The National Football Museum is proud to announce that Ashley Cole, widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history, will be inducted into its prestigious Hall of Fame.
The induction will take place on Wednesday 19 March 2025, at St. George’s Park during an England U21 training session.
Upon the news, Cole said:
“I am honoured to be inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame and would like to thank those who put forward the nomination. Any form of recognition of this stature is always an enormous privilege but it is particularly special to be listed alongside some of the greatest names to have ever played the game.
“I was incredibly proud of the achievements throughout my playing career and hope to continue to make an impact on the game through my next chapter in coaching.”
Ashley Cole’s illustrious career began at his boyhood club Arsenal, making his first-team debut in 1999 at the age of 18. Cole would go on to win two Premier League titles with the Gunners, the second title being the infamous Invincibles squad of 2003-04. He also picked up three FA Cup’s during his time at Arsenal.
Cole then joined Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2006, and despite a knee injury in his debut season, soon solidified himself as an integral member of the team and fan favourite. The streak of accolades would only get longer. He picked up the League Cup in 2007 before winning the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and four FA Cup’s in his 338 games for the Blues.
Internationally, he is part of the Three Lions’ illusive hundred club, amassing 107 caps in an England career which spanned 13 years. He is the most capped black England international.
After just four appearances for the Under-21s, Cole was fast-tracked into the first team and Sven-Göran Eriksson handed Cole his senior debut against Albania, on 28 March 2001. He played for England at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, UEFA Euro 2004 (where he was named as one of four England players in the all-star squad for the tournament) and UEFA Euro 2012.
Cole’s defensive nous and attacking prowess set a benchmark for full-backs worldwide and retired in 2019 with a reputation as one of the best left-backs to have ever played the game.
Since retirement, Cole has coached domestically as well as adopting the role of Assistant Coach for the England U21’s since 2021. Alongside Head Coach Lee Carsley, he also briefly coached England’s first team following Gareth Southgate’s exit. In late 2024, Cole joined the FA on a full-time basis.
Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said:
“Ashley Cole’s impact on English football cannot be overstated. He redefined the full-back role and inspired countless players with his ability, consistency, and career successes. Inducting Ashley into the Hall of Fame at St. George’s Park, where the future of English football is shaped, an area Ashley has committed himself to, feels like a fitting tribute to his incredible legacy.”
The National Football Museum Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the English game. Ashley Cole’s inclusion underscores his personal achievement, legacy and lasting imprint on the English game.
The application window for the Hall of Fame is currently open, and football fans, communities, and clubs across the country are encouraged to nominate the players, coaches, contributors and key figures in football who have made an extraordinary impact on the game.
You can find the form at: nationalfootballmuseum.com/hall-of-fame.