CHELSEA have revealed their shirt numbers for the 2026/27 season.

And the announcement has confirmed has been stripped of the No9 shirt.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super CupLiam Delap has been stripped of the Chelsea No9 shirt Credit: Getty London, UK. 15th Aug, 2026. LONDON, ENGLAND, AUGUST 15: Joao Pedro of Chelsea during the Pre Season Friendly match between Chelsea v Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge Stadium, London on 15 August. (Photo by Alex Ferrelly/Crystal Pix) Credit: SPP SportJoao Pedro has been handed the cursed No9 after an impressive season last time out Credit: Alamy

Delap signed for the Blues from Ipswich in a £30million deal last summer.

However, the 23-year-old struggled with the step up and managed just three goals following his arrival before the .

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His three goals from 47 games across all competitions for left a disappointing feeling following the season, made worse by the club’s general struggles under and then .

Team-mate Joao Pedro, another player signed in time for their winning campaign at last summer’s Club World Cup, fared far better as Chelsea‘s main source of goals.

The Brazilian scored 23 goals in 53 games in all comps following his move from Brighton worth up to £60m.

Pedro, 24, has therefore been rewarded for his strong season by being handed the No9 shirt for the outfit, with his former No20 not being handed out to another player yet.

Meanwhile, with Delap being booted off the number, club chiefs have handed him the No12 shirt worn by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen last season.

Fans will be hoping Pedro will be able to finally break the shirt.

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Delap was the latest star to be weighed down by the burden of the No9.

Over the last 23 years or so Chelsea have splashed out around half a billion on new strikers in order to replace Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The likes of Hernan Crespo, , , , and have all failed to match expectations while wearing the shirt.

Chelsea start their season with a trip down the road to for ‘s first competitive game in charge of the club.

A new number for Joao Pedro. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/v8ouuBTj1v

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 19, 2026
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