… as new signings inherit legendary shirts
Chelsea have unveiled their full squad numbers for the 2025/26 Premier League season, with several new signings inheriting iconic shirts once worn by club legends.
The latest announcement offers fans a first official glimpse of how the new faces will line up numerically as the Blues embark on another rebuilding campaign under manager Enzo Maresca.
Among the most notable changes, summer signing Liam Delap has been handed the club’s famous No. 9 shirt. The number has a long and troubled legacy at Stamford Bridge, once worn by the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Fernando Torres, and, more recently, Romelu Lukaku, all of whom had mixed success.
Delap will be hoping to break the “No. 9 curse” that has haunted Chelsea strikers for years.
Another headline-grabbing switch sees Cole Palmer take over the No. 10 jersey. The former Manchester City talent had a breakout season in 2024/25 and now inherits a shirt once donned by Chelsea greats like Eden Hazard and Joe Cole. It’s a statement of confidence from the club and a signal that Palmer is central to their attacking plans.
Teen sensation Estevao, part of the Blues’ aggressive youth recruitment strategy, has been handed the No. 41 jersey. While not a traditional first-team number, the assignment suggests a gradual integration for the Brazilian wonderkid, who is expected to make a significant impact in domestic cups and from the bench.
Jamie Gittens, another promising attacking option, takes the No. 11 shirt, once worn by Didier Drogba and Damien Duff. Expectations will be high for the young winger, whose pace and flair could make him a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge if he hits the ground running.
Young defender, Jorrel Hato, who completed a big-money move from Ajax, will wear No. 21. The teenager is viewed as one for the future but could challenge for a starting role given Chelsea’s demanding schedule across four competitions this season.
With squad numbers now confirmed, Chelsea fans can begin to picture what the club’s starting XI might look like in the new campaign.
Chelsea’s 2025/26 squad numbers in full
1 – Robert Sanchez (GK)
3 – Marc Cucurella
4 – Tosin Adarabioyo
5 – Benoit Badiashile
6 – Levi Colwill
7 – Pedro Neto
8 – Enzo Fernandez
9 – Liam Delap
10 – Cole Palmer
11 – Jamie Gittens
12 – Filip Jorgensen (GK)
14 – Dario Essugo
15 – Nicolas Jackson
17 – Andrey Santos
18 – Christopher Nkunku
20 – Joao Pedro
21 – Jorrel Hato
23 – Trevoh Chalobah
24 – Reece James
25 – Moises Caicedo
27 – Malo Gusto
29 – Wesley Fofana
30 – Aaron Anselmino
32 – Tyrique George
34 – Josh Acheampong
41 – Estevao
44 – Gabriel Slonina
45 – Romeo Lavia
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