Emiliano Martinez has changed his squad number at Chelsea just days after making his debut for the club, switching from No 26 to the more traditional goalkeeper's No 1 shirt.
The Argentine goalkeeper arrived at Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa in a £7.5million deal after Robert Sanchez's costly errors in Chelsea's opening-day 3-2 win at Fulham prompted the club to move for a new first-choice option, despite having publicly backed Sanchez and Mike Penders as their goalkeeping pair heading into the 2026-27 season.
Upon joining, Martinez initially opted for the No 26 shirt, a number with sentimental value at the club due to its association with former captain John Terry. Martinez wore it in his first appearance for Chelsea, a 4-3 victory over Brighton, and had spoken about the significance of following in Terry's footsteps.
"I remember using the 26 on loan a few times with previous clubs, and of course I knew John Terry famously had the 26 here," Martinez said. "John was someone I spoke to before I joined, and he said he was over the moon to have me here. From our time together at Aston Villa, he knows how hard I work and what I can bring to Chelsea. JT really helped me with my decision. The morning I signed, I texted him and said, 'I'm wearing your shirt, and I'm going to do it with pride.'"
However, with Sanchez's departure on loan to Italian club Como following his exit from the first-team picture, the iconic No 1 shirt became available. Martinez, considering it the more fitting number for a goalkeeper, decided to make the switch and has since been pictured holding a jersey bearing his new number.
The timing means Martinez is set to wear No 1 for the first time when Chelsea travel to face his former club Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, should he retain his place in the starting XI.
The switch has left some supporters in an awkward position, as a number of fans had already purchased shirts printed with 'Martinez' and the No 26 following his signing and debut appearance. In response, Chelsea have arranged a gesture of goodwill on the goalkeeper's behalf.
A club statement explained: "In recognition of the change, and those impacted, Emi has kindly offered to sign all 'Martinez 26' shirts that had been obtained via the official Club Megastore or official Club website. In order to arrange this, supporters will be required to bring this shirt to Stamford Bridge along with proof of purchase by October 4."
The episode marks a swift change in fortunes for both goalkeepers involved. Sanchez, who had held the No 1 shirt prior to Martinez's arrival, was informed he could leave Chelsea once the move for the Argentine was finalised, and a loan to Como was subsequently agreed.
Martinez, meanwhile, appears to have settled quickly into life at Stamford Bridge, having gone from a debut in Chelsea's colours to becoming the club's new senior goalkeeper in the space of just a few days. His switch to the No 1 shirt underlines the club's intent to establish him as their long-term option between the posts, even as they look to smooth over the situation with supporters who bought into his short-lived No 26 era.
Chelsea will be looking for Martinez to make an instant impact against Arsenal, the club he left to join Villa years ago, as they aim to build on their strong start to the season.
Based on reporting from Independent Football and Standard Football.