The 2003–04 season was Chelsea F.C.'s, 12th consecutive season in the Premier League and 98th year as a club. Manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked on 31 May 2004 and was replaced by José Mourinho. In July 2003, long-time chairman Ken Bates sold the club to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea finished second to the unbeaten Arsenal in the Premier League. In the Champions League Chelsea reached the semi-finals against AS Monaco, but failed to reach the final, losing 5–3 on aggregate to the French side. They also exited the FA Cup in the fifth round to Arsenal and the Carling Cup in the quarter-finals to Aston Villa.

Chelsea supporter Mark Worrall chronicled the 2003–04 season in his critically acclaimed book "Over Land and Sea", which was first published in September 2004 and documented the takeover of Chelsea F.C. by Roman Abramovich and the departure of manager Claudio Ranieri.

The team kit was produced by Umbro. The shirt sponsor was Emirates Airline; the kit bore the "Fly Emirates" logo. Chelsea's home kit was all blue with a white collar. Their new away kit was all white with black and blue stripes down the center. Last season's away kit (all black with blue accents) was retained as the club's third kit.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

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