Chelsea FC have officially announced a double update that’s bound to get fans buzzing: Cole Palmer, the creative heartbeat of the team, will now wear the iconic No.10 shirt, while new signing Liam Delap takes up the classic No.9 jersey.
Let’s dive into why these changes are more than just numbers—and how they signal a bold new direction for the Blues.
👕 Liam Delap Wears No.9: A Statement of Intent
The Cole Palmer Chelsea No.10 story may grab headlines, but equally symbolic is Liam Delap’s choice to wear No.9.
Delap, who recently signed from Ipswich Town, has wasted no time making his ambitions clear.
“I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that,” Delap told Chelsea FC.
He’s been handed one of the most prestigious — yet strangely “cursed” — numbers in Chelsea history. Since the permanent squad number system began in 1993, the No.9 has had an incredibly mixed track record. Sure, it’s graced the backs of legends like Gianluca Vialli, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, and Hernán Crespo, but it’s also been worn by a series of underwhelming signings such as Gonzalo Higuaín, Álvaro Morata, Romelu Lukaku, Radamel Falcao, and even Khalid Boulahrouz, a centre-back.
Delap wore No.9 during his youth days at Manchester City and for England U21s, making it a natural pick. But let’s be honest—this is a brave move.
Good luck, Liam. You’re going to need it. 👀
🔟 Cole Palmer Chelsea No.10: Dream Fulfilled
The real fairytale twist here is Cole Palmer’s switch from No.20 to No.10.
For Chelsea fans, that number means a lot. It’s been worn by icons like Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Joe Cole, and Christian Pulisic—all players who pulled the creative strings in their era. Palmer now steps into that legacy, and he seems ready.
From one 🔟 to another. pic.twitter.com/3vrCVt63gx
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 5, 2025
Back in 2015, a teenage Palmer messaged Hazard, calling him the “best player in the world.” Ten years later, he’s wearing the same number as his idol, leading Chelsea’s next generation.
“2015: Cole Palmer sends Eden Hazard a message…
2025: He wears Hazard’s old No.10. This is what full circle looks like.”
It’s poetic. But also, strategic.
Palmer wore No.10 for England U21, and his evolution into Chelsea’s main creator makes this a logical change. He’s expected to debut the Cole Palmer Chelsea No.10 jersey in the FIFA Club World Cup opener on June 16, when Chelsea face LAFC in Atlanta.
Mudryk Out, Palmer In?
Now, here’s the spicy part. Last season, the No.10 shirt belonged to Mykhailo Mudryk, who is currently serving a provisional suspension following a positive doping test.
While nothing has been declared permanent just yet, Palmer taking over that shirt number may suggest otherwise. The club’s decision seems to hint that Mudryk’s time—at least temporarily—has paused, and Palmer is ready to step up in every sense.
🌍 Club World Cup Ready: New Era Loading
With Palmer wearing No.10 and Delap No.9, Chelsea are visibly preparing for a new frontline ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025/26. The pairing symbolizes trust in youth, creativity, and raw potential—backed by manager Enzo Maresca’s fresh vision.
From a marketing and legacy standpoint, this is smart.
From a footballing standpoint, it’s thrilling.
And from a fan’s view? It’s just the kind of injection Chelsea needed heading into a decisive season.
Final Word: The Numbers Say It All 📊
- Cole Palmer Chelsea No.10: A nod to his growth and leadership as the club’s chief creator
- Liam Delap Chelsea No.9: A bold challenge to break the long-standing curse of the number
Both moves are tactical, symbolic, and emotional—everything that makes football special. And as the Club World Cup inches closer, all eyes will be on this dynamic duo to deliver.