With Robert Sanchez’s error-prone season between the posts, fans have been calling for a shot-stopper in the mould of Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois. They were not the only ‘keepers to win over the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Robert Sanchez‘s costly error against Manchester City (102.31) allowed Erling Haaland to score in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat, further intensifying the calls for stability between the sticks. It was not his only mistake this season, but it drew significant attention to a longstanding problem: Chelsea’s inability to find a permanent replacement for Courtois.
As Easybet looks back on some of the great Chelsea goalkeepers, there have been five in particular who stood out.
1. Petr Cech
Arguably Chelsea’s greatest-ever goalkeeper, Cech was the backbone of the Blues’ defence for over a decade. He played a crucial role in their Premier League dominance under Jose Mourinho, keeping a record 24 clean sheets in the 2004/05 season. His heroics in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, including saving a penalty in extra time and two in the shootout, cemented his legendary status.
2. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois took over from Cech and quickly made his mark. The towering Belgian was instrumental in Chelsea’s Premier League triumphs in 2014/15 and 2016/17. His reflexes, command of the area, and shot-stopping ability helped the Blues maintain defensive solidity. Though his exit from Real Madrid left some fans bitter, his impact at Stamford Bridge was undeniable.
3. Peter Bonetti
A Chelsea (1.04) icon, Bonetti was known as ‘The Cat’ due to his agility and quick reactions. He spent almost two decades at the club, amassing over 700 appearances. Bonetti was a key figure in Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph in 1970 and remains one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history.
4. Carlo Cudicini
Although he was Petr Cech’s understudy for much of his time at Chelsea, Cudicini was the first-choice goalkeeper before his meteoric rise. Furthermore, the Italian shot-stopper was a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
Cudicini won Chelsea’s Player of the Year award in 2002 and provided several years of consistent performances. While injuries and competition limited his time as a starter, his contributions during the early 2000s were vital.
5. Edouard Mendy
Mendy played an impactful role in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League-winning campaign in 2020/21. His clean sheets and commanding displays helped Chelsea lift the trophy under Thomas Tuchel. Although his form dipped towards the end of his tenure, his impact in securing Chelsea’s second European title ensures his place in club history.
With Chelsea struggling for defensive solidity, fans long for a goalkeeper of this calibre to restore confidence at the back. The club’s history shows they have been blessed with world-class shot-stoppers—something they may need to prioritise once again.
