Tosin Adarabioyo will carry the weight of history on his shoulders at Chelsea, with the club confirming the defender will wear the iconic number 4 shirt.
The towering defender has a rich history with the number four, wearing it through out his youth career at Manchester City and then as a professional at Fulham. Now, at Chelsea, the Nigerian has the opportunity to forge his own path and write a new chapter in the story of this iconic shirt.
The number 4 jersey holds a special place in Chelsea folklore, having been donned by some of the club’s greatest ever captains and defenders. Here are five Blues legends who built the mystique of the shirt at Stamford Bridge.
Ruud Gullit
In 1995, Dutch legend Ruud Gullit arrived at Chelsea, wearing the iconic number four shirt. Initially deployed as a sweeper, he struggled to adapt.
However, a switch to his preferred midfield role transformed his impact. Gullit orchestrated attacks, scored six goals, and led the Blues to the FA Cup semi-final.
Dutch Legend Ruud Gulit
Looking back, Gullit often cites his time at Stamford Bridge as his happiest, cherishing the atmosphere and rediscovering his love for the game. Gullit’s arrival also marked a turning point in the Premier League, in that it paved the way for the influx of foreign international stars.
Ron Harris
Nicknamed “Chopper” for his uncompromising defending style, Ron Harris is a Chelsea legend whose name is in the club’s history. He patrolled the Blues’ backline throughout the 1960s and 70s, amassing a club record 795 appearances.
Harris’ leadership qualities shone through as he captained Chelsea to their first FA Cup victory in 1970 and a historic UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1971.
Chelsea legend Ron “Chopper” Harris
His fierce determination and defensive solidity made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, solidifying his place as a true club icon.
Claude Makélélé
Claude Makélélé, arriving at Chelsea in 2003 for £16.8 million, became the team’s defensive anchor.
Chelsea’s Claude Makelele jostles for the ball with Arsenal’s Alex Hleb
Wearing the number four jersey, Makélélé’s presence allowed attacking talents like Lampard and Drogba to flourish. His leadership and defensive solidity were key to the club’s success, including a Premier League title and a League Cup win in his first season.
Makélélé’s importance transcended Chelsea, so much so that, even following his retirement from football, the role of the lone midfield pivot was named after him.
David Luiz
A two-time Chelsea player, Luiz brought flair and tenacity to the defensive role.
Brazilian defender David Luiz
Luiz’s time at Chelsea wasn’t without its share of dramatic moments, but his connection to the number four was undeniable. He proved that the shirt could be a platform for a flamboyant, attack-minded defender, inspiring future players to embrace a more expressive style while wearing the same iconic jersey.
Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas’ acquisition in 2014 saw a surprising choice for jersey numbers.
The number four, traditionally synonymous with defensive stalwarts at Chelsea, landed on a player known for his creative midfield play.
Fàbregas’ arrival marked a departure from the norm: while previous number fours like Makelele and Luiz offered defensive solidity, the Spaniard brought a touch of elegance.
