João Pedro Takes Chelsea's Cursed No.9 Shirt
Chelsea’s squad numbers are set. The season is almost here, and with it comes a familiar ritual at Stamford Bridge: a new list, a fresh set of shirts, and one number that always seems to carry more weight than the rest.
This time, João Pedro has walked straight into the storm.
João Pedro takes on Chelsea’s “cursed” No.9
The Brazilian forward has chosen to switch to the No.9 shirt – the same number that has chewed up and spat out some of the biggest names of the modern era at Chelsea.
Don’t believe in curses? Fernando Torres probably didn’t when he arrived. Nor did Álvaro Morata. Romelu Lukaku came back to “finish the story” wearing it. Radamel Falcao, Gonzalo Higuaín, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – all passed through with that number on their back and left without ever truly owning it.
Go back further and the list grows: Mateja Kežman, Franco Di Santo, Tony Cascarino, Chris Sutton. Hernán Crespo showed flashes and still left with the feeling it could have been far more. Tammy Abraham came closest to restoring its reputation but still fell short of turning it into a true talismanic shirt. Liam Delap’s brief spell with it barely got off the ground.
The contrast with the last true standard-bearer in that role is stark. Since Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink smashed 23 league goals in 2001-02 – 29 in all competitions – no Chelsea No.9 has come near that benchmark.
Abraham’s 15 league goals in 2019-20 stand as the best league return for a Chelsea No.9 since Hasselbaink. Torres did hit 22 in all competitions in 2012-13, but it took him 64 appearances and a long Europa League run to get there. His league tally that season? Just eight.
That’s the history João Pedro is walking into. The number he’s chosen to carry. The question is simple, and brutal: can he finally break the pattern, or does the shirt claim another victim?
Fofana steps into No.3, Chavarría inherits 29
Away from the drama of the No.9, there are other notable tweaks on the list.
Wesley Fofana has moved into the No.3 shirt, previously worn by Marc Cucurella. It’s a traditional defender’s number and a clear statement of his status in the back line when fit.
Fofana’s old No.29 has been handed to new signing Pep Chavarría, giving the newcomer a prominent squad number straight away as he settles into life at Chelsea.
Dário Essugo and Tosin Adarabioyo have also taken fresh numbers as the squad reshapes around summer business and outgoing players.
Chelsea have confirmed the full list, with the changes from last season standing out, but the story isn’t quite finished yet. There are still more than ten days left in the transfer window, and only 25 spots available for registration.
The numbers are on the backs. Now the real test begins: who will live up to theirs, and can João Pedro finally rewrite the No.9 story at Stamford Bridge?
