Drogba headlines 5 greatest African players to play for Chelsea as the Blues celebrate 119th anniversary

On Sunday, Chelsea celebrated their 119th anniversary.

The club has won plenty of silverware and witnessed legendary footballers wear their iconic blue jerseys.

African footballers have represented the club in the last few decades and most of them stood out.

Derek Smethurst was the first African player to play for the Blues in the 1970s, and it took 20 years for Chelsea to sign another African, Mark Stein.

Years later, a few high-profile names began to grace Stamford Bridge. But who are the greatest?

Top 5 Africans to play for Chelsea

5. Geremi - Cameroon

The Cameroonian made over 100 appearances for Chelsea. He is arguably one of the most decorated African players of all time. Before joining Chelsea, he had won two Champions League and La Liga titles with Real Madrid in the early 2000s.

In England, he was part of the Jose Mourinho side that won two Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006.

His trophy cabinet is embellished by two Africa Cup of Nations titles and an Olympic gold medal.

4. Salomon Kalou - Ivory Coast

The Ivorian legend didn't have a prominent role at Chelsea, but he was a vital player at the club. Kalou scored important goals at the club and was rewarded with the biggest trophy in club football, the Champions League. He played six seasons at Chelsea and scored 60 goals.

He won the 2010 Premier League title, the 2012 Champions League, and four FA Cups.

3. Michael Essien - Ghana

The Ghanaian is one the best defensive midfielders in Premier League history. He arrived at Chelsea in 2006 and quickly became an influential figure in the team.

He spent nine seasons at Chelsea but was plagued by injuries at the tail end of his spell at the club.

He won two Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League.

He made 256 appearances at Chelsea. Who can forget Essien's spectacular goal against Arsenal in 2006?

2. John Obi Mikel - Nigeria

Mikel almost joined Manchester United instead of Chelsea. After joining the Blues, he was a mainstay in the starting eleven.

He spent 10 seasons at the club and won two league titles and the 2012 Champions League. He left the club in 2017 after making 372 appearances.

Mikel also won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. He is one of the most underrated midfielders.

1. Didier Drogba - Ivory Coast

Drogba might be the greatest African to play in the Premier League. Despite starting his professional career at 23, the Ivorian went on to become one of the best strikers in the game. He scored in games, and he was clutch.

His goal in the 2012 Champions League final is a perfect example. He dragged Chelsea from the jaws of defeat to glory.

He played nine seasons at Chelsea and was instrumental in their four Premier League titles.

Drogba made 381 appearances at Chelsea and scored 164 goals. He is third in the club's all-time top scorers list, behind Frank Lampard and Bobby Tambling, per Transfermarkt.