Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been honored with induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame. Cole is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs to have played in the Premier League, cementing his legacy over a 15-season career that saw him win three league titles.
Cole first broke through at Arsenal, where he was a key part of the iconic “Invincibles” team that went undefeated through the 2003-04 season. During his time with the Gunners, Cole won two Premier League titles and established himself as one of the most formidable defenders in the league.
The moment Ashley Cole received his #PLHallOfFame medallion 🏅
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 25, 2024
In 2006, Cole moved across London to join Chelsea, where he would win another Premier League title in 2009-10 as part of a team that scored a then-record 103 goals. Over the course of his career, Cole made 385 Premier League appearances, contributing to 147 clean sheets, scoring 15 goals, and providing 31 assists.
“I’m honoured to join the Premier League Hall of Fame,” said Cole upon receiving the accolade. “It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career”.
“I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. You take it day by day and game by game. As a young kid, you never dream of any of this and you just do it for the love of the game of footbal”.
“I played for some fantastic clubs with incredible fans. Winning trophies with my boyhood club Arsenal and with Chelsea are amazing memories that will always be with me”.
“It’s emotional to reflect because a lot of hard work has been put in. To join the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand, I’m privileged to be in their company.”
According to the Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters: “If you ask people for the best full-back in Premier League history, many of them would name Ashley Cole. He excelled for title-winning Arsenal and Chelsea sides and helped to redefine the position thanks to his defensive and attacking qualities.
“After breaking through as a youngster at Arsenal, he will always be remembered as part of the iconic ‘Invincibles’ team, whose achievements remain unprecedented to this day.
“He continued his winning ways at Chelsea, forming a key part of one of the highest-scoring sides we have ever seen, and we are delighted to welcome him as the latest inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame.”
Cole is the 22nd player to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, joining an elite group that includes the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, and Rio Ferdinand. Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters praised Cole’s impact on the game, saying “If you ask people for the best full-back in Premier League history, many of them would name Ashley Cole.”
Since the Premier League’s founding in 1992, individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement and made a substantial contribution are honoured by being inducted into the Hall of Fame. It is the highest distinction bestowed upon an individual by the League.
the Hall of Fame was established in 2021, with David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Alan Shearer as its first honorees,
Ian Wright, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Patrick Vieira, Sergio Aguero, and Vincent Kompany were admitted in 2022.
Rio Ferdinand, Tony Adams, and Petr Cech were also voted in while Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were inducted inaugural managerial inductees.
A medallion bearing their name and the year of their entry is given to each entrant, and the Premier League donates £10,000 to the charity of their choice.
Individuals must have retired as of January 1, 2024, in order to be eligible for this season’s Premier League Hall of Fame. Only a candidate’s career accomplishments in the Premier League are taken into account.
The Premier League Hall of Fame was launched in 2021 to recognize and celebrate the individuals who have had an exceptional record of success and made a significant contribution to the league since its inception in 1992. Cole’s induction cements his status as one of the all-time greats of the Premier League era.
