Michael Essien cemented his legacy as a legendary Chelsea player
Some Chelsea fans have heaped praises on legendary Ghanaian footballer, Michael Essien, as August 18, 2025, marked exactly 20 years since the club signed him from French side Lyon.
In 2005, the Black Stars midfielder signed with Premier League side Chelsea for a £24.4 million transfer fee.
The fee made him the most expensive African footballer at that time.
At Chelsea, Essien helped the club win the Premier League in 2006 and 2010, as well as three FA Cups and one League Cup.
Semenyo, Kudus, Partey: How Ghanaian players performed over the weekend
He won the UEFA Champions League in 2011-12 and also placed as runner-up in the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League.
He won the Chelsea Goal of the Season award twice, in the 2006-07 and 2008-09 seasons.
In an X post by Chelsea’s official account on August 19, 2025, it was written, “Michael Essien signed for the Blues #OnThisDay in ’05!”
In reaction to celebrating the player’s 20-year milestone with the club, some fans noted that Essien’s exploits for the club make him an absolute legend who will be remembered in history.
Watch the emotional moment Neymar and Coutinho reunited in Brazilian Série A clash
Others described his performances as monstrous, citing how he controlled the midfield and his precise passing and goal-scoring ability made him a standout, thereby earning him the title ‘king’.
Read the comments below:
Congrats legend!
— Jin (@JinMetaX) August 19, 2025
Micheal Essien was a real baller ..Happy birthday to you legend !!!we miss your style of football
— Aprokocommunity (@Bart72015P) August 19, 2025
An absolute monster of a midfielder 💙🙂
— CHESS (@cfcmike_chess) August 19, 2025
The master of long shoots
— NDEMA👑 (@jeanpaulndema) August 19, 2025
Better than all Chelsea current players combined
— Ridwan (@Rddixcrypt) August 19, 2025
The Bison 🦬. How I miss this guy on the field
— Blue Arena & More (@BlueArenaNmore) August 19, 2025
Legend! Essien in the middle was pure steel.
— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 19, 2025
Essien fit mark you and your shadow join 😂
— DeeVoidElder (@DeeVoidElder) August 19, 2025
Essien’s tackles were so legendary he probably left permanent dents in Stamford Bridge. Thoughts on who fills those shoes today, Chelsea fans? 💥
— Mido (@itsjustmido) August 19, 2025
Thats 20years now….. Just like yesterday… What a compatible player and a truly LEGEND
— Prince of Lagos✍️ (@Essiensema) August 19, 2025
SB/VPO
Meanwhile, watch videos from the 31st Ordinary Congress of the GFA
