Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has officially changed his squad number, now sporting the No.1 shirt instead of his previous No.26.

The club confirmed the switch, noting that it reflects Martinez’s standing as the team’s senior goalkeeper.

With the number change comes a practical issue for supporters who had already purchased shirts bearing his old No.26. In a gesture aimed at addressing this, Martinez has personally agreed to sign any “Martinez 26” jerseys that fans bought either through the official Club Megastore or via the club’s official website.

The move is intended to reassure supporters who invested in merchandise before the switch was made public, ensuring their purchases retain sentimental and potentially collectible value despite no longer reflecting his current number.

Fans holding onto these shirts can expect further details from the club regarding how and when the signing opportunity will take place.

Martinez’s switch to the No.1 shirt aligns with a long-standing football tradition where the number is typically reserved for a club’s first-choice goalkeeper, signaling his importance within Chelsea’s squad hierarchy.

The Argentine shot-stopper has quickly become a key figure between the posts since arriving at the club, and this number change further cements his role as the team’s primary goalkeeping option.

Supporters who purchased the No.26 shirt are encouraged to keep an eye on official club communications for updates on the signing arrangement, as Chelsea looks to make the transition as smooth as possible for its fanbase while honoring those who supported Martinez before the change.