Reece James has signed a new long-term contract with Chelsea that will keep the defender at Stamford Bridge until 2032, the club announced on Friday.
A product of the club’s academy, James joined Chelsea’s development centre as a six-year-old and has since risen through the ranks to become captain of the senior side. The right-back has made more than 200 appearances for the Blues and has led the team on over 50 occasions.
During his time with the London club, James has won five major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and the FIFA Club World Cup twice.
“I am over the moon to have extended my contract — Chelsea means so much to me,” James said. “I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes.
“I’m excited for the future under this ownership, the sporting directors, the coach and all the staff, and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years.”
Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart described the extension as a proud moment for the club.
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“He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch,” they said in a joint statement. “Reece knows what it means to wear this badge and, having committed his long-term future to Chelsea, we look forward to continuing the journey and working towards further success together.”
James made his Under-18 debut for Chelsea during the 2015-16 season and played a key role in the youth side’s treble-winning campaign the following year. He signed his first professional contract in March 2017 and later captained the team that won the FA Youth Cup, also being named the club’s Academy Player of the Season.
He marked his senior debut with a goal in a League Cup win over Grimsby Town F.C. and later scored in a memorable Champions League match against AFC Ajax.
James established himself as a first-team regular in the following season and also earned his first senior caps for England national football team. He played 47 matches during the 2020-21 campaign, culminating in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph over Manchester City F.C. in Porto.
The defender was named club captain ahead of the 2023-24 season and has since led the Blues 54 times, helping the side lift the UEFA Europa Conference League and another FIFA Club World Cup title last year.
Published on Mar 13, 2026
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