Liam Delap Dons Chelsea’s No. 9 Shirt: A Bold Move to Break the Infamous Stamford Bridge Curse
In a move generating major headlines across the football world, Liam Delap has officially taken on Chelsea’s legendary — and controversial — No. 9 shirt, marking a bold new chapter at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old striker arrives following a £30 million transfer from Ipswich Town, immediately sparking conversation around his potential to succeed where many high-profile forwards have failed.
The Chelsea No. 9 Curse: A History of Hype and Heartbreak
The No. 9 jersey at Chelsea carries a notorious legacy. Once worn by the likes of Fernando Torres, Álvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the shirt has become symbolic of unfulfilled expectations. Since Aubameyang’s departure in 2023, the number had been left vacant — a silent acknowledgment of the pressure it brings. Until now.
Delap, however, isn’t fazed. According to sources close to the club, the young English forward dismissed superstitions surrounding the shirt. “He doesn’t believe in curses,” revealed one Chelsea staffer. “He wants to make his own legacy.”
Olivier Giroud and Chelsea Legends Weigh In
Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, now at LAFC, shared his perspective during a pre-Club World Cup press conference. “I was warned about the cursed No. 9 at AC Milan,” said Giroud. “But I wore it anyway to prove a point. Liam is showing that same kind of hunger and belief.”
Giroud’s words resonate, especially as Chelsea are set to face LAFC in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, setting up a poetic clash between the “past No. 9” and the “new No. 9.”
Can Delap End the Curse? Performance, Pressure, and Promise
Delap joins Chelsea after a solid individual campaign at Ipswich, where he scored 12 goals in 37 appearances despite the club’s relegation. Known for his physicality, high pressing, and raw attacking instincts, Delap has drawn praise from pundits like Alan Shearer, who described him as “aggressive, determined, and capable of thriving under the right guidance.”
Chelsea’s frontline has lacked consistency in recent seasons. Nicolas Jackson has shown flashes of potential but struggles with composure, while Christopher Nkunku has been plagued by injuries. Delap's arrival signals a fresh start, potentially positioning him as the main striker in Enzo Maresca’s tactical system.
Maresca, who led Chelsea to a Europa Conference League title and a fourth-place Premier League finish, reportedly backs Delap’s ambition. “He plays beyond his age. It’s not just about goals — it’s about his mentality,” Maresca told club officials.
Delap No. 9: Social Media Buzz and Fan Reaction
Social media platforms erupted with reactions to Delap’s bold shirt number choice. Hashtags like #Delap9, #ChelseaNo9, and #CurseBreaker quickly trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans torn between cautious optimism and lingering skepticism.
“I love his confidence — but the number scares me,” one user posted. Others praised the move as a statement of intent and noted that Chelsea kit sales soared within hours of the announcement, with Delap’s No. 9 jersey ranking among the club’s best-sellers.
Training Ground Insights: Focused and Ready
Insiders at Cobham Training Centre report that Delap has already made a strong impression. “He’s usually the first in and last out,” said a staff member. “This isn’t for show. He’s fully focused on succeeding in that shirt.”
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also offered encouragement. “The shirt doesn’t score goals — the player does,” he stated. “If Liam believes in himself, that’s what counts.”
What’s Next: Club World Cup Debut and Premier League Expectations
With the 2025/26 Premier League season fast approaching and Chelsea preparing for the high-stakes Club World Cup in the USA, all eyes will be on Delap. Will he start as Chelsea’s main striker, or rotate with Jackson and Nkunku? Analysts are already debating whether handing the No. 9 shirt to a young, relatively untested player was wise — or genius.
Regardless of the outcome, Delap’s decision has already made history. He’s taken on one of the most talked-about shirt numbers in football, aiming to redefine its legacy at Chelsea.