A rapid transition at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez has officially switched his squad number to No. 1, just one match into his tenure at Stamford Bridge. The change follows the departure of fellow goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who completed a deadline-day loan move to Italian side Como. The vacancy of the No. 1 jersey, traditionally reserved for the club’s primary shot-stopper, prompted the Argentine international to move away from the No. 26 shirt he had requested upon his £7.5 million arrival from Aston Villa.
Martinez made his debut for the Blues in the No. 26 jersey during a high-scoring 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite the shirt’s historical weight at the club—famously worn by former captain John Terry—the goalkeeper has opted to align himself with the standard designation for a first-choice keeper. The club confirmed the transition in an official statement, noting that Martinez has firmly established himself as the undisputed starter under the current tactical setup.
This report draws on information published by The Independent.
Supporting the fan base
Recognizing that supporters may have already invested in the ‘Martinez 26’ home kits, Chelsea has implemented a goodwill initiative to mitigate the impact of the sudden change. Fans who purchased the original jersey through the official club megastore or website are invited to bring their shirts to Stamford Bridge by October 4. With valid proof of purchase, the new No. 1 has committed to personally signing these items, a gesture intended to maintain positive relations with the fan base following the mid-season number swap.
The weight of the No. 26
The decision to move away from the No. 26 is notable given the public nature of Martinez’s initial request. Before joining the club, Martinez sought and received the blessing of John Terry, with whom he shared a successful professional relationship during their time together at Aston Villa. Terry had openly endorsed the signing, praising Martinez’s mentality and his shared focus on keeping clean sheets. The No. 26 has seen various occupants since Terry’s retirement, including Kalidou Koulibaly and academy graduate Levi Colwill, but it has yet to be held by a single player for an extended period.
Looking ahead to the Emirates
The timing of the number change precedes a high-stakes fixture for the Blues, as they prepare to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The match carries significant narrative weight, as Martinez previously represented the Gunners during his career. As Chelsea look to build on their early-season momentum—having secured victories against both Brighton and Fulham—Martinez’s transition to the No. 1 shirt serves as a clear signal of his integration into the squad’s hierarchy. The upcoming match against his former club will mark his first competitive appearance in the new kit.