Thiago Silva became Chelsea’s oldest goalscorer at 39 years and 51 days when he headed the Blues first goal in an iconic 4-4 draw against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Thiago Silva’s achievement makes him the fourth oldest player to score in the Premier League, behind Teddy Sheringham, Dean Windass, and Ryan Giggs. He will have to play at least another season to have a chance of beating the 40 years and 251 days set by Teddy Sheringham.
Thiago Silva became Chelsea’s oldest goalscorer against Manchester City
To celebrate his achievement, we have put together a rundown of the five oldest Chelsea goalscorers
5. John Terry (36 Years, 159 Days)
John Terry, made his Chelsea debut in 1998 and left more than 19 years later!
As captain, he led Chelsea to an era of unprecedented success, including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, a League Cup, the UEFA Europa League, and the 2012 UEFA Champions League. Renowned as the best defender of his generation with a knack of scoring crucial goals, Terry made over 700 club appearances, epitomizing loyalty and leadership. He left Chelsea in 2017, as the club’s most successful captain.
Aged 36 years and 159 days, Terry’s goal against Watford in his penultimate game at the club in 2017 was a great sendoff to a stunning career at Stamford Bridge where he won it all!
4. Mal Donaghy (36 Years, 167 Days)
Mal Donaghy, a defender from Northern Ireland, comes next. He is the one player on the list that cannot be classed as a Chelsea legend. Although his goal did come in a scintillating 4-3 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
3. Gianfranco Zola (36 Years, 290 Days)
Gianfranco Zola, Chelsea in 1996 and quickly became a fan favourite for his skill and flair. In his seven-year stint, Zola helped the Blues win two FA Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, and a League Cup. Renowned for his creative playmaking and free-kick expertise, Zola scored 80 goals in 312 appearances. He departed in 2003, etching his name as a Chelsea legend and one of the Premier League’s most gifted imports.
His final goal at 36 years and 290 days was against Everton in 2003. He left at the end of the season but it was obvious that he still had a couple of years left at the top level.
2. Didier Drogba (37 Years, 49 Days)
Didier Drogba, the Ivorian striker, joined Chelsea in 2004 and rapidly became a key figure in the club’s golden era.
His powerful style and clutch performances led to four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and a decisive role in Chelsea’s first UEFA Champions League triumph in 2012.
Didier Drogba’s last goal for the club was set to be in the Champions League Final in 2012 when his first spell ended. After time in Turkey he returned to the Bridge under Jose Mourinho for a final swansong. Whilst not as prolific in his second spell he scored is final goal for Chelsea The against Leicester City in 2015.
1. Thiago Silva – The Ageless Warrior (39 Years, 51 Days)*
To Thiago Silva age is just a number, after joining the club in 2020 he has shown consistent age-defying form that has seen him win the Champions League and be voted the club’s Player of The Year Award for 2022-2023.
So far he has made 94 appearances and scored six goals.
Despite his age, Silva’s remarkable ability to perform at the highest level sets him apart. His goal against Manchester City at 39 years and 51 days old wasn’t just a goal; it was a testament to his enduring class and fitness. Silva continues to show the passion of someone twenty years younger.
