Liam Delap’s Bold Choice of Chelsea’s ‘Cursed’ No. 9 Shirt Sparks Buzz

In a daring move, Liam Delap, Chelsea’s new £30 million signing from Ipswich Town, has chosen to wear the infamous No. 9 shirt, widely regarded as “cursed” at Stamford Bridge. The decision, announced on June 5, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the football world, with former Chelsea star Olivier Giroud weighing in on the bold choice, surprising Delap and fans alike.

The ‘Cursed’ No. 9 Legacy

Chelsea’s No. 9 shirt has a notorious history, with big-name strikers like Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggling to live up to expectations while wearing it. The shirt has been vacant since Aubameyang’s exit in 2023, and Delap’s decision to take it on at just 22 years old reflects his confidence. “He said he doesn’t believe in curses,” a club source revealed, highlighting Delap’s fearless mindset.

Giroud’s Surprising Comments

Olivier Giroud, now with LAFC, addressed Delap’s choice ahead of their Club World Cup clash on June 16, 2025. Reflecting on his own experience, Giroud recalled being warned about AC Milan’s “cursed” No. 9 by Paolo Maldini. “I said, ‘No, I want the nine!’ I showed there was no curse,” Giroud told reporters, praising Delap’s talent and urging him to embrace the pressure. “He’s very talented,” Giroud added, expressing confidence in the young striker’s ability to break the jinx.

Delap’s Arrival and Expectations

Delap, who scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League games for relegated Ipswich in 2024/25, joins Chelsea on a six-year deal. His arrival addresses the club’s need for a reliable striker, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku failing to fully convince as No. 9s. Fans are split, with a poll showing uncertainty about relying on Delap and Jackson alone. However, Alan Shearer lauded Delap’s “aggressive” style, predicting he could thrive at Chelsea.

Social Media Frenzy and Club World Cup Debut

The announcement of Delap’s No. 9 shirt sparked a frenzy on X, with posts like “Chelsea’s new number 9️⃣ Liam Delap ✨” gaining traction. Fans are eager to see if Delap can defy the curse, starting with his potential debut against Giroud’s LAFC in the Club World Cup. “He’s ready,” a Chelsea source noted, as Delap arrived at Cobham early to prepare.

Can Delap Break the Curse?

With the 2025/26 season looming, all eyes are on Delap to see if he can rewrite the No. 9 narrative. Will he follow in the footsteps of past flops, or will he emulate Giroud’s success? The Club World Cup could be his first chance to prove the doubters wrong.