Joao Pedro: Can he break Chelsea’s so-called ‘number nine curse’?
BBC Sport explores whether Joao Pedro, Chelsea’s newest number nine, can end the club’s long-standing striking drought associated with that number.
Chelsea supporters have long believed in a so-called "curse" surrounding the number nine shirt, with no prolific striker donning it since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left in 2004.
However, Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to dispel any doubts with a deft finish against Fulham, marking his debut in Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge.
The Curse
The list of forwards who have struggled in the number nine shirt at Chelsea is lengthy:
- Romelu Lukaku
- Alvaro Morata
- Gonzalo Higuain
- Radamel Falcao
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Liam Delap (currently in talks with Nottingham Forest)
- Steve Sidwell
- Khalid Boulahrouz
- Tammy Abraham (now at Roma)
Joao Pedro’s Rise
Despite the curse’s reputation, Joao Pedro is confident he can succeed. After scoring 20 goals last season, he told the Mirror that "numbers can’t decide this pressure" and that he doesn’t believe in the curse.
His mother, Flavia Junqueira, echoes this sentiment, stating that Joao Pedro has always fought for his goals. She adds that he has the resilience and physical strength to thrive at Chelsea.
A New Era
Joao Pedro’s new contract, which will keep him at Chelsea until 2034, reflects the club’s belief in his ability. The forward’s performance against Fulham, alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, was a promising sign for Alonso and the Chelsea faithful.
With his mother’s support and his own unwavering belief, Joao Pedro is ready to write his name in Chelsea history, potentially breaking the so-called curse and becoming the club’s next iconic number nine.
