Reece James has committed his future to Chelsea by signing a new long-term contract. To mark the occasion, we have picked out a selection of the Blues skipper's best moments so far.....
James' Chelsea story began when he started training with us at the age of six – and he progressed through our Academy to captain the Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory in 2018.
A successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic followed before James broke into the Chelsea first team in the 2019/20 season under the management of Frank Lampard.
Reece has been a key member of the senior squad ever since and will continue to be, now as captain, for many years to come, thanks to his new contract.
Here, we look back at several of Reece’s highlights so far…
Marking his debut in style | September 2019
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James had to wait to make his Chelsea debut, but when the time came, our Academy graduate announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style, superbly curling a 20-yarder in against Grimsby Town in a big Carabao Cup win.
A dramatic leveller | November 2019
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With the Blues 4-1 down to Ajax at half-time of a UEFA Champions League clash, Lampard sent on James and the young right-back rewarded his head coach by levelling the score and helping complete an extraordinary comeback.
He was our youngest-ever goal scorer in the Champions League until his record was broken twice in the same game this season by [Marc Guiu](/en/teams/profile/marc-guiu) and later [Estevao Willian](/en/teams/profile/estevao) against Ajax.
Blockbuster at Brighton | September 2020
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James began his second season as a member of the first-team squad in spectacular fashion, larruping home a long-ranger away to Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening day of the season.
It was some way to open his Premier League account.
The biggest prize | May 2021
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James’ first piece of silverware wasn’t just any old trophy. He started the Champions League final at right wing-back and excelled as we kept Manchester City at bay, and lifted the continent’s most prestigious prize for the second time in Chelsea history.
Twice on the Toon | October 2021
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The 2021/22 campaign was a profitable one for James, who netted six goals, including a superb brace at St James’ Park.
The England international cracked in a left-foot shot to break the deadlock and followed it soon after with one on his right, to set us on the way to a 3-0 win.
Becoming Chelsea captain | August 2023
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Following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta, James was named our new club captain ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
It was an extremely proud moment for James, who followed in the footsteps of past Blues greats like John Terry, Ron Harris and Ray Wilkins in graduating from our Academy to lead the side out.
Another European trophy | May 2025
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James got his hands on silverware for the first time as skipper following our 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw.
His introduction at half-time had helped swing the contest in our favour.
On top of the world | July 2025
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Even better was to come later in the summer, as James captained us to a famous victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Showing his natural ability and versatility, James started in midfield and helped us boss the New York showpiece from the off. Earlier in the tournament, his clever free-kick had helped us get the better of Benfica in the round of 16.
Congratulations, Reece – and here's to many more wonderful moments in Blue!