Chelsea FC might be football royalty today, but the Blues weren't always among football's elite. Based in London, they've transformed from modest beginnings into global powerhouses under their previous ownership.
The club has earned their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after winning the 2020/21 Champions League. That victory showcases just how far they've come on the world stage.
Chelsea are one of seven Premier League clubs from London, playing at Stamford Bridge in South London's Hammersmith & Fulham borough. Their stadium ranks as the ninth-largest in the Premier League this season.
London is packed with football clubs – 17 professional teams compete in England's top five leagues. Arsenal, Tottenham, and West Ham are among Chelsea's city rivals, creating exciting betting opportunities for London derbies throughout the season.
The Birth of Chelsea FC
Chelsea was born on March 10, 1905, in a pub called the Rising Sun (now the Butcher's Hook). Businessman Gus Mears founded the club after buying Stamford Bridge Athletics Ground, wanting to host football matches there.
The name 'Chelsea' comes from the nearby London borough, even though the stadium actually sits in Fulham. Other names like 'London FC' and 'Kensington FC' were considered but rejected.
Interestingly, Chelsea's closest geographical rivals are Fulham, but the financial gap between the clubs has made this less of a heated rivalry in recent years. This power imbalance often reflects in betting odds when the teams meet.
Ownership and Club Anthem
Today, Chelsea is owned by BlueCo, a consortium led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, and others. They bought the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022 after his assets were frozen following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Clearlake Capital, a massive American private equity firm, holds the largest stake in Chelsea. Despite Boehly's public profile, he doesn't own the majority share.
The club's famous song 'Blue is the Colour' dates back to 1972. The Chelsea squad recorded it before that year's EFL Cup final, which they unfortunately lost to Stoke City.
The catchy tune has been borrowed by other clubs worldwide, including MLS teams and even national sides. It's become one of football's most recognizable anthems and adds to the atmosphere that makes Chelsea matches exciting for fans and bettors alike.
