John Terry (born December 7, 1980) is a English football player.

Terry is a big, strong, hard-tackling centre back, and captain, for Chelsea F.C. in the English Premier League.

Terry came up through the Chelsea youth system, playing for the club's Youth and Reserve teams before making his Chelsea debut in October 1998.

There were strong calls for him to make the full squad for the 2002 World Cup, his international chances were ruined after an incident involving a bouncer at the Wellington Club in Knightsbridge. Terry, along with team-mate Jody Morris and Wimbledon defender Des Byrne , were charged with affray. Terry was banned from playing for England at all levels until the case was settled. The player was cleared of all charges in August 2002.

In season 2003/04, his strong, committed and inspiring displays led to him being handed the captain's armband by manager Claudio Ranieri when Marcel Desailly was out of the side.

He is also a regular on the England national team, having earned 16 caps, making his debut in June 2003 against Serbia and Montenegro.

He wears the number 26 shirt.