The defensive inspiration for Chelsea and England, Terry is a vital part of the spine of the side though has suffered from off-field indiscretions.
One of the few to have graduated from the Chelsea Academy to the first team, Terry went on loan to Nottingham Forest in 2000, before establishing himself alongside Marcel Desailly. In 2004 he was named Chelsea captain and led the side to back-to-back Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho, as well as FA Cup success.
First called up to the England squad in 2003, he cemented his place in the first-team at Euro 2004 and rose to captain his country under Steve McClaren after the 2006 World Cup.
Making his name as a commanding centre-back, Terry's influence continued to rise, but he missed the crucial penalty in the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United, allowing Chelsea's Premier League rivals to take home the trophy.
The lowest point of his career came in February 2010 when he was stripped of the England captaincy. A series of tabloid stories exposed an alleged affair between himself and the former partner of England, and one-time Chelsea, team-mate Wayne Bridge. It led to Fabio Capello removing the armband, but Terry ended the season on a high as Chelsea claimed the Double.
He again came in for criticism during England's woeful World Cup campaign in 2010, publically questioning coach Fabio Capello during a press conference. England went out of the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Germany.
Terry was reinstated as England captain by Capello, only to be stripped of the armband again in response to allegations that he had racially abused Anton Ferdinand when Chelsea played Queens Park Rangers in February of 2012. With the case going to court after the tournament the FA moved to demote Terry, leading to Capello's departure as England manager.
Roy Hodgson selected Terry for Euro 2012, where Terry was one of England's better performers. On his return, he was aquitted of the charge.
Strengths: A commanding, no-nonsense style of player who does not get bullied. Excellent in the air, in a positional sense, and willing to throw himself in front of anything to stop a shot, he is a first-rate defender.
Weaknesses: Has been caught out in the past by strikers with pace and could use a burst of acceleration.
Career high: Winning back-to-back Premier League titles with Chelsea in 2005 and 2006, he was then announced as England captain in August 2006.
Career low: The loss of the England armband due to matters essentially unrelated to his ability on the pitch.
Style: Uncompromising, tough, passionate, a natural leader.
Quotes: "He [Terry] hasn't got the armband but he's still a great player and a great leader," Wayne Rooney, March 2010.
