Chelsea

Founded in 1905, Chelsea were established at The Rising Sun pub opposite Stamford Bridge, a ground that had already been built before the club itself existed. Based in Fulham in west London despite carrying the name of neighbouring Chelsea, the club quickly attracted large crowds and developed a reputation for signing prominent players. Chelsea won their first league championship in 1955 and later became regular trophy winners at home and in Europe. Their royal blue shirts, Stamford Bridge home and lion crest have become enduring parts of the identity of one of London's most recognisable football clubs.

5 facts you might not know

The stadium came before the club
Stamford Bridge was already an established sporting venue when Chelsea were founded in 1905, with the club created largely to provide the ground with a football team.
Chelsea aren't actually based in Chelsea
Stamford Bridge lies in Fulham, but the founders chose the Chelsea name after other possibilities including Kensington and London FC were considered.
Their first crest featured a pensioner
Chelsea's earliest emblem depicted a Chelsea Pensioner, giving rise to the club's old nickname, "The Pensioners".
Their original shirts weren't royal blue
Chelsea initially played in a lighter Eton blue, associated with the racing colours of the club's first president, before adopting the darker blue that became synonymous with the club.
Chelsea pioneered numbered shirts in England
Chelsea and Arsenal took part in one of the earliest experiments with numbered shirts in English football in 1928, years before shirt numbers became standard.