Chelsea can spend millions on a talented striker, sign a player who has scored goals everywhere he has played, and bring him to Stamford Bridge with the hope that he will become their next goalscoring machine. But somehow, that famous No. 9 jersey keeps finding its way into the conversation! 😭😂
At this point, Chelsea fans are beginning to wonder whether the club needs a world-class striker or an exorcist! 👻🤣
The so-called Chelsea No. 9 curse has become one of the most talked-about mysteries in English football. Over the years, several big names have worn the shirt, but many have struggled to live up to the enormous expectations that come with it. ⚽💔
Just look at some of the names involved! 👀
🔵 Fernando Torres arrived from Liverpool with a huge reputation, but his Chelsea career was filled with frustrating performances, even though he delivered memorable moments, including his famous goal against Barcelona in the Champions League.
🔵 Radamel Falcao, once one of Europe’s most feared strikers, managed just one goal in 12 appearances for Chelsea.
🔵 Álvaro Morata showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with injuries and consistency after arriving with massive expectations.
🔵 Gonzalo Higuaín came in with plenty of experience but scored only five goals in 19 appearances.
🔵 Romelu Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge for a huge fee after a sensational spell at Inter Milan, yet his second Chelsea spell failed to meet expectations. He scored 15 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions.
🔵 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed only three goals in 21 appearances during his Chelsea spell.
And most recently, Liam Delap struggled to establish himself as Chelsea’s leading striker while wearing the infamous number. 😭💔 These figures help explain why the shirt has developed such a frightening reputation among supporters. BBC Sport +2
But here’s where things get even more interesting! 👀🔥
Chelsea have had successful No. 9s in the past. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was a goalscoring machine, while Tammy Abraham scored 15 Premier League goals during the 2019/20 season wearing the shirt. So, perhaps the number itself isn’t cursed after all! 💙⚽ The Guardian +1
The real problem could be the pressure, the expectations, the tactical system, and the enormous demand for whoever wears that shirt to deliver goals week after week.
At Chelsea, a striker can arrive with an impressive scoring record, but the moment the goals dry up, the pressure starts building. Every missed chance becomes a talking point, every quiet performance attracts criticism, and every goal drought brings the curse back into the headlines! 😭📉
Now, with João Pedro taking the No. 9 shirt for the 2026/27 season, Chelsea have another opportunity to change the narrative. The Brazilian enjoyed a productive first campaign wearing No. 20, and supporters will be hoping he can carry that form into his new shirt. BBC Sport +1
Imagine being a striker, seeing the history of that jersey, and still deciding to wear it! That takes confidence! 😂🔥
Chelsea fans, let’s settle this debate! 👇
Is the Chelsea No. 9 jersey genuinely cursed, or has the club simply failed to find the right striker to lead the attack consistently?
And be honest… which Chelsea No. 9 disappointed you the most? 😭💙⚽
