It was often an obsession to start with for the Blues, with countless managers paying with their heads for failed European campaigns.
Then, finally, salvation. Against all odds, with interim boss Roberto Di Matteo in charge and arguably a far weaker squad than in years gone by, Chelsea won the Champions League against Bayern Munich, in Munich in 2012.
1. Didier Drogba
Appearances: 74
Goals: 36
There was only ever going to be one man to pip Lampard to the post. The epitome of Chelsea's dogged struggle to eventually reach Champions League glory, Drogba dragged the Blues to victory almost single handedly in the final in 2012. One of the club's greatest ever players, it will take some doing to beat this record.
2. Frank Lampard
Appearances: 102
Goals: 23
You knew Super Frank Lampard was coming right up there in this list. A fantastic footballer, Lampard was ridiculously consistent and efficient for Chelsea throughout his career at Stamford Bridge, and the personification of the 'never say die' attitude instilled at the club during the noughties.
A Champions League winner in 2012, he remains the club's all-time top scorer with 211, despite being a central midfielder.
3. Nicolas Anelka
Appearances: 37
Goals: 12
Le Sulk enjoyed the best spell of his tumultuous career at Stamford Bridge, acting as the perfect foil for Didier Drogba and regularly making an impact off the bench.
Unfortunately, the worst moment of his career came in Blue too, as his decisive penalty was saved in the 2008 Champions League final.
4. Fernando Torres
Appearances: 29
Goals: 10
Fernando Torres had some fine moments in the Champions League, scoring arguably the club's most iconic goal (from open play) in the Camp Nou as he ran from the halfway line to round Victor Valdes. He boasts a Champions League winners medal among his haul. Enough said.
5. Willian
Appearances: 41
Goals: 10
Another Brazilian defector to Arsenal, Willian was a consistent performer for Chelsea in all competitions.
The fact he outscored Hazard in fewer games demonstrates he was perhaps not as appreciated as he should have been during his peak years.
6. John Terry
Appearances: 109
Goals: 10
Captain, leader, legend and surprisingly regular goalscorer.
Despite the stalwart being a centre-back, Terry still managed ten Champions League goals, famously dressing in full kit to lift the trophy despite being suspended in 2012.
7. Tore Andre Flo
Appearances: 14
Goals: 8
Another surprise, considering he made fewer than half the appearances that Hazard made.
Nevertheless, Flo was very efficient in front of goal in the Champions League, scoring twice in the quarter-final first-leg victory over Barcelona in 2000. He ended up being joint-third top goalscorer in the competition that year.
8. Timo Werner
Appearances: 17
Goals: 8
The German is yet to really come good at Stamford Bridge, but he scored some important goals during the 2020/21 run.
Werner ended up with three goals that campaign, including a vital one in the semi final success against Real Madrid.
9. Oscar
Appearances: 30
Goals: 8
Perhaps a little surprising to see the mercurial Brazilian this high, but some of his best moments came on Champions League nights (see above).
The exquisite turn on both Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Pirlo, and the whipped finish past Gianluigi Buffon are the enduring memory of his pretty average time at Stamford Bridge.
10. Eden Hazard
Appearances: 38
Goals: 8
Eden Hazard should surely sit higher up this list considering his caliber, but in truth he was never part of a Chelsea setup that shone on Europe's biggest stage.
The furthest he would get would be the semi-final in 2013/14, with future teammate Diego Costa knocking him out. Thankfully, he won plenty elsewhere.
