Martinez explains why he wore John Terry's Chelsea No. 26 with pride
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez revealed that after joining the club from Aston Villa and being assigned the iconic No. 26 shirt, he texted former captain John Terry to say he would wear the number with pride. Martinez noted he had used the number on loan at previous clubs and was aware of Terry’s nearly two‑decade association with the shirt at Stamford Bridge. He added that, from their time together at Villa, Terry knows his work ethic and what he can bring to Chelsea.
The No. 26 shirt carries heavy symbolism for Chelsea supporters, having been worn by Terry for almost 20 years during his captaincy and leadership era. Martinez’s acknowledgment shows respect for the club’s heritage while signalling his intent to contribute his own legacy. For fans, the story highlights how players treat historic jersey numbers—not just as digits but as a link to past greats and a responsibility to uphold standards.
Would you feel honoured to wear a club legend’s number, or would you prefer to choose a number and build your own legacy from scratch?