Squad Number Confirmations
Chelsea has officially announced its squad numbers for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign. These confirmations provide clarity for supporters looking to customise and purchase merchandise ahead of the new season, which is scheduled to commence with an away fixture against Fulham next Monday.
Among the notable changes, striker Joao Pedro will now wear the No.9 shirt. This follows his recognition as the club’s Player of the Year last season. Additionally, Wesley Fofana has changed his number, with the French player set to don the No.3 shirt for the new campaign.
New Arrivals and Their Numbers
Several new signings have also received their official squad numbers. Morgan Rogers, who joined the Blues in July, has been assigned the No.17 shirt. Other new additions include Marco Palestra, who will wear No.2, Valentin Barco with No.4, and Maxence Lacroix taking No.5.
Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson is confirmed to wear the No.14 shirt. Danny Welbeck will take No.18, while Emmanuel Emegha has been allocated No.22. Geovany Quenda is set to wear No.23, and Pep Chavarria will be seen in the No.29 shirt.
The allocation of these numbers follows observations made during Chelsea’s pre-season matches, including a fixture against Real Sociedad. During the pre-season, Danny Welbeck was seen wearing the No.18 shirt during the Asia leg of the tour. Morgan Rogers’ No.17 shirt was previously worn by Andrey Santos before his move to Manchester United.
Potential Departures Indicated by Number Changes
The new number assignments also provide insights into potential player movements. Marco Palestra’s assignment of the No.2 shirt, following his transfer from Atalanta, replaces the number previously associated with Axel Disasi, who is reportedly expected to depart Chelsea this summer. Similarly, Wesley Fofana’s switch to No.3, a number worn by Marc Cucurella before his transfer to Real Madrid, indicates a change from his previous No.29 shirt.
Valentin Barco, who joined from RC Strasbourg, was seen wearing the No.4 shirt during an unofficial appearance. This number is currently officially held by Tosin Adarabioyo, who was not included in the squad and has been linked with a transfer away from the club. This suggests a possible move for Adarabioyo.
Furthermore, Maxence Lacroix, who arrived from Crystal Palace, took the No.5 shirt in a friendly match. This number was previously worn by Benoit Badiashile, who is reportedly set to leave Chelsea. Lacroix wore No.5 at Crystal Palace, indicating he is likely to retain it at Stamford Bridge. During a brief appearance against Real Sociedad, Pep Chavarria wore No.29, which was Fofana’s previous number.
The full list of confirmed squad numbers for the 2026/27 season includes:
- 1 – Robert Sanchez
- 2 – Marco Palestra
- 3 – Wesley Fofana
- 4 – Valentin Barco
- 5 – Maxence Lacroix
- 6 – Levi Colwill
- 7 – Pedro Neto
- 8 – Enzo Fernandez
- 9 – Joao Pedro
- 10 – Cole Palmer
- 11 – Jamie Gittens
- 12 – Liam Delap
- 14 – Jordan Henderson
- 15 – Nicolas Jackson
- 16 – Dario Essugo
- 17 – Morgan Rogers
- 18 – Danny Welbeck
- 19 – Mamadou Sarr
- 21 – Jorrel Hato
- 22 – Emmanuel Emegha
- 23 – Geovany Quenda
- 24 – Reece James
- 25 – Moises Caicedo
- 27 – Malo Gusto
- 28 – Teddy Sharman-Lowe
- 29 – Pep Chavarria
- 30 – Aaron Anselmino
- 31 – Reggie Watson
- 32 – Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli
- 33 – Mykhailo Mudryk
- 34 – Josh Acheampong
- 37 – Tayo Subuloye
- 38 – Tosin Adarabioyo
- 39 – Mike Penders
- 41 – Estevao Willian
- 44 – Gaga Slonina
- 45 – Romeo Lavia
The club’s official website confirmed these numbers, allowing supporters to purchase their shirts for the forthcoming campaign, which starts next Monday.
Source: chelseafc.com
Ama Serwah
Yaw Appiah
Evelyn Mensah