At Chelsea, the number 20 shirt has been worn by a few underrated stars and surprising stars who left their mark on the club’s modern history.
Victor Moses' Chelsea career included wearing multiple shirt numbers, such as 20 in the 2015-2016 season.
However, he is most famously associated with the number 15 shirt, which he wore during the highly successful 2016-2017 Premier League-winning season under Antonio Conte, during which he excelled as a right-wing back.
When considering Chelsea's best number 20 players, Victor Moses's impact while wearing the number was limited, as his most important contributions to the Blues came when he wore number 15.
Historically, other notable players who have worn the number 20 for Chelsea are:
Paulo Ferreira
Paulo Ferreira joined Chelsea alongside Jose Mourinho in 2004 as the Portuguese full-back slotted seamlessly into a rock-solid defence that helped the Blues secure their first Premier League title in 50 years.
Ferreira remained a loyal servant to the club, recording 217 appearances and winning 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, the Champions League, and the Europa League.
While not always a regular starter in later years, his versatility, longevity, and quiet leadership make him one of the most respected Chelsea players to wear the number 20.
Alex
Brazilian defender Alex may not be the first name fans recall from Chelsea’s trophy-laden years, but his impact was undeniable. Known for his thunderous free-kicks, Alex was a reliable presence in the Blues' backline between 2007 and 2012.
During his 134 appearances, Alex helped Chelsea win the Premier League and two FA Cups, and contributed to their Champions League victory in 2012.
Though often in the shadow of stars like John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, Alex was an important squad player during one of the club’s most successful eras.
Victor Moses
Few would have predicted that Victor Moses, once a Wigan Athletic attacker often sent out on loan, would become a cornerstone of a Premier League-winning Chelsea side. But under Antonio Conte, that’s exactly what happened.
Moses’ transformation into a right-wing-back during the 2016/17 season was important to Chelsea's title run. His energy, discipline, and surprising tactical intelligence made him an essential figure in Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
Though his role diminished after the Italian’s departure, Moses’ contribution to that memorable campaign cements his place among Chelsea’s best No. 20s.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
A product of the club’s famed Cobham Academy, Callum Hudson-Odoi carried the weight of huge expectations. Touted as one of England’s brightest young talents, he broke into the first team under Maurizio Sarri and became one of the few academy graduates to cross the 100-game mark for Chelsea.
In total, Hudson-Odoi tallied 16 goals and 22 assists in 126 appearances. While his Chelsea career didn’t hit the heights many expected, his raw talent and contributions during his early years keep him firmly on this list, now excelling at Nottingham Forest.
Cole Palmer
When Cole Palmer arrived from Manchester City late in the 2023 summer window, many saw him as a promising but unproven signing.
Wearing the number 20 shirt, Palmer exploded under Mauricio Pochettino, becoming one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.
His 33 goal contributions (22 goals, 11 assists) in 33 league appearances were nothing short of extraordinary.
Nicknamed "Cold Palmer" for his calmness in clutch moments, he quickly became the face of Chelsea’s new era.
The number 20 jersey at Chelsea has carried more importance than many might realise.