Chelsea has been a part of Reece James' life for as long as he can remember. 'I've been here nearly 20 years now,' he reflects. 'And I am very grateful for that because I have a lot of love for this club.'

It was at six years old that James started training with Chelsea – and he soon persuaded his parents to buy him the official training wear. It was an early indication of the seriousness with which he took representing the club; things had to be done properly.

Almost two decades have passed since those Friday evening sessions at Cobham, but James' passion for Chelsea is undiminished. That is reflected in the little details, such as the 25-year-old ensuring the rampant lion from the club crest is displayed on the front of his socks on a matchday.

‘Yeah, it’s something I do on purpose,’ he says with a smile. ‘I just prefer to have Chelsea showing.'

That respect for the club and its values helped James during his journey from boyhood fan to Academy prospect to first-team starter. Naturally, there were difficult moments but he listened, learned, and undertook the work needed to make it at his club.

James' debut came during the 2019/20 season; a further 169 have since been made. Some on the biggest of stages, others in empty stadiums. Each has provided an opportunity for James to fulfill his childhood dream: to play for Chelsea Football Club.

'I am very proud I have been able to do that,' he says. 'It has been up and down along the way and it was tough to get into the first team and then stay there, but the journey has been an eventful and joyful one and I am so grateful to be in the position I am in now.'

That position is captain of our men's team. James was handed the armband ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and has worn it with the same seriousness with which he donned the club training kit as a six-year-old.

‘It means everything to me,’ says James. 'It's an amazing feeling – not only for me but also for my family.'

That family – which includes sister and Women's team star Lauren – has supported Reece throughout his time at Chelsea. They were there in Porto the night the Blues won the Champions League – 'something I never expected to happen so early,' says Reece – and have helped the England international through more challenging moments.

Yet when forced to watch from the stands rather than lining up on the pitch, Reece found a greater appreciation for what the club means to those who come to Stamford Bridge every other Saturday to support the Blues.

‘Before matches can be a bit strange,' he explains. 'I’m not really as aware of my surroundings because my focus is always on the game. It’s only when I’m watching from the stands I take it in a lot more, and you see and feel what it means to young kids and supporters in the stadium.'

And while it's only natural on our 120th anniversary to discuss what has come before, it is also important to look to the future as James and his team-mates write the latest chapter in Chelsea's story.

‘The club has an amazing history and is one of the biggest in the world,' our captain says. 'That is why we want to be winning trophies year on year and I believe we will be doing that again very soon.

‘That’s the target for everyone – because this is Chelsea.'