Happy 36th birthday to César Azpilicueta, the versatile Spanish defender who etched his name into Chelsea Football Club's history books with unwavering commitment, leadership, and a trophy cabinet that rivals the best. Born on August 28, 1989, in Pamplona, Spain, Azpilicueta—affectionately known as "Azpi" or "Dave" by fans—spent 11 transformative years at Stamford Bridge, becoming a symbol of reliability in an era of flux for the Blues.
As we mark his special day, let's revisit his remarkable journey with Chelsea, from his arrival as a promising right-back to his departure as a club legend who lifted every major honour available.
Happy 36th Birthday to Cesar Azpilicueta 🎉
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 27, 2025
👤 508 Apps
⚽ 17 Goals
🎯 56 Assists
🏆 x2 Premier League
🏆 x1 FA Cup
🏆 x1 EFL Cup
🏆 x1 Champions League
🏆 x2 Europa League
🏆 x1 Super Cup
🏆 x1 Club World Cup
🏅 x1 Chelsea Players POTY pic.twitter.com/pGOYbGAdJw
From Marseille to the Bridge: A Shrewd Signing
Azpilicueta's Chelsea story began on August 24, 2012, when he joined from French club Marseille for a reported £7 million fee. At just 23 years old, he arrived with experience from Osasuna and Marseille, including a Ligue 1 title, but few could have predicted the impact he'd make in west London. Initially signed as a right-back to provide competition for Branislav Ivanović, Azpi quickly showcased his adaptability, stepping in at left-back during injuries and earning praise for his defensive tenacity and crossing ability.
His debut came in a League Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and by the end of his first season, he had already tasted European success. Chelsea clinched the UEFA Europa League in 2012–13, defeating Benfica 2–1 in the final, with Azpilicueta playing a key role in the campaign. This early triumph set the tone for a career defined by silverware.
Versatility and Triumphs: The Heart of Chelsea's Defense
What truly set Azpilicueta apart was his remarkable versatility. Over the years, he seamlessly transitioned between right-back, center-back, and even left-back, earning accolades from managers like José Mourinho, who once quipped that a team of 11 Azpilicuetas could win the Champions League due to his all-around game. Under Antonio Conte, he thrived in a back-three system, playing every single minute of the 2016–17 Premier League season—a feat that helped Chelsea secure the title with a record 30 wins.
Azpi's trophy haul at Chelsea is nothing short of extraordinary. He won two Premier League titles (2014–15 and 2016–17), the FA Cup in 2017–18, the League Cup in 2014–15, and another Europa League in 2018–19. The pinnacle came in 2020–21 when, as captain, he lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy after a 1–0 victory over Manchester City in Porto. That success made him the first Chelsea player to win every major club trophy available, capped off by the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2021.
Statistically, Azpilicueta's contributions were immense. He made 508 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals—modest for a defender but memorable, including his first in a 2–0 League Cup win over Arsenal in 2013. In the Premier League alone, he featured 349 times, netting 10 goals and keeping 115 clean sheets. He broke records too, surpassing Petr Čech as the non-English player with the most appearances for Chelsea on January 1, 2023, with his 495th game, and reaching 500 appearances later that month—becoming the sixth player overall and the first foreigner to hit that milestone at the club.
Notable performances abound: his man-of-the-match display in a 1–1 draw with Brighton on New Year's Day 2020, where he scored as captain for the 100th time; or his heroic efforts in the 2021 Champions League final, where his defensive masterclass helped shut out City's attack. Even in tougher moments, like being knocked unconscious in a 2023 match against Southampton, Azpi's resilience shone through.
Captain Fantastic: Leadership On and Off the Pitch
Azpilicueta's evolution into a leader was organic. Appointed vice-captain in 2017 after John Terry's departure, he stepped up as full captain ahead of the 2019–20 season following Gary Cahill's exit. Leading by example, he captained Chelsea in 100 appearances, embodying the club's fighting spirit during transitional periods under managers like Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.
His captaincy highlights include skippering the side to the 2019 Europa League win over Arsenal and the aforementioned Champions League triumph. Off the field, Azpi was a consummate professional, often praised for his humility and dedication. In a 2022 interview reflecting on his decade at Chelsea, he spoke of the 13 trophies amassed and the pride in representing the Blues.
🗣️ “I don’t know where the trophy is, but I will bring it to you because it’s yours.”
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 28, 2025
César Azpilicueta and Roman Abramovich after the Champions League final. pic.twitter.com/oTaihmHhfA
Farewell to a Legend: Legacy Endures
Azpilicueta's Chelsea chapter closed on July 6, 2023, when he announced his departure via an emotional social media video, signing off as "Your captain Cesar Azpilicueta, aka 'Dave'." He left to rejoin Spanish football with Atlético Madrid, ending a contract that had been extended to 2024. His exit marked the end of an era, but his legacy as one of Chelsea's most decorated and dependable players remains intact. As Sky Sports noted in 2017, Azpi had become "the most complete defender in the Premier League," a title he earned through sheer consistency.
On this birthday, Chelsea fans worldwide remember Azpi not just for the trophies, but for the heart he poured into every match. Whether bombing forward from right-back or marshalling the defense as captain, he was the epitome of a modern footballer—versatile, loyal, and unbreakable. Here's to you, Azpi: may your post-Chelsea adventures be as successful as your time in blue. Happy birthday!
