Chelsea's 'ace number' is getting a new owner. Cole Palmer (23, Chelsea) will wear the number 10 jersey starting from the 2025-2026 season. Palmer declared through the number 10 that he represents Chelsea's present and future, and Chelsea has elevated him as the new centerpiece of the club through this symbolic number.
Chelsea announced on the 20th (Korea time) via the club's official website that "Cole Palmer will be assigned the number 10 jersey starting from the 2025-2026 season. He will start wearing it from the upcoming Club World Cup." In practice, Palmer wore a uniform with the number 10 during the match against LA FC on the 17th.
After transferring from Manchester City in September 2023, Palmer wore the number 20 jersey and quickly emerged as a key player for the team. He displayed explosive growth by ranking high in the Premier League scoring charts from his debut season, earning a spot as a candidate for the league's Best XI. Additionally, he has brought decisive plays that change the flow of games and leadership since the middle of the season, receiving accolades as 'Chelsea's new ace.'
The number 10 jersey is not just a simple change. Palmer himself noted, "I've liked the number 10 since I was a child. It was the number worn by players I respected, like Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney." This is not merely a number change; it is also a declaration of the kind of player he wishes to grow into.
Chelsea considered the significance of this number within the club when assigning it. The number 10 has been worn by the most creative and influential players in the club's history and has been a symbolic number worn by 'aces' such as Eden Hazard in recent years. The club stated, "The final team numbers will be finalized after the summer transfer window, but we plan to assign number 10 to Palmer starting from the preseason, including the Club World Cup," indicating an atmosphere of near certainty.
Palmer is currently participating in the FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the United States. Following a 2-0 victory against LA FC, Chelsea is gearing up for a rematch against Flamengo on the 21st. As the tournament is an environment where the team shares experiences for up to a month, it serves as an important stage for solidifying bonds ahead of the new season.
Palmer remarked, "Training and living together every day makes us closer," referring to his bond with Liam Delap and Romeo Lavia, both from Manchester City. "Since I've played with Liam since our time at City, I have an instinct for where he might be. I believe I can provide a lot of help," he expressed anticipation for team synergy.
Palmer takes his first step for the new season with the number 10 jersey through the Club World Cup. It comes to fans as a symbol that is more than just a number. Transitioning from a promising player wearing number 20 to a key player wearing number 10. 'No.10 Palmer' embodies the direction and ideals Chelsea aspires to follow, symbolizing a new era.
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