Liam Delap Makes Headlines by Choosing Chelsea’s Infamous No. 9 Shirt
Liam Delap, Chelsea’s recent £30 million signing from Ipswich Town, has made waves by selecting the club’s notorious No. 9 jersey—a number many fans and players alike consider “cursed.” The announcement came on June 5, 2025, surprising fans and drawing reactions from notable names in football, including former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
The No. 9 Curse at Chelsea
Over the years, Chelsea’s No. 9 shirt has earned a reputation for being a bad omen, with high-profile forwards such as Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failing to live up to expectations while wearing it. The shirt has remained unused since Aubameyang’s departure in 2023. At just 22 years old, Delap’s decision is seen as a bold expression of self-belief. According to a club insider, Delap dismissed the idea of any curse, determined to forge his own path.
Giroud Reacts to Delap’s Decision
Now playing for LAFC, Giroud commented on Delap’s jersey choice during a press conference ahead of their Club World Cup meeting on June 16, 2025. Reflecting on his own experience with AC Milan’s No. 9—also believed to be cursed—Giroud shared that he had insisted on wearing it and ultimately thrived. He encouraged Delap to do the same, describing the young striker as “very talented” and capable of handling the pressure.
High Hopes and Heavy Expectations
Delap joins Chelsea after netting 12 goals in 37 league matches for Ipswich in the 2024/25 season, even as the team faced relegation. He’s signed a six-year contract and is expected to fill a significant void up front, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku having yet to fully convince in the striker role. While fan polls show mixed reactions, football legend Alan Shearer praised Delap’s assertive style, predicting he could flourish in Chelsea’s setup.
Online Buzz and Upcoming Debut
Delap’s shirt number quickly became a trending topic on social media platform X, where fans voiced excitement and curiosity about whether he can lift the “curse.” He’s already begun preparations at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground ahead of a potential debut against Giroud’s LAFC.
Can Delap Break the Pattern?
With the 2025/26 season approaching, the pressure is on Delap to prove he can succeed where others have faltered. Will he defy the legacy of the No. 9 shirt, or will the supposed curse continue? The upcoming Club World Cup clash may offer the first clues.
