Chelsea could have had one of the best in the world, and not just once, but twice.
While several Ballon d’Or winners have passed through Stamford Bridge over the years, none of them picked up the award while wearing a Chelsea shirt.
Andriy Shevchenko, George Weah and Ruud Gullit all reached that level elsewhere in their careers before joining the Blues.
Chelsea turned down reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele a few years ago, and apparently fumbled the opportunity to sign another future winner — twice.
Luka Modric admits he tried to join Chelsea twice
Luka Modric will always be remembered as one of Real Madrid’s greatest midfielders, and he’s also the club’s most decorated player.
That’s some achievement given the history of the club, but Modric ended up with more silverware than anyone. And while his legacy is set in Madrid, he recently admitted that he had hoped to make his mark in London too.
Speaking on a podcast with Neuspjeh prvaka, Modric talked about how Chelsea showed interest in him back when he was still at Dinamo Zagreb.
“I wanted to leave, that’s when I got a little upset and had a small conflict. Not a major one, but I was angry at the club because I wanted to leave,” Modric said.
“Then Chelsea appeared, and when the club didn’t want to let me go, Tottenham came in June, and I immediately knew, when that option appeared, knowing the club well and said ‘I’m going.’”
He eventually made it to London through Spurs rather than Stamford Bridge. But Chelsea weren’t done pursuing him. They tried again near the end of his time at Tottenham.
As he explains: “Is it true that president Levy promised you, a year ago if Real called you would go or isn’t it so? It is true that he promised me. When Chelsea didn’t happen in half of that season. He did promise me.
Luka Modric always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid
Luka Modric has admitted publicly before that joining Real Madrid was an opportunity he just couldn’t turn down even if it meant leaving behind something special at Tottenham.
Chelsea may have been frustrated by their failed attempts but looking back now there really wasn’t anything they could have done once Los Blancos entered into negotiations.
Chelsea’s Ballon d’Or drought may soon be over
So far, no Chelsea player has been named the world’s best during their time at Stamford Bridge. But it feels like that could change before too long.
After two consecutive seasons in the conversation, Gary Lineker has tipped Cole Palmer as a future winner. Estevao Willian is also drawing attention as a potential Ballon d’Or candidate.
The Blues also have Moises Caicedo and Reece James, who are both considered among the very best in their respective positions.
Team success plays a big role in the voting, so if Chelsea return to the top of European football, any one of those four could have a strong case to lift the trophy. This year’s award will likely hinge on performances at the World Cup this June.
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