Is Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?

Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal of the season - will the new number nine reach the 20 he scored last season while wearing the number 20 shirt?

The Brazilian forward opened the scoring at Craven Cottage with a brilliant chip over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno after being played through by Cole Palmer.

Full Time After Extra Time This is a live match. Extra Time Half Time Fulham vs Chelsea. Premier League. 8:00pm, Monday 24th August 2026. Craven Cottage. Fulham 0 Chelsea 1 J Pedro (1st minute) Latest Premier League Odds Get Sky SportsGet a NOW Sports Membership Watch Live Live Updates Video Teams News Table Stats More

JOAO PEDRO broke Chelsea's No9 curse after just 31 SECONDS. The striker gave new boss Xabi Alonso the dream start in their Premier League opener at Fulham. After winning the ball, Chelsea swept through the Cottagers' defence. Cole Palmer fed Pedro and the Brazilian dinked brilliantly over Bernd Leno to open the scoring

Joao Pedro signs new deal at Chelsea and takes on club’s ‘cursed’ No. 9 shirt  Toronto Star

22 Aug 2026 06:25PM Aug 22 : Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2034, the Premier League club said on Saturday.The 24-year-old, a surprise omission from Brazil's squad for this summer's World Cup, had reportedly attracted interest from several top club

The striker has reportedly been the subject of interest from Barcelona.

Joao Pedro takes No.9 jersey off Liam Delap as Chelsea confirm multiple squad number changes  talkSPORT

Delap has changed to No 12 in Chelsea’s confirmed list of squad numbers for the 2026-27 campaign.