✅BREAKING NEWS: Liam Delap has chosen his shirt number. The No. 9 shirt — known as the “cursed number” at Chelsea — has caused a stir with the young English striker’s bold decision. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud hinted about this issue, surprising Delap and everyone else🔵

Liam Delap’s Brave Decision to Take on Chelsea’s Infamous No. 9 Shirt Creates Major Buzz

In a bold and unexpected move, Liam Delap, who recently completed a £30 million transfer from Ipswich Town to Chelsea, has made headlines by selecting the club’s highly controversial and often feared No. 9 shirt. This particular jersey number has long carried a reputation for bringing misfortune to the strikers who wear it at Stamford Bridge. The news of Delap’s choice, officially announced on June 5, 2025, has caused widespread discussion and surprise throughout the football community. Even former Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud has offered his opinion on the matter, sharing his thoughts in a way that has both surprised and encouraged Delap and the fans.

The Troubled History of Chelsea’s No. 9 Shirt

The No. 9 shirt at Chelsea is notorious for its history of being unlucky. Over the years, several high-profile strikers have failed to meet expectations while wearing it, including Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Many supporters have come to view the number as “cursed” due to the consistent struggles of those who have worn it. Following Aubameyang’s departure from the club in 2023, the shirt remained unused — almost as if the club itself was wary of the negative legacy. Now, at just 22 years old, Delap’s decision to claim the number demonstrates his strong self-belief and fearless character. According to an inside source at Chelsea, “He said he doesn’t believe in curses,” showing his determination to face the challenge head-on.

Olivier Giroud’s Encouraging Words

Former Chelsea star Olivier Giroud, who now plays for LAFC, shared his perspective on Delap’s brave decision just ahead of their meeting in the Club World Cup on June 16, 2025. Giroud recalled how he faced a similar situation during his time at AC Milan, where club legend Paolo Maldini warned him about the supposed curse surrounding Milan’s No. 9 shirt. Giroud remembered confidently responding, “No, I want the nine! I showed there was no curse,” reflecting his own experience in overcoming such superstitions. The French striker went on to praise Delap, emphasizing the young forward’s impressive abilities. “He’s very talented,” Giroud stated, encouraging Delap to embrace the pressure and rise to the occasion. Giroud expressed his belief that Delap has the potential to break the so-called curse, just as he did.

Delap’s Transfer and What Lies Ahead

Liam Delap arrives at Chelsea with plenty of expectations following his solid performance for Ipswich Town, where he managed to score 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season, despite the club’s relegation. He has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, filling a critical need for a dependable striker — a role that recent forwards such as Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have struggled to fully secure. The Chelsea fanbase remains divided about whether Delap and Jackson can handle the responsibility together. A recent poll indicates mixed feelings among supporters, with many still uncertain about relying solely on these two players. However, legendary striker Alan Shearer has offered a more optimistic view, applauding Delap’s “aggressive” playing style and suggesting that he has the qualities necessary to succeed at Chelsea.

Excitement on Social Media and Anticipation for Club World Cup Debut

The announcement that Delap will wear the No. 9 shirt has generated significant excitement across social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter). Numerous posts, including ones like “Chelsea’s new number 9️⃣ Liam Delap ✨”, have gained considerable attention as fans eagerly speculate on whether he can break the long-standing curse. Supporters are particularly excited to see Delap’s potential debut against Giroud’s LAFC team in the upcoming Club World Cup, which may serve as his first opportunity to make a strong statement. A Chelsea insider confidently stated, “He’s ready,” noting that Delap has already arrived at the Cobham training facility early to begin preparing for the challenge.

Will Delap Finally Break the Curse?

As the 2025/26 season approaches, all eyes will be focused on Liam Delap to see if he can change the narrative surrounding Chelsea’s cursed No. 9 shirt. The big question remains: will he follow the disappointing path of many previous No. 9s at the club, or will he establish himself as a successful exception, much like Olivier Giroud once did? The Club World Cup presents an early and crucial test for Delap to prove his doubters wrong and begin his journey toward rewriting the club’s history with the No. 9 jersey.