João Pedro Chelsea No. 9 is now official for the 2026/27 season, with the Brazilian forward taking over the famous shirt previously worn by Liam Delap. After João Pedro’s outstanding first season at Stamford Bridge, the decision raises an important question: has Xabi Alonso already identified the striker he wants to lead Chelsea’s attack?
By Abiodun Adewale Adeniyi | Founder & Editor, Beyond the Final Whistle
August 19, 2026 | Chelsea | Premier League
Chelsea have made one of their most interesting decisions ahead of the new Premier League season — and it may tell us much more than a squad number normally would.
João Pedro is officially Chelsea’s new No. 9.
The Brazilian forward wore No. 20 last season, while Liam Delap had possession of the famous No. 9 shirt. Chelsea have now confirmed that João Pedro will make the switch for the 2026/27 campaign.
On the surface, it is only a number.
But after João Pedro’s outstanding first season at Stamford Bridge, it is difficult not to view the decision as a statement about his growing importance under Xabi Alonso.
So, has Alonso already made his striker choice?
João Pedro Chelsea No. 9: An Opportunity He Earned
There is a simple reason Chelsea can justify giving João Pedro the shirt: his performances earned it.
After arriving from Brighton in July 2025, João Pedro quickly established himself as an important attacking player.
He finished his first Chelsea campaign as the club’s leading scorer with 20 goals across all competitions and was subsequently voted Chelsea’s men’s Player of the Season by supporters.
That is an impressive first year at Stamford Bridge.
Pedro also offers something beyond goals.
He can operate as the central striker, drop into deeper areas and combine with attacking midfielders, while also possessing the technical ability to participate in possession.
For a coach such as Alonso, that versatility could be extremely valuable.
Chelsea’s official announcement confirming João Pedro’s switch to No. 9 can be read through the Chelsea official website.
What Does This Mean for Liam Delap?
This is where the decision becomes particularly interesting.
During Chelsea’s pre-season tour, Delap was still wearing No. 9, while João Pedro remained No. 20.
Now Pedro has the shirt.
Delap has instead been assigned No. 12 for the new campaign.
Changing numbers does not automatically determine who starts football matches, and Alonso will ultimately make that decision based on performances and tactics.
But it would be difficult to argue that the switch carries no significance at all.
The No. 9 shirt traditionally belongs to a team’s principal goalscorer. Giving it to João Pedro after his breakthrough campaign certainly strengthens the impression that Chelsea see the Brazilian as one of the central figures in their attack.
For Delap, the challenge becomes clear.
He must force his way back into Alonso’s plans through performances.
Has Xabi Alonso Made His Striker Choice?
Perhaps not permanently — but João Pedro appears to have placed himself at the front of the conversation.
Alonso’s Chelsea will need more than a traditional penalty-box striker.
The manager wants players capable of participating in possession, creating passing options between the lines and helping Chelsea manipulate defensive structures.
That could suit João Pedro extremely well.
His ability to move away from the centre-forward position could also create space for players such as Cole Palmer and Chelsea’s other attacking options.
Rather than simply waiting inside the penalty area, Pedro can become part of Chelsea’s attacking construction.
That tactical flexibility could ultimately be what separates him from Chelsea’s other centre-forward options.
We’ve already looked at how Alonso could reshape this Chelsea team in our analysis of Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea tactics.
Chelsea’s No. 9 Shirt Comes With Pressure
Of course, wearing No. 9 at Chelsea brings expectations.
The club has had several high-profile strikers who struggled to produce their best football while wearing the shirt.
But João Pedro should not be judged by somebody else’s history.
He should be judged by what he does now.
And unlike a new signing arriving with enormous expectations, Pedro has already demonstrated that he can score consistently for Chelsea.
He knows the Premier League.
He understands his teammates.
And most importantly, he enters the new season with genuine momentum behind him.
Supporters can also view João Pedro’s official Premier League profile and statistics through the Premier League website.
João Pedro’s Status at Chelsea Is Growing
The shirt-number announcement also comes at an interesting moment for the Brazilian.
Chelsea are clearly placing considerable faith in him heading into Alonso’s first full campaign.
We recently discussed his growing importance to the club in our report on the João Pedro new Chelsea contract.
Now comes another symbol of that status.
The No. 9 shirt doesn’t guarantee João Pedro a starting position every week.
But it does send a message.
Chelsea expect him to score goals.
They expect him to carry responsibility.
And they appear ready to make him one of the faces of Alonso’s new-look attack.
Beyond the Final Whistle Verdict
Has Xabi Alonso already chosen his striker?
João Pedro certainly looks like the man in pole position.
His goals, versatility and performances last season have given Alonso plenty of reasons to trust him.
Delap may still have opportunities to change the hierarchy, and competition between strikers can benefit Chelsea over a long season.
But heading into 2026/27, the message appears clear.
João Pedro isn’t simply Chelsea’s No. 20 anymore.
He is Chelsea’s No. 9 — and now he has the opportunity to make the shirt his own.
What Do You Think?
Has Xabi Alonso made the right decision by giving João Pedro Chelsea’s No. 9 shirt?
And should João Pedro start ahead of Liam Delap when the Premier League season begins?
Let us know your view in the comments.
