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Way back in 2012, Chelsea achieved the ultimate title in Europe, by defeating one of the most competitive sides in the world, the German giants, Bayern Munich. With Roberto Di Matteo taking the reins of Chelsea's chariot back in 2012, replacing the much controversial André Villas-Boas, the blues completely shocked the world not just when they struck down FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, but also in the final of the competition over Bayern.
To be specific, when Villas-Boas was in charge of this particular lineup, the Blues weren't quite sure as to what their future would be in that particular season, but Di Matteo flipped the sides and made them do the impossible.
With a late goal from each side in the second half of the final, the game was carried to the penalty shootout, as predicted by many.
The likes of Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, and Juan Mata put up a show that no other football fans could really resist, but as the times went by, their status and their charisma changed completely, as they either left for some other club, some of them simply retired and the others are still hanging around, building a legacy for their team, and for themselves.
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This was, by far, the most successful Chelsea side in the history of the club, not in terms of winning multiple accolades, but in the means of winning the UEFA Champions League for the very first, and only, time.
Bonded with that one trophy, it was a night that none of the 11 players will ever forget, as the English side made history. However, almost seven years later, the whereabouts of some of the footballers of that particular lineup is somewhat unknown.
The question that arises in the minds of the Chelsea supporters; 'Where are they now?'
Petr Cech - Goalkeeper
One of the most successful goalkeepers in the English Premier League, Cech has achieved the 'impossible' as a goalkeeper. With several domestic League titles and a European title, Cech moved to Arsenal in 2015, leaving behind a legacy at the Stamford Bridge, though, he still stands strong as the goalkeeper of the Gunners.
Jose Bosingwa - Right-Back
After playing 4 seasons with the Blues, Bosingwa was the first choice right-back for most of Chelsea's bosses. His expertise on as a fullback earned him the respect from his teammates. He was also one of the biggest hardworking players in the UCL finals in Munich.
However, almost immediately after his final season at Stamford Bridge, he moved to Queens Park Rangers, where he spent a season, followed by his move to the Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he spent 3 years playing for the first team and then retiring in 2016.
Bosingwa currently resides in his home country Portugal and is enjoying his retirement, taking a permanent break from football.
David Luiz - Centre-Back
The 'bread and butter' of Chelsea's defence, Luiz made a controversial move to PSG back in 2014, something that sparked a lot of criticism from the Chelsea supporters. However, upon his return in 2016, Luiz was welcomed like none other, as he rejoined the side and completed the defence, winning the Premier League title upon returning. The Brazilian still stands strong with his side.
Gary Cahill - Centre-Back
Chelsea's centre-back was a crucial choice yet successful signing made by Villas-Boas, Cahill is one of the defenders who has revolutionised Chelsea's defensive gears. The Munich final was an example of Cahill's abilities, as he stopped every single attack that was offered by the German giants.
Years after the Munich final, Cahill still plays for the English side with 285 appearances, however, he is not the first choice for their current manager, Maurizio Sarri.
Ashley Cole - Left-Back
One of the most feared left-backs in EPL history, Cole was 'menace' when it came to the famous Munich final, and was the mastermind behind their title victory, along with his full-back partner Jose Bosingwa.
After almost 8 seasons with the Blues, and 2 years in Italy playing for AS Roma, Cole moved to LA Galaxy in the MLS, where he still plays as a first-team left-back.
John Obi Mikel - Defensive Midfielder
An extremely young player, back in 2012, it was a dream come true for Mikel to win the European title. The defensive midfielder spent almost 11 years playing for Chelsea and then moved to the Chinese side Tianjin TEDA, where he continues to perform.
Frank Lampard - Midfielder
A legend at Stamford Bridge, Lampard left Chelsea in 2014 after 13 years and started playing for Manchester City, followed by his move to MLS, a sister club of the former. He currently manages the Championship team Derby County and is also a part-time children's writer.
Saloman Kalou - Midfielder
Another young midfielder, who achieved his dream in 2012, played for Chelsea for almost 6 seasons, playing an important role in some of the most important matches for the Blues. Kalou currently plays for the German side Hertha BSC as a right midfielder.
Juan Mata - Attacking midfielder
Another successful signing that the Chelsea management made in 2011, Mata was one of the core players for Chelsea, who made sure that his side achieved the unachievable in 2012, where he developed some of the most important plays for the likes of Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, although he missed his penalty during the shootout.
Mata currently plays for Manchester United, as one of their most important players in recent years.
Ryan Bertrand - Winger
Bertrand had significantly fewer appearances for Chelsea in the 9 seasons that he played for the Blues, but on 19 May 2012, it was the most important night for him, as Bertrand started for Chelsea against Bayern Munich. The winger currently plays for the Premier League side Southampton.
Didier Drogba - Striker
The real hero of the 2012 UEFA Champions League final is currently playing for the American side Pheonix-Rising and has been one of the most significant players in the history of Chelsea. Even at the age of forty Drogba continues to perform at top level.
Drogba was Chelsea's best performer in the 2011/12 UCL. He scored the game-winner against Barcelona in the first leg of the semifinals, and showed a great defensive effort in the second leg, although he provoked a penalty in Barcelona's favour after a tackle on Cesc Fábregas, for Drogba's relief, Lionel Messi missed the penalty.
In the final, Drogba tied the match with a stunning header in the closing stages of the game, also, he scored the winning penalty in the shootout.
Drogba scored 164 goals in 381 games for Chelsea.
