João Pedro Takes Chelsea's Cursed No.9 Shirt

Chelsea have dropped their squad numbers for the new season, and buried inside the usual reshuffle is one decision that will make every superstitious supporter wince.

João Pedro has taken the No.9 shirt.

João Pedro and the “cursed” No.9

At most clubs, No.9 is a badge of honour. At Chelsea, it has become a warning sign.

Since Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink rattled in 23 Premier League goals in 2001-02 – 29 in all competitions – the shirt has chewed up and spat out a long line of strikers. Big reputations, bigger transfer fees, and the same grim ending.

Fernando Torres arrived as a superstar and left as a cautionary tale. Álvaro Morata never settled. Romelu Lukaku’s return turned sour. Radamel Falcao, Gonzalo Higuaín, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – all short, stuttering cameos rather than defining eras.

Go back further and the list grows: Mateja Kežman, Franco Di Santo, Tony Cascarino, Chris Sutton. Hernán Crespo produced moments but never the dominance his talent promised. Tammy Abraham came closest to breaking the spell with 15 league goals in 2019-20, the best return for a Chelsea No.9 since Hasselbaink, yet even he moved on before truly owning the role.

Even Fernando Torres’ best season on paper – 22 goals in all competitions in 2012-13 – came with an asterisk. It took him 64 appearances and a long Europa League run to get there, and only 8 of those goals landed in the league.

Most recently, Liam Delap felt the weight of that number as heavily as anyone. He’ll hardly be sorry to see it on someone else’s back.

Now it belongs to João Pedro. A bold move. Or a brave one.

Fofana steps into No.3

The No.9 switch isn’t the only notable change.

Wesley Fofana has moved into the No.3 shirt, previously worn by Marc Cucurella. It’s a traditional defender’s number, and a clear signal of his status at the heart of Chelsea’s back line when fit.

Fofana’s old No.29 doesn’t stay vacant for long. New signing Pep Chavarría takes it as he begins his Chelsea career. Dário Essugo and Tosin Adarabioyo have also been handed fresh numbers as the squad takes shape.

Chelsea have confirmed the full list, with the tweaks from last season standing out against a largely familiar core. There is still time for more movement, though. The transfer window remains open for more than ten days, and the club can only register 25 players.

For now, the numbers are set. The stories they produce – especially the one stitched above João Pedro’s name – are about to be written.