2006 Chelsea Home – Andriy Shevchenko #7 Medium

Season Overview

The 2006–07 season saw Chelsea continue their reign as one of Europe’s elite clubs under José Mourinho. After winning back-to-back Premier League titles, expectations were higher than ever as Roman Abramovich invested heavily once again, most notably bringing Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko to Stamford Bridge from AC Milan. Chelsea entered the campaign aiming to defend their league crown while finally capturing the UEFA Champions League, the one major trophy that had eluded Mourinho’s side.

Chelsea mounted a determined Premier League title challenge but ultimately finished second with 83 points, six behind Manchester United. Despite an impressive defensive record and another strong season from key figures such as Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, John Terry, and Petr Čech, injuries to several important players—including captain John Terry and goalkeeper Petr Čech—proved costly during crucial stretches of the campaign. Manchester United’s consistency eventually ended Chelsea’s two-year dominance of English football.

Cup competitions, however, provided plenty of success. Chelsea defeated Arsenal 2–1 in the League Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium, with Didier Drogba scoring both goals in an ill-tempered match remembered for multiple late red cards. The Blues also lifted the FA Cup by defeating Manchester United 1–0 after extra time in the first FA Cup Final held at the newly rebuilt Wembley Stadium. Drogba once again proved decisive, scoring the winning goal in the 116th minute to secure Mourinho’s fourth major trophy in England.

In Europe, Chelsea reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the third consecutive season. After eliminating Porto and Valencia in the knockout rounds, they faced Liverpool in another memorable European encounter. Liverpool prevailed on penalties at Anfield following a 1–1 aggregate draw, denying Chelsea a place in the final once again. Although the Premier League title slipped away, winning both domestic cups ensured the 2006–07 season remained one of Chelsea’s strongest of the modern era. The classic royal blue home shirt worn throughout the campaign has since become a beloved vintage football shirt and an iconic retro soccer jersey from Mourinho’s first spell in charge.

Player’s Impact – Andriy Shevchenko

The 2006–07 season marked Andriy Shevchenko’s first year at Chelsea following his high-profile €43 million transfer from AC Milan. Widely regarded as one of the finest strikers in world football after winning the 2004 Ballon d’Or, expectations surrounding his arrival were enormous. Chelsea supporters anticipated that Shevchenko would add another world-class goalscorer to an already formidable attack led by Didier Drogba.

Adapting to English football proved more difficult than many expected. Shevchenko finished the season with 14 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, including just four goals in the Premier League. While he showed flashes of the clinical finishing that had made him a legend in Serie A, he often struggled to adjust to the Premier League’s physicality and Chelsea’s tactical system. Mourinho’s preference for Drogba as the focal point of the attack meant Shevchenko frequently operated in unfamiliar positions or shared responsibilities that limited his influence.

Despite those challenges, Shevchenko still produced several memorable moments. He scored important goals in the Champions League group stage and knockout rounds, including strikes against Levski Sofia, Werder Bremen, and Porto. Domestically, he contributed valuable goals in both cup competitions and remained a hardworking presence despite intense media scrutiny surrounding his performances. His professionalism and willingness to adapt earned respect even as he searched for his best form.

Although the season did not match the extraordinary standards Shevchenko had established at AC Milan, it remains a significant chapter in Chelsea’s history. His arrival symbolized Abramovich’s ambition to assemble one of Europe’s greatest squads, and wearing the famous number 7 shirt added another layer of prestige to an already star-studded team. Today, the 2006–07 Chelsea home vintage football shirt represents the beginning of Shevchenko’s Premier League journey and remains a sought-after retro soccer jersey for collectors who appreciate the Galáctico-style ambition of Mourinho’s Chelsea.

Chelsea Squad – 2006–07 Season

Manager: José Mourinho

Goalkeepers: Petr Čech, Carlo Cudicini, Hilário

Defenders: John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Paulo Ferreira, William Gallas, Khalid Boulahrouz, Wayne Bridge, Glen Johnson, Tal Ben Haim

Midfielders: Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Claude Makélélé, Joe Cole, Arjen Robben, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Ballack, Geremi, Lassana Diarra, Salomon Kalou

Forwards: Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko, Hernán Crespo, Claudio Pizarro, Ben Sahar