“He Tried to Be a Hero”: Makelele Slams John Terry Over 2008 UCL Final Blunder

Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has reignited a long-dormant controversy, pointing fingers at club legend John Terry for costing the Blues their first UEFA Champions League title in 2008.

In a candid and emotionally charged interview with talkSPORT, Makelele accused Terry of poor judgment during the iconic Moscow final against Manchester United, claiming the then-captain went against the pre-agreed penalty order in an effort to seal personal glory.

“It was supposed to be Salomon Kalou taking the last penalty but John took the opportunity off him,” Makelele said.
“He tried to be a hero. If he had stuck to the plan, maybe we would have lifted the trophy.”

The match ended 1-1 after extra time, and Chelsea fell 6-5 on penalties—with Terry’s infamous slip during his decisive spot-kick becoming one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the club’s history.

🔥 Dressing Room in “Flames”

Makelele revealed the emotional toll the loss took on the squad:

“The dressing room after the game was like fire. There was no happiness whatsoever – it was a sad place to be.”

The Frenchman’s comments offer a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into how internal decisions and last-minute changes may have undermined Chelsea’s Champions League dream.

💬 Opinion: Was Terry’s Act Heroism or Hubris?

Football fans often remember Terry for his leadership, but Makelele’s comments beg the question: Did Terry overstep his role that night? While many admired his bravery, others now see it as a moment of ego overriding strategy.

One thing is clear—history could’ve been written differently, had that slip not happened. But leadership is not only about standing up; sometimes, it’s about stepping aside when the plan says so.

⚽ What’s your take—was John Terry wrong for taking that penalty, or was it a captain doing what captains do?