James’ new contract was announced today, confirming at least another six years of his Chelsea career which started way back when he first trained with our Academy at the age of six.

Still just 26, he has been on an extraordinary journey. Progressing through the Academy at Cobham, captaining our Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory before joining the senior squad.

The success kept coming, triumphing in the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and taking over from Cesar Azpilicueta as club captain two years later, lifting further silverware as skipper last year, following victories in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.

We look back at the path he has taken from those beginnings to trophy-winning Chelsea captain, through the eyes of the people who had a front row seat to his development every step of the way.

Nigel James

Reece’s father and grassroots football coach

‘Reece used to play up front at Chelsea; he'd play in centre midfield. We used to play games against other soccer schools and he'd always play in defence, but when he was mucking about at home, he'd always go in goal.

‘At one stage as an Under-9, he was probably better than any other player as a goalkeeper, that is how good he was.’

Jody Morris

Reece’s Chelsea Under-18s head coach and assistant coach of the senior team when he made his debut

‘He can play on the right side of a back-three, right-wing back, right back or in the midfield. I used to joke with him that we could play him up front and he'd still produce pure quality. That's what he is. He's just a total footballer.’

Joe Cole

Chelsea legend

‘I remember coming back and training with the kids after being in America. We were having shooting sessions and the kids' shooting was erratic, but James was on the money, whipping crosses, it was like watching Beckham.

‘I was blown away by his technical ability. Especially for such a big, strong, athletic lad. His touch is velvet, he makes the right pass, takes the right decisions. When he gets in front of goal it is like your top strikers’ level of composure and technique.’

Paul Cook

On managing a young Reece on loan at Wigan Athletic when he made his first steps in senior football

‘He is so self-confident, and that is backed up by his ability and work ethic. All season he showed people that he has a very strong career ahead of him, and we're delighted to play a small part in his progression.

‘He's player of the month every month, and he's man of the match almost every week. And he's as good a lad as he is a player. There's nothing else I can say about him.’

Frank Lampard

On giving Reece his senior Chelsea debut in 2019

‘With his end product, Reece James showed what he can do. Two assists and a goal, but Reece's performances on loan last year at Wigan showed the talent he has got.

‘I think he is going to be a big player for this club. It is just the start for Reece. He is a player of such quality, you try to get him in areas where he can be a threat.’

Thiago Silva

Reece’s former Chelsea team-mate and fellow 2021 UEFA Champions League winner

‘He’s a very young athlete but he looks like he has been playing football for so many years. It’s easy to talk about him because he is a guy I really like. I hope he can continue with this winning mentality.

‘He’s a guy who works really hard and deserves all his success with his performances. He is one of the strengths in the team both offensively and defensively and I hope he can continue like this, because if he keeps this winning mentality he has everything to be one of the best in history.’

Jason Cundy

Former Chelsea defender and pundit

‘He makes the hard things look so easy. Technically, he’s such a gifted player. Physically, he knows how to use that frame. I described him on Chelsea TV as a bulldozer with the touch of a ballet dancer. He’s got that. Then he brings it down and makes everything look so effortless. He’s so good, he’s such a wonderful player.’

Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea head coach when Reece was made club captain in 2023

‘This is a decision taken by me and the club. We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season. He leads by example and his attitude and dedication to Chelsea has been clear throughout pre-season.

‘He proudly wore the armband during our summer tour and will take up the challenge of leading our squad with his own approach and ideas.’

Rafael Leao

AC Milan winger and Portugal international on facing Reece

‘James is a good player, he was all over me and everywhere at the same time, he timed his runs very fine. I hardly talk about opposing players but this guy is actually the toughest I have faced I think. He scored a goal too against us and that’s something you don’t get from every defender.’

John Terry

Chelsea legend

‘I absolutely love Reece and feel he has everything to be the very best.’

Thomas Tuchel

Reece’s former head coach at Chelsea and current England national team boss

‘There cannot be any doubt about Reece's quality, it's the highest level. I know Reece and I know the quality he has in that foot – he shoots like a horse! He's amazing. About his quality, there can be no doubt.’

Liam Rosenior

Current Chelsea head coach

‘I can’t stop smiling because [with this new contract] we’ve secured the best player in world football in his position.

‘He’s top. When you meet him or see him from afar, you admire him. He can play many different positions, technically, he can score goals, he defends, his athleticism, has tactical understanding.

‘The thing that impresses me most is his humility and him as a person. You realise why he has had the career he’s had and will continue to have the career he has as the captain of Chelsea. As long as I’m here, he will be my leader.'