Liverpool boss Arne Slot, Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique are among the prominent nominees for the Johan Cruyff awards that will be given away at the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Both Chelsea coaches, Enzo Maresca and Sonia Bompastor, have been nominated as well, along with Barcelona's Hansi Flick, who inspired the Blaugranas to a domestic treble.
Chelsea could reportedly sell four players to the same club as they continue to balance their books after an extravagant summer that has seen over £200 million spent on new signings. The Blues appear determined to trim their wage bill to comply with financial regulations.
Reece James has been told that he is "worth £150m" and "better than Trent Alexander-Arnold" as the Chelsea captain bids to overcome his persistent injury woes. James has endured a tumultuous three-year spell plagued by recurring muscle and knee problems, resulting in sporadic availability. His 19 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season marked his highest total since the 2021–22 campaign.
Former Chelsea and Brazil star David Luiz has made a shock return to European football with Champions League club Pafos FC in Cyprus. The defender left Europe in 2021 after spending two years at Arsenal. He took in spells with Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Fortaleza, but is now back in Europe at the age of 38.
Former Chelsea player and manager Roberto Di Matteo has compared Cole Palmer to Eden Hazard, while claiming the England international could win the Ballon d'Or in the future. The 23-year-old recently starred with a brace in the Club World Cup final as Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain to win the title.
Mason Mount has received an unexpected boost in his bid to return to the England national team, thanks to a personal video call from former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who now leads the Three Lions. The Manchester United star, who thrived under Tuchel during their time together at Stamford Bridge, was pleased to reconnect with the coach who helped guide him to the pinnacle of club football.
Chelsea fans have branded Joao Felix "the worst player to wear the shirt" after seeing the Portuguese forward complete a £26m ($35m) transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. Felix spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at AC Milan, and Chelsea have now cut all ties with the 25-year-old.