Chelsea captain James signs new six-year contract
Mar 13, 2026, 07:45 AM ETReece James said it was "not much of a decision" as he signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032, the club have announced.James, 26, has been training with Chelsea since the age of six and was made club captain in 2023.His previous deal was due to expire in 2028 but Chelsea have acted early to avoid his contract entering its final year and the risk of James leaving on a free transfer in the same way that Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen did when moving to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.James has made 225 appearances for Chelsea and was a key member of the side that won the 2021 Champions League and last summer's Club World Cup.Speaking on signing his new contract, James said: "It wasn't really much of a decision."I came through at the club, I love the club. I've experienced winning here and I believe there's a lot more to come in the future.Reece James will now stay at Stamford Bridge until 2032. Jean Catuffe/Getty Images"I've spoken to everyone from the top of the club down, from the ownership to sporting directors. I'm fully behind the project and what we're trying to build."I wouldn't go as far as [discussing] signings but I wanted to make sure that the direction and vision was aligned."For sure, everyone from top to bottom is aligned and this club's ambition is to win. Every year I've been here the club has won trophies and we're going to continue to try and do that."James signed his first professional contract in March 2017 and was named Academy Player of the Season, as well as leading the side to the Youth FA Cup.His solitary time away from Chelsea was a loan spell at Wigan, where James, largely playing in the midfield, had a stellar campaign and was named the club's Player of the Season.Ever since his return to Cobham ahead of the 2019/20 season, James has been a crucial cog in the Chelsea machine and, after battling through injuries, has established himself as a key performer for Enzo Maresca and now Liam Rosenior, both at his favoured right back and in midfield.- The Premier League's dismal week in Europe: Nine teams, one win as boos ring out- Agent of Man City's Haaland rubbishes claims of Barcelona move- Redknapp: I spoke to Daniel Levy, he said 'I would bring you back' to TottenhamSporting Directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: "On behalf of ownership and everyone connected to Chelsea, it is a proud moment for all of us to have Reece extend his contract."He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch. Reece knows what it means to wear this badge and, having committed his long-term future to Chelsea, we're looking forward to continuing the journey and working towards further success together."
