Chelsea legend Claude Makelele takes pride in seeing his legacy continue at Stamford Bridge through Moises Caicedo, and he believes the young Ecuadorian might just take things even further by potentially surpassing his own remarkable achievements in the heart of the Blues midfield.
Makelele spoke of how well Moises Caicedo has done since arriving at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea and France legend said that Caicedo has done justice to his own defensive midfield position, which he feels is gaining more deserved recognition than it did during his playing career.
Makelele, widely regarded as one of the best to ever wear a Chelsea shirt, joined the club from Real Madrid during the height of the Galactico era. He quickly became a key figure at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues to back-to-back Premier League titles in 2004 and 2005, and finally ending the club’s 50-year wait for the league crown.
Viewed by many as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time, the Frenchman created the ‘Makelele role’. As such, his praise is of the highest order for 23-year-old Caicedo, who has shone for the Blues in his second season at the club.
Since hanging up his boots, the Frenchman has remained close to Chelsea, mentoring young players in the Academy and staying involved behind the scenes.
This summer, he made the trip to the United States to watch Chelsea’s victorious FIFA Club World Cup campaign and what stood out to him most was the talent in midfield.
Chelsea wins FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (Credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Speaking with the club media as seen on Chelsea official website, Makelele was full of praise for the current squad, especially the midfield.
He said:
“Chelsea have good players, young and talented players, I’ve seen them progress a lot and I’m proud of this club.
“I know Chelsea, they are fighters. That’s true also of the midfielders, with young players like Caicedo and [Romeo] Lavia, such very good players.”
It’s no surprise that Moises Caicedo caught his eye. Often compared to Makelele for his defensive midfield style, Caicedo has taken on a role long associated with the Frenchman, one that many still refer to as the “Makelele role.”
But Claude believes it’s time for that title to evolve and Caicedo might just be the one to redefine it. Makelele continued:
“I think he has a lot of talent. Moi is humble, he plays with a smile and works hard for his team-mates.
“I did that when I was playing, enjoy myself, and he has the passion and is a fighter.
“I think the passion and the fight is just as important as talent.
“I love him a lot, because when he started at Chelsea we talked together, and he was happy to come to Chelsea for his own story.
“He didn’t want to be compared to me, he wanted to do the “Caicedo role”.
Makelele knows from experience that comparisons can be a burden, especially for a young player arriving at a top club without the same pedigree or years of experience. Caicedo, he says, is wise to carve his own path.
“It’s very important because I was older and already playing at a high level with Real Madrid before I came to Chelsea, so now it is a little bit difficult for a young boy to try to be me straight away without that experience. Or to try to be what people think of as me.
“I prefer they do their own thing, write their own story, become their own “galactico”.
“So I am happy because that is what he is doing. To take my example and build on it in his own way is the best thing he can do.“
When asked if Chelsea could have a new name synonymous with that position and if future Chelsea players can live up to the legacy of the ‘Caicedo role’; with a grin, Makelele responds:
“Why not? You look at any sport, people like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and what their names mean, but they were young boys when they started too.
“Now Caicedo is a young boy also and can write his own story, so why can’t people be talking about the “Caicedo role” in the future?“
Moises Caicedo was named Chelsea’s player of the season for 2024/25 after starting all 38 Premier League games. He made 114 tackles, 49 interceptions, 53 clearances, 229 recoveries and won 236 duels.
Caicedo, who joined the Blues in 2023 for a British record fee, played a key role in Chelsea Club World Cup triumph this summer, anchoring the midfield in their historic win under manager Enzo Maresca.
His dynamic performances, maturity on the ball, and relentless defensive work have made him a key figure for the club.
