Top seven best players to wear Chelsea's number 10 shirt
Three players on this list are English.
The number 10 jersey is one of the most precious and important jersey numbers for any football team. The same has been true for Chelsea, where some of the best players have worn that jersey number and displayed their magic on the football field. The number ’10’ is generally linked to a technical player, who is responsible for the creative side of the team’s gameplay and can decide matches with his quality.
There have been a number of players who have worn that jersey number at Stamford Bridge, but there have been a few who have displayed what it is to wear that iconic jersey for Chelsea. In this article, we will take a look at the seven best players who have worn the number 10 for Chelsea and the impact that they have had.
7. Christian Pulisic (2020–2023)
Pulisic joined Chelsea in 2019, although he was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund for a few more months. When he fully joined the team, he inherited the number 10 jersey after Hazard’s departure. The pressure was high.
He was the star American signing and had to deliver. In his first season, he showed flashes of what he could do. Pulisic’s pace and acceleration in the final third, his skill in tight spaces and his ability to score from the second line made him stand out.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, he played 145 games, scored 26 goals, and provided 21 assists. His finest moment came in the 2020-21 Champions League, particularly in the semi-finals against Real Madrid, where he scored a crucial goal in the first leg and provided an assist in the second. The Blues went on to win the title that season.
Although injuries prevented Pulisic from further establishing himself, he left behind some memorable moments that fans still remember.
6. Cole Palmer (2023–Present)
Palmer did not take long to make his mark. He arrived from Manchester City in 2023, and although he was not initially expected to take centre stage so quickly, he did. Palmer has the quality, technical ability, and that creative spark that makes him dangerous.
The Englishman is cool in the final third of the pitch, and his ability to read the game makes him very dangerous. He has a style of play reminiscent of the great attacking midfielders, but with a modern mindset. In his first season with the Blues, the Englishman scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions.
Most impressive was the way he took responsibility in difficult moments. Palmer took penalties, took free kicks, and asked for the ball when the team needed oxygen. In no time, it began to show that he was destined for the number 10.
5. Willian (2019-2020)
Willian was already an established member of Chelsea when he took on the number 10 shirt. He had done well with the number 22, but Hazard’s departure left a gap, and he decided to fill it. During the 2019-20 season, he responded with leadership and performance. In the midst of a squad transition, with a young team and no signings due to sanctions, Willian was a guiding force.
That year, he scored 11 goals and provided nine assists. The Brazilian’s approach, pressing, ability to create danger from set pieces, and shooting from long range made a difference. Although he did not stay after the end of the season, his contribution with the number 10 shirt was remarkable. Willian was not Hazard, but he fulfilled a very demanding role with dignity.
4. Ian Hutchinson (1970s)
Few people today remember him in detail, but those who lived through the 1970s know what Hutchinson meant. A physical player with character, he was not as technically gifted as others on this list, but he had a fierce mentality. In the 1970 FA Cup final against Leeds, he provided the assist that sealed the title after a throw-in turned into a deadly weapon.
His style of play contrasted with the fantasy associated with the number 10 shirt, but it was effective. With 10 goals and 15 assists in three key seasons, the Englishman was part of one of the most memorable teams in the Blues’ history. He represented a rawer version of the number, less embellished, but just as influential.
3. Joe Cole (2003-2010)
Joe Cole was the real definition of pure English talent. Chelsea signed him in 2003 from West Ham, and over time, his influence grew. José Mourinho brought out the best in him.
Cole learned to combine the spectacular with the efficient. He played on the left, on the right, or in the middle. Cole possessed dribbling skills, vision, and a quality for the spectacular that won over Stamford Bridge. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he reached his peak between 2006 and 2008.
In total, Cole scored 39 goals and provided 42 assists for Chelsea. The Englishman was a three-time Premier League champion. His goal against Manchester United in 2006 displayed exactly what he was known for: acceleration and finishing. For many, he was the most talented Englishman to ever wear the blue number 10 shirt.
2. Juan Mata (2011-2014)
Few players connected with the fans as quickly as Juan Mata. His signing from Valencia was greeted with enthusiasm, but no one imagined the influence he would have. From his first game, the Spaniard showed his class.
With his left foot, he controlled the pace, threaded impossible passes, and scored from outside the box. Mata was the offensive brain of the team for three intense seasons. He won the Champions League in 2012, the FA Cup that same year, and the Europa League in 2013. In two consecutive seasons (2012 and 2013), he was voted Player of the Year by the fans.
Mata ended his spell with 33 goals and 58 assists in 135 games.
1. Eden Hazard (2014-2019)
Hazard was not only Chelsea’s best number 10, but he was also one of the best players in the club’s history. He inherited the shirt after the World Cup in Brazil and raised his game to another level. The Belgian’s style was artistry, and was met with pace, acceleration, and dribbling skills.
He could start from midfield, leave three opponents behind and finish with clinical precision, and the scariest thing was that he repeated it multiple times. In five seasons wearing the number 10 shirt, Hazard scored 85 goals and provided 61 assists in all competitions. The Belgian was instrumental in winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and two Europa League titles.
His performance in the 2019 final against Arsenal was perfect: two goals, one assist, and total dominance. Stamford Bridge misses him, and there is no one else like him.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.
- Five must have features for Football Manager 2026 to make the wait worthwhile
- "We're not friends" - Lionel Messi opens up about his relationship with long-term rival Cristiano Ronaldo
- Former India head coach Igor Stimac meets PM Narendra Modi during visit to Croatia
- Can Inter Kashi still win the I-League?
- Spain U21 vs England U21 Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA U21 Euro 2025 quarter-final