In a headline-grabbing move, Chelsea’s recent £30 million acquisition from Ipswich Town, Liam Delap, has boldly chosen to don the club’s infamous No. 9 shirt—an iconic jersey many believe is plagued with misfortune at Stamford Bridge.
The announcement, made on June 5, 2025, has ignited a wave of discussions among fans and pundits, with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud weighing in with surprising encouragement for the young talent.
A Shirt Steeped in Misfortune
Chelsea’s No. 9 shirt carries a daunting legacy. Over the years, it has been worn by several high-profile forwards—including Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang—who failed to meet the lofty expectations that came with it.
The shirt has remained unworn since Aubameyang’s departure in 2023, adding to its mysterious aura. Now, at just 22 years of age, Delap has stepped forward to embrace the challenge.
A source close to the club shared that Delap is unbothered by the so-called curse, quoting him as saying he “doesn’t believe in curses”—a sign of the young striker’s self-assurance and mental resilience.
Giroud Shows Support
Ahead of a highly anticipated Club World Cup clash between Chelsea and LAFC on June 16, 2025, Olivier Giroud, now playing in Major League Soccer with LAFC, reflected on Delap’s daring choice.
Recalling a similar moment in his own career, Giroud spoke about being warned by AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini about the No. 9 shirt at the Italian club.
Undeterred, Giroud chose to wear it and went on to enjoy a successful stint. “I said, ‘No, I want the nine!’ and proved there was no curse,” he said, drawing parallels with Delap’s situation. Giroud expressed admiration for the young striker’s confidence, stating, “He’s very talented,” and encouraged him to embrace the weight of expectations.
New Signing, New Hope
Delap arrives at Chelsea on a six-year contract after a respectable individual season with Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals in 37 Premier League matches despite the team being relegated.
His signing is seen as an important step in resolving Chelsea’s prolonged striker dilemma, especially with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku failing to provide consistent impact in the No. 9 role.
While some supporters remain skeptical—polls reveal divided opinions on whether Delap and Jackson are enough up front—respected figures like Alan Shearer have praised Delap’s physicality and aggressive playing style, predicting success at Stamford Bridge.
Fans Buzzing Ahead of Debut
The announcement of Delap wearing the No. 9 shirt sparked widespread excitement across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where fans shared posts like “Chelsea’s new number 9 Liam Delap ” With his Chelsea debut potentially coming in the Club World Cup against LAFC and Giroud, anticipation is building. According to sources at the club, Delap has already begun training at Cobham and is determined to hit the ground running.
Time to Rewrite History?
As the 2025/26 season approaches, attention is focused on whether Delap can finally break the so-called No. 9 curse at Chelsea. Will he fall victim to the same fate as his predecessors, or will he forge a new legacy, much like Giroud did at Milan?
The upcoming Club World Cup may offer the first glimpse of his potential to silence the doubters and usher in a new chapter for the Blues’ long-troubled striker position.
