Exactly 18 years passed since Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich took Chelsea under his more-than-comfortable wing. Those who do not like the club from Stamford Bridge claim that is when Chelsea started existing in modern football.Such view partially makes sense – Chelsea were not that noticeable before 2003. Yes, everyone knew who Chelsea were and they did collect several pieces of silverware but they were not considered a constant contender for the English top-tier trophies or titles in European club competitions.The Blues of west London have quite a fanbase around the world and it did exist before 2003 – sure, it was not near as big as it is now but is it safe to say Chelsea are not a ‘plastic’ club which did not see success until huge amounts of money came.Goal.com did some interesting analysis of African influence on Chelsea and the rise of Blues popularity across the continent.#Chelsea fans in Africa celebrating yesterday’s win🤦🏽♂️😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/OhgOZGjPsN— kold world🥶 (@I_am_a_capricon) May 6, 2021 As far as Africa goes, Chelsea’s presence there was first felt mid-last century – 1952 was when South Africa’s Ralph Oelofse became the first African ever to play for the Blues. At that time and a bit later Africans mostly supported clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Ajax, Nottingham Forest – teams that were dominating world of football on a regular basis.Supporting Chelsea in Africa stayed at a low level, despite the presence of African-born talents like South African Mark Stein, Ugandan Joel Kitamirike and Ghana-born Frenchman Marcel Desailly at the London club.Born in a refugee camp, fell in love with lifeEven before dollars came pouring in in 2003, Chelsea saw a number of big African names put on the Blue shirt – Nigerian Celestine Babayaro joined the team in 1997 and in 2000 Liberian George Weah (1995 Ballon d’Or winner) moved to the club on loan from AC Milan.Then came Roman and he brought in Jose Mourinho who openly worshiped the qualities of African footballers. Portuguese manager brought a vast number of them – Ivorians Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, Ghana’s Michael Essien, Cameroonian Geremi Njitap and Nigerian John Obi Mikel.Expectedly, Chelsea’s fanbase in the world’s second-largest and second-most-populous continent witnessed a massive boost. And after that, almost regularly – Stamford Bridge was becoming a home for African players.Not only players but African executives also were hired by Chelsea – former Nigeria international Michael Emenalo, who moved from chief scout to assistant first-team coach to become Chelsea’s technical director.Hudson-Odoi advised not to switch his allegiance to GhanaEmenalo is credited to have overseen the scouting and transfer of massive Chelsea acquirements such as like Egyptian Mohamed Salah, N’Golo Kante, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Thibaut Courtois.Along with almost always having one or more African players in their ranks – Chelsea’s ever-growing trophy cabinet helped in getting more and more African football lovers support the west London club.Since founding of the club in 1905, players with roots in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Liberia, South Africa, Uganda, DR Congo, Sierra Leone, and Senegal have played for Chelsea.3 of Africa’s greatest played for Chelsea pic.twitter.com/ckb7tVSu95— Frazer (@rubenfabregas_4) May 26, 2020 Registered Blues supporters come from Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tunisia and Zimbabwe, according to Chelsea’s official website.Some of the biggest stars in the African entertainment industry – mostly Nigerians (Davido, Mr. P, Rude Boy, Flavour, 9ice, Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Aigbe) are Chelsea fans with a huge social media following.First African keeper to win the Champions League welcomed like a king in SenegalArguably the most successful Africa’s footballer to ever wear the Chelsea kit is Drogba. In 381 appearances for the Blues, he scored 136 goals and undoubtedly inspired the Londoners to win several major trophies.Increasing Chelsea fan base in Africa over the years could keep rising as the current squad can boast with the likes of Senegalese Édouard Mendy, Sierra-Leone rooted German Antonio Rudiger, Moroccan Hakim Ziyech, Malian descent French midfielder Kante, Englishman of Ghanian parents Callum Hudson-Odoi and many more.
