Terry, Cole, and Cole will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a celebratory event in London on Tuesday (April 23) evening. This year’s induction list is the smallest yet, with five players getting voted in in 2023, and eight in both 2022 and 2021. They were selected from a shortlist of 15 former players via an online public vote as well as by the Premier League awards panel. Terry, aged 43, went all out for his induction photo, wearing each of his Premier League winners’ medal, while Cole, aged 52, made do with a simple corded shirt for his.
Terry made just shy of 500 league appearances for the Blues across a stellar 19-year career at Stamford Bridge, scoring 41 goals – more than any other defender in Premier League history. He also won the PFA Player of the Year award in 2005, becoming just the second defender to do so after leading Chelsea to their first league title in 50 years. Cole played as a striker and managed to score 93 league goals in 195 games, firing the Red Devils to five Premier League titles. He also won the division’s Golden Boot award in 1994 while playing for Newcastle.
In response to the honor, Terry expressed, “I’m a player that certainly gave my all whenever I stepped out on the pitch and to be recognized in this way makes me really proud. It’s great to have joined my former team-mates who have already been inducted, and to be inducted in the same year as Ashley Cole, who was an incredible player and a close friend. I was lucky to share a dressing room with so many top players.” Cole also shared his thoughts, saying, “I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved in football, which is thanks to my family, my coaches and my team-mates, and being inducted into the Hall of Fame makes me very proud.
Looking back at my career always fills me with great pride and puts a smile on my face. The reason you play football and compete at the highest level is to win major honors. It was so, so special for me to win so many trophies and five Premier Leagues.” The induction of these two legendary players signifies their remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport of football.
