AFCON 2025
For years, Chelsea’s number 9 jersey has carried an almost mythical weight, not of glory, but of disappointment. While it should symbolize goal-scoring excellence, it has instead become a burden for some of the world’s most promising strikers.
Despite big fees, lofty expectations, and flashes of brilliance, these players failed to live up to the hype.
With the announcement of new signing, Liam Delap taking up the number 9, here’s a look back at ten players who wore Chelsea’s number 9 shirt and failed to deliver:
1. Fernando Torres (2011–2014)
Signed from Liverpool for a then-British record £50 million, Torres never rediscovered his lethal Anfield form. Though he scored crucial goals, most famously against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, his tally of 20 goals in 110 league appearances was far below expectations.
2. Álvaro Morata (2017–2019)
The Spaniard arrived with a £60 million price tag and a solid reputation from Juventus and Real Madrid. However, inconsistency and confidence issues plagued him. He managed just 16 goals in 47 league games before being loaned to Atlético Madrid.
3. Gonzalo Higuain (Loan, 2019)
The Argentine was reunited with Maurizio Sarri on a short-term deal from Juventus, but he looked far from the prolific scorer of his Napoli days. Higuaín netted only 5 goals in 18 appearances and left quietly after one underwhelming season.
4. Radamel Falcao (Loan, 2015–2016)
After an injury-hit spell at Manchester United, Falcao was given another chance in England by Chelsea. Sadly, he looked a shadow of his former self, scoring just once in 10 league appearances.
5. Mateja Kežman (2004–2005)
The Serbian striker came to Stamford Bridge after scoring 105 goals in 122 games for PSV. But under José Mourinho, Kežman struggled, managing just 4 Premier League goals in one season before being shipped off to Atlético Madrid.
6. Steve Sidwell (2007–2008)
While not a traditional striker, Sidwell bizarrely wore the number 9 shirt during his brief time at Chelsea. Used mostly as a squad player, he failed to make a major impact and left after just one season.
7. Khalid Boulahrouz (2006–2007)
Another non-striker who donned the cursed number. The Dutch defender’s Chelsea career was a forgettable one, marked by injuries and inconsistency. His assignment to the number 9 shirt baffled fans and pundits alike.
8. Franco Di Santo (2008–2010)
Touted as a future star, the Argentine teenager failed to make his mark at Stamford Bridge. With just 8 league appearances and no goals, Di Santo never looked ready for the Premier League spotlight.
9. Romelu Lukaku (2021–2023)
Lukaku’s return in 2021 for a club-record £97.5 million was meant to break the curse. He started well but quickly fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel. An ill-timed interview criticizing the club and a lack of consistent form saw him loaned back to Inter Milan, then to Roma.
10. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2022–2023)
Signed from Barcelona as a short-term fix, Aubameyang’s Chelsea stint was brief and ineffective. He scored just one league goal in 15 appearances before being released. His signing seemed more like a panic move than a strategic acquisition.
Chelsea’s number 9 shirt continues to baffle fans and players alike. From world-class talents to ill-fitting signings, none have managed to shake the jersey’s haunted reputation.
With Delap arriving at Stamford Bridge, it remains to be seen if he can finally lift the curse of the number 9.
