for Grodås, it cemented his legacy as a goalkeeper who played a pivotal part in a defining chapter of the club's history.
8. Kevin Hitchcock (1988–2001)
Kevin Hitchcock spent 13 years at Chelsea, carving out a reputation as a dependable and loyal goalkeeper despite limited opportunities. Joining the Blues from Mansfield Town in 1988 for £250,000, he debuted in a 1–0 defeat to Southampton but faced tough competition and injuries, making just 96 league appearances.
However, Hitchcock's presence on the bench was invaluable, offering reliability whenever called upon. He remained a part of the squad through Chelsea’s evolution into a Premier League force, leaving in 2001 to pursue coaching.
7. Dmitri Kharine (1992–1997)
Dmitri Kharine joined Chelsea in December 1992 for £400,000, bringing his sharp reflexes and composure from Russian football. He quickly became a key figure, helping Chelsea reach the 1994 FA Cup Final and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals a year later.
Although injury issues and Ed de Goey's arrival limited his later appearances, Kharine’s 146 games for the club remain a testament to his quality. Though he missed Chelsea’s major trophy triumphs in the late '90s, Kharine’s contributions during earned him respect among Stamford Bridge faithful.
6. Kepa Arrizabalaga (2018–Present)
Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea in 2018 as the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, replacing Thibaut Courtois. He impressed early, debuting in a 3–0 win over Huddersfield and helping Chelsea remain unbeaten in their first 12 Premier League games.
Kepa’s first season included highs and lows. In the 2019 EFL Cup Final against Manchester City, he controversially refused to be substituted, though he later redeemed himself with two crucial penalty saves in the UEFA Europa League semi-final shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt. Chelsea went on to win the final 4–1 over Arsenal, capping a tumultuous yet successful debut season.
5. Ed de Goey (1997–2000)
Ed de Goey, a towering figure in Dutch football, enjoyed a 20-year career highlighted by consistency and success. Beginning with Sparta Rotterdam and Feyenoord, he won the Eredivisie in 1993 and four KNVB Cups, earning the Dutch Golden Boot in 1994.
De Goey joined Chelsea in 1997 for £2.25 million, excelling in his early seasons with records for appearances and clean sheets. He played a key role in winning the League Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, and FA Cup before transferring to Stoke City, where he later moved into coaching, sharing his expertise at clubs such as RKC Waalwijk and VOC Rotterdam.
4. Edouard Mendy (2020–2022)
Édouard Mendy’s rise to prominence is a story of perseverance. Released early in his career, he nearly quit football before a chance with Marseille’s reserves reignited his journey. Establishing himself at Reims and Rennes, Mendy’s steady performances earned him a move to Chelsea in 2020 for £22 million.
In his debut season at the Bridge under Thomas Tuchel's leadership, Mendy’s record nine clean sheets propelled Chelsea to Champions League glory, where he also earned UEFA and FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year honours.
3. Carlo Cudicini (2000–2009)
Carlo Cudicini is regarded as one of Chelsea's all-time great goalkeepers for his exceptional shot-stopping, consistency, and contributions during a pivotal period in the club's history. Joining Chelsea in 1999 for a modest £300,000, Cudicini quickly established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper, winning the club's Player of the Year award in 2001–02.
In the 2002–03 season, he was recognised as the Premier League's top goalkeeper, renowned for his penalty-saving prowess and acrobatic saves. Despite fierce competition from Petr Cech later in his career, Cudicini’s professionalism and reliability solidified his legacy, earning him a place among Chelsea’s legends.
2. Thibaut Courtois (2014–2018)
Courtois was the long-term answer to Chelsea’s goalkeeper dilemma after Cech’s departure. Signed in 2011, Chelsea loaned the young Belgian to Atletico Madrid, where he became one of Europe’s premier goalkeepers.
Upon his return in 2014, Courtois immediately became Chelsea’s number one, helping lead the Blues to the Premier League title in 2015 and again in 2017, with a Golden Glove to boot.
His presence between the sticks was commanding, and his reflexes, shot-stopping, and composure in big moments made him one of the best in the world. Though his departure in 2018 to Real Madrid was bitter and marked by tension with fans, there’s no denying Courtois’ place as one of Chelsea’s greatest keepers of all-time.
1. Petr Cech (2004–2015)
No Chelsea goalkeeper has reached the legendary status of Petr Cech. Signed in 2004, Cech was pivotal in the club’s golden era. His arrival coincided with José Mourinho’s first stint at Chelsea, and together, they forged a defensive fortress that saw Chelsea win back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.
Cech wasn't just a shot-stopper, he was also a leader, with his calm demeanour and ability to pull off miraculous saves. His most famous moment came in the 2012 Champions League final, where he saved a penalty in the shootout to secure Chelsea’s first-ever European Cup.
By the time he left the club in 2015, Cech had won 13 major honours with Chelsea, including four Premier League titles, and established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.
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