Chelsea's 'Ace number' is changing hands. Cole Palmer (23) will wear the number 10 starting in the 2025-2026 season. The official first wearing stage will likely be the FIFA Club World Cup group stage match against Club León.
Chelsea announced on the 5th (Korea time) through the club's official website, "Cole Palmer will be assigned the number 10 starting in the 2025-2026 season. He is expected to wear that number starting from the Club World Cup."
Palmer, who transferred from Manchester City in September 2023, had worn the number 20 throughout his time there. Within just one season, he has emerged as a central figure for the team, signaling a transition to a symbolic number. This change embodies both the expectations and significance that Chelsea places on him.
Chelsea added, "The final allocation of player numbers for the new season will be confirmed after the summer transfer window closes, and changes may occur until then." Thus, Palmer's number 10 is not yet finalized, but the club appears to be effectively confirming the number assignment from this Club World Cup.
With explosive growth that has made him a candidate for the Premier League Best XI for the 2024-2025 season, Palmer is one of the figures symbolizing Chelsea's resurgence. He has made his presence felt in critical moments throughout the season, leaving a deep impression on fans, and will now inherit the symbolism of being the core of Chelsea through the number 10.
For Chelsea fans, Palmer's change in jersey number signifies more than just a number. It is the most intuitive indicator of who the team's hope and the center of a new era are. There is already excitement about seeing 'No. 10 Cole Palmer' for the first time on the global stage of the Club World Cup.
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