A remarkably dependable defender who has a legitimate claim to be the nation’s greatest left-back of all time, Ashley Cole was a generational talent, and the first Black man to earn 100 England caps.
Born and bred in London, a young Ashley initially started out as a forward with the Gunners’ academy, filling in at full-back but very quickly proving himself adept in the role. Four years later, he was making his debut in the famous red and white shirt, replacing Ray Parlour ahead of extra time in a Worthington Cup tie at Middlesbrough.
During this first season, he made fourteen appearances in the division below with Crystal Palace, before returning to make his Premier League debut on the final day of the 1999-2000 campaign. He soon capitalised on an injury to first-choice left-back Sylvinho to break more permanently into the first team, making the position his own.
Established as a starter from 2001-02 onwards, Cole lifted his first silverware – the Premier League title and the FA Cup – that season, and was an integral member of Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ squad of 2003-04. Cole had made over 200 appearances for Arsenal by 2006, but a contract dispute and tapping-up allegations soured his final months at Highbury.
In the summer of 2006, Cole made the move to local rivals Chelsea for £5 million plus William Gallas, who moved in the other direction. During his time in North London, Cole had won two titles and three FA Cups, but would add to that haul considerably with the big-spending West London club.
Recovering from a knee injury, he was among the substitutes but did not feature in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over old club Arsenal in the 2007 League Cup Final, but did play the final twelve minutes of the Blues’ extra-time win over Manchester United in that season’s FA Cup Final. After establishing himself over Wayne Bridge as Chelsea’s starting left-back, Cole played every minute of three more FA Cup triumphs at Wembley – in 2009, 2010 and 2012 – as well as lifting another Premier League title.
On the European front, Cole had been a Champions League runner-up with Arsenal in 2006. Six years later, the 31-year-old was tasked with keeping Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben quiet in the final at the Allianz Arena. With the scores level at the end of extra time, the 2012 final was determined by a penalty shootout. Cole, not renowned for his goalscoring prowess, nevertheless converted a crucial spot kick, levelling proceedings after Ivica Olic’s miss.
One year on from that Champions League success, Cole lifted the final trophy of his career, the Europa League, in 2013. He remained at Stamford Bridge for one more season, before ending his career with spells at Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby County.
On the international stage, Cole made his England debut in 2001, two months shy of his 21st birthday. He was practically ever-present at five major tournaments, and was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament for Euro 2004. In a 2013 friendly against Brazil, Cole became the seventh man in history to win 100 England caps, and the second Black player to reach the landmark, after fellow Arsenal player Rachel Yankey.
Cole’s technical qualities, football intelligence and high stamina and work rate consistently drew praise from teammates and opponents alike. Patrick Vieira compared him to Paolo Maldini. Ronaldinho called him a fantastic defender. Cristiano Ronaldo said he was the hardest full-back to play against.
385 Premier League appearances, three titles, seven FA Cups, a Champions League winners’ medal and 107 caps for his country. Ashley Cole is one of the most successful English left-backs of all time – and arguably the greatest.
Principal clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea
Major honours: 3 Premier League titles, 7 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, 1 Champions League, 1 Europa League
International caps: 107
Inducted: 2025
