What does it mean to go full John Terry? Meme explained

Around the time of a team's trophy celebrations, you might notice the phrase "going full John Terry" circulating the rounds on social media.

The term in question is rooted in making light of the former Chelsea and England captain for his former antics - and  Goal  has what you need to know about where the phrase originated, what it means and more.

What is the going "full John Terry" meme?

The term "going full John Terry" dates back to when the ex-defender appeared in a full Chelsea kit - completely decked out in Stamford Bridge blue shin pads and boots - to participate in his side's Champions League trophy celebrations over Bayern in 2012.

Terry, however, was suspended for the actual final played at the Allianz Arena after receiving a red card against Barcelona in the semi-final.

Forbidden from being selected to play in the final, Terry was forced to watch from the sidelines as his underdog Chelsea side defeated the German favourites. But despite his lack of participation in the final, Terry was smack-dab in the middle of the celebrations as if he'd played a part in the victory.

Naturally, Terry's actions immediately became a meme and a massive viral sensation, as opposition fans jumped at the chance to make a mockery of the then-Chelsea captain for joining in the festivities - outfitted head-to-toe as if he'd been fresh off the bench.

The term "full John Terry" has since been used by rival supporters to refer to, for example, fringe players or footballers who took limited part in their team's eventual success but basking in the glory anyway, or to make jest of fans who decide to wear a full kit setup in public.

Terry reflected on his infamous on-pitch celebrations in 2018 on the sports panel quiz show A League of Their Own, citing his devastation of losing the Champions League final in 2008 to Manchester United on penalties.

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"I've got shin pads, tape, the lot, I went for it," Terry said.

"I dreamed of that for years. After what happened in Moscow for me personally, to see the delight among the players we had, the squad we had and the fans too, it meant everything to me. 

"I thought it was only right I was part of the celebrations."

Terry's involvement in Chelsea's Champions League celebrations differed to how Roy Keane and Paul Scholes participated in Man Utd's UCL win in 1999 - they remained in formal suit wear and distanced themselves from the party.

The phrase made a resurgence when Liverpool lifted their first Premier League trophy in July 2020.

Captain Jordan Henderson was forced to miss out on the final four games of the top-flight season after picking up a knee injury in the victory against Brighton.

Henderson was not included in the Liverpool team that defeated Chelsea on July 22, which was the game that preceded the trophy presentation, but he joined his team-mates in the festivities anyway and lifted the trophy.

The Reds, however, had already mathematically wrapped up the league title on June 25 with Henderson in the team - so perhaps not a true instance of going "full John Terry".