Chelsea FC: The First European Club to Conquer All International Trophies

Chelsea Football Club etched their name into the annals of football history by becoming the first European club to win every major UEFA men’s senior club competition, capped off with a resounding 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final. This triumph in Athens, Greece, completed an unprecedented collection of international silverware, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Cup, Conference League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea’s remarkable achievement places them in a league of their own, surpassing even the most storied clubs in European football.

A Journey Through Chelsea’s Trophy Cabinet

Chelsea’s path to this historic milestone spans decades, showcasing resilience, ambition, and moments of brilliance. Below is a detailed look at each of the international trophies that have cemented their legacy:

• UEFA Champions League (2012, 2021)
  Chelsea’s first Champions League triumph came in 2012, when they defied the odds to defeat Bayern Munich on penalties in a dramatic final at the Allianz Arena. Under the interim management of Roberto Di Matteo, Didier Drogba’s heroics—scoring the equalizer and the decisive penalty—secured the coveted trophy. Nine years later, in 2021, Thomas Tuchel led a rejuvenated Chelsea side to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in Porto, with Kai Havertz’s goal sealing their second European crown.
• UEFA Europa League (2013, 2019)
  The Europa League added to Chelsea’s growing reputation as a continental powerhouse. In 2013, under Rafael Benítez, a last-gasp header from Branislav Ivanović clinched a 2-1 win over Benfica in Amsterdam. The second title came in 2019, with Maurizio Sarri guiding Chelsea to a 4-1 rout of Arsenal in Baku, powered by Eden Hazard’s brace in his final game for the club.
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1971, 1998)
  Chelsea’s first European trophy arrived in 1971, when they defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a replayed final in Athens, with goals from Peter Osgood and John Dempsey. They claimed the Cup Winners’ Cup again in 1998, overcoming Stuttgart 1-0 in Stockholm, thanks to Gianfranco Zola’s strike shortly after coming off the bench.
• UEFA Super Cup (1998, 2021)
  The Super Cup, contested between the winners of the Champions League and Europa League (or its predecessors), was first won by Chelsea in 1998 with a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in Monaco, courtesy of Gus Poyet’s goal. Their second Super Cup came in 2021, when they beat Villarreal 6-5 on penalties in Belfast after a 1-1 draw, with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s shootout heroics proving decisive.
• UEFA Conference League (2025)
  The newest addition to UEFA’s competitions, the Conference League, completed Chelsea’s set. On May 28, 2025, under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea dominated Real Betis 4-1 in Athens. Cole Palmer’s penalty, Nicolas Jackson’s header, and goals from João Félix and Christopher Nkunku showcased their attacking prowess, with Betis managing only a late consolation goal.
• FIFA Club World Cup (2022)
  Chelsea’s global credentials were affirmed in 2022 when they won the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. A 2-1 extra-time victory over Palmeiras, sealed by Kai Havertz’s penalty, made Chelsea the third English club to claim the title, following Manchester United and Liverpool.

A Historic Milestone

While clubs like Ajax, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Manchester United have also won all major international trophies available during their eras, Chelsea’s inclusion of the Conference League—a competition introduced in 2021—sets them apart. Juventus was the first to win three different major UEFA trophies (Champions League, Cup Winners’ Cup, and UEFA Cup) in 1985, but Chelsea’s sweep of all five UEFA men’s senior club competitions is a first in European football. The FIFA Club World Cup further elevates their achievement, aligning them with an elite group that includes Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

The significance of this feat is underscored by the rarity of winning across different eras and competitions. The Cup Winners’ Cup, discontinued in 1999, is no longer attainable, making Chelsea’s 1971 and 1998 victories a testament to their longevity. The Conference League, meanwhile, represents the modern evolution of European football, and Chelsea’s swift conquest of it highlights their adaptability under owner Todd Boehly’s ambitious vision.

Context and Comparisons

Some sources have sparked debate by referring to Chelsea winning “all four” or “all three” major UEFA trophies, likely reflecting differing views on which competitions count as “major.” For clarity, Chelsea’s five UEFA trophies cover every senior men’s club competition offered by UEFA, a distinction no other European club can claim. Their closest rivals, such as Manchester United (who lack the Conference League) and Bayern Munich (missing the Conference League and having only one Cup Winners’ Cup), fall just short of this complete set.

Chelsea’s achievement also resonates beyond Europe. Their 2022 Club World Cup win places them alongside global giants like Real Madrid, who have won the competition five times, and Barcelona, with three titles. However, Chelsea’s unique combination of all UEFA trophies and the Club World Cup creates a legacy unmatched in its breadth.

The Road Ahead

This historic milestone comes at a time when Chelsea are reasserting themselves as a force in European football. The 2024-25 season, marked by their Conference League triumph, has seen a revitalized squad under Maresca, blending young talents like Cole Palmer with experienced stars like João Félix. The club’s ability to navigate financial regulations, a competitive Premier League, and the expanded UEFA competition formats demonstrates their strategic and on-pitch prowess.

As Chelsea celebrate this unprecedented achievement, the question now is whether they can build on this legacy. With a young, dynamic squad and a clear vision, the Blues are well-positioned to pursue further domestic and international glory. For now, though, Stamford Bridge can revel in a feat that cements Chelsea’s place as one of football’s all-time greats—the first European club to win every international trophy on offer.