Cole Palmer has taken over Chelsea’s iconic No.10 shirt, but the switch came with no direct conversation with Mykhailo Mudryk, the player who previously wore it. The young England star admitted he hasn’t yet spoken to Mudryk, who remains suspended due to a doping investigation, but plans to do so in due time.
The shirt change was announced before Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Flamengo, a tie that follows their recent win over Los Angeles FC. The No.10 jersey, once worn by Eden Hazard and Juan Mata, now sits on Palmer’s back, a number he’s been drawn to since childhood thanks to footballing idols like Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, clarified that he had no involvement in the decision to assign the shirt and emphasized that squad numbers are a player issue, not a coaching one. For Maresca, Palmer fully deserves the jersey based on his growing impact at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer confirmed he always wore the No.10 growing up, adding that the number holds personal and symbolic meaning. The move aligns with his rise as a central figure in Chelsea’s setup and reinforces his status among the club’s most valuable assets.
Meanwhile, Mudryk’s future remains uncertain. The Ukrainian winger, nicknamed “Misha,” has been charged by the FA for violations involving a banned substance. He faces a possible four-year ban and has not been given a new shirt number since his suspension.
Although players typically seek approval before inheriting squad numbers, Palmer opted not to initiate contact, citing the sensitivity of the situation. Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in 2023, has denied knowingly taking any banned substances and remains under investigation.
Chelsea continues their Club World Cup campaign in Philadelphia against a Flamengo side featuring former Premier League star Jorginho. Palmer will be hoping to live up to the number’s legacy, carrying the expectations of Chelsea’s fanbase on his back throughout the tournament.