Chelsea confirms squad numbers for 2026/27 season
New Numbers for Key Players
Chelsea has officially confirmed its squad numbers for the upcoming 2026/27 season. 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. Defender Wesley Fofana has also changed his number, moving to the No. 3 shirt for the new campaign.
New summer signing Morgan Rogers has been assigned the No. 17 shirt. Other new arrivals have also received their numbers, with Marco Palestra taking No. 2, Valentin Barco No. 4, and Maxence Lacroix No. 5. These assignments were confirmed on August 19, 2026.
Squad Additions and Departures
Several other players have been allocated new numbers for the 2026/27 season. Jordan Henderson is set to wear the No. 14 shirt, while Danny Welbeck will take No. 18. Emmanuel Emegha has been assigned No. 22, Geovany Quenda No. 23, and Pep Chavarria No. 29.
The confirmation of these numbers follows a period of both arrivals and departures at the club. Morgan Rogers, for instance, joined the Blues in July, taking the No. 17 shirt previously worn by Andrey Santos before his move to Manchester United. Marco Palestra, who signed from Atalanta, has taken the No. 2 shirt, which was previously associated with Axel Disasi, who is reportedly expected to leave Chelsea this summer.
During pre-season matches, some of these number changes were observed. Danny Welbeck wore the No. 18 shirt during the Asia leg of the pre-season tour. Wesley Fofana, who wore No. 29 last season, was seen in the No. 3 shirt during a friendly against Real Sociedad, following Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Real Madrid. Similarly, Pep Chavarria wore No. 29 during his appearance against Real Sociedad.
Implications of Number Changes
The allocation of certain numbers to new players or existing squad members has been noted as potentially indicating player movements. For example, Valentin Barco, who joined from RC Strasbourg, wore the No. 4 shirt in his first unofficial appearance for Chelsea. This number is currently officially held by Tosin Adarabioyo, who was not included in the squad for that match and has been linked with a transfer away from the club.
Maxence Lacroix, a signing from Crystal Palace, took over the No. 5 shirt for the friendly against Real Sociedad. This number was previously associated with Benoit Badiashile, who is reportedly set to depart Chelsea. Lacroix wore No. 5 at Crystal Palace, suggesting he will retain it at Stamford Bridge.
The full list of confirmed squad numbers for the 2026/27 season includes Robert Sanchez (1), Levi Colwill (6), Pedro Neto (7), Enzo Fernandez (8), Cole Palmer (10), Jamie Gittens (11), Liam Delap (12), Nicolas Jackson (15), Dario Essugo (16), Mamadou Sarr (19), Jorrel Hato (21), Reece James (24), Moises Caicedo (25), Malo Gusto (27), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (28), Aaron Anselmino (30), Reggie Watson (31), Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli (32), Mykhailo Mudryk (33), Josh Acheampong (34), Tayo Subuloye (37), Tosin Adarabioyo (38), Mike Penders (39), Estevao Willian (41), Gaga Slonina (44), and Romeo Lavia (45).
These confirmed numbers allow supporters to purchase customised merchandise ahead of the new campaign, which is scheduled to begin with an away match against Fulham next Monday.
Source: chelseafc.com
