Chelsea's new signing inherits jersey number once worn by Nigerian midfielder
Published: June 11, 2025
Through the club's official website, Chelsea have confirmed the squad number Dario Essugo will wear in the upcoming season.
The Blues completed the signing of the Lisbon-born Portuguese youth international of Angolan descent ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, with the holding midfielder signing a long-term contract running until 2033.
Commenting on his move to Chelsea, Essugo said: "It's a big step to make in my early career. Every player dreams of getting to a big club, and Chelsea is no exception.
"It's a massive club and I'm feeling proud and very happy to be here.
"Chelsea showed big interest in me. When that happens, you can't turn it down. When my Dad told me Chelsea were interested, I was very happy and here we are now!”
Essugo has been assigned the number 14 shirt at Chelsea, a number previously worn by London-born former Nigerian defensive midfielder Eddie Newton.
Newton is best remembered as a Chelsea player for scoring against Middlesbrough in the final of the 1997 FA Cup.
A product of the Chelsea academy, Newton served as an assistant coach to Frank Lampard and previously held the same role under Roberto Di Matteo and Guus Hiddink.
He made over 180 appearances in all competitions during his time with Chelsea, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Other players of African descent who have previously worn Chelsea's number 14 shirt include Trevoh Chalobah, Fikayo Tomori, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Bertrand Traore and Geremi Njitap.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
- 'They have plans to sell me for N179b' – Osimhen urges Galatasaray to act fast amid Al-Hilal interest
- 'He's helped me tremendously' – Igoh Ogbu credits Slavia coach for Super Eagles call-up
- Full list of 21 players in camp as Super Eagles begin CHAN preparations in Ikenne
- Confirmed: Eze signs new deal with Blackburn as another Nigerian defender joins from Wolves
- Done deal: Motherwell loan in Celtic youth product Sule from West Brom
- Official: Midfielder who is open to representing Nigeria signs new deal with Bournemouth
- 'This is what we need' – Oparanozie hails ex-England U20 forward after first goal in Nigeria colours
- Official: Nottingham Forest confirm Super Eagles defender has signed a new contract
- 'It's promising people money' – Plumptre breaks silence on impersonation after Super Falcons win
- 'Very good player' – Borussia Dortmund chief eyes new deal for Chelsea's Chukwuemeka


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88