James's Chelsea story began when he started training with us at the age of six. He progressed through our Academy to captain the Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory in 2018.

A successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic followed before James broke into the Chelsea first team in 2019/20 under the management of Frank Lampard.

He has been a key member of the squad since, and at the City Ground brought up the considerable milestone of 200 games for the Blues. Here are just some of Reece’s highlights so far…

Marking his debut in style – September 2019

James had to wait to make his Chelsea debut, but when the time came, he announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful in style - superbly curling a 20-yarder in against Grimsby in a big Carabao Cup win.

A dramatic leveller – November 2019

With the Blues 4-1 down to Ajax at half-time, Lampard sent on James and the young right-back rewarded his head coach by completing an extraordinary comeback at a fervent Stamford Bridge with a powerful close-range effort.

He remains our youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League.

Blockbuster at Brighton – September 2020

James began his second season as a member of the first-team squad in spectacular fashion, larruping home a long-ranger away to Brighton and Hove Albion on the opening day of the season.

It was some way to open his Premier League account.

The biggest prize – May 2021

James’s first piece of silverware wasn’t just any old trophy. He started the Champions League final at right wing-back and excelled as we kept Manchester City at bay, and lifted the continent’s most prestigious prize for the second time in Chelsea history.

Twice on the Toon – October 2021

The 2021/22 campaign was a profitable one for James, who netted six goals, including a superb brace at St James’ Park.

The England international cracked in a left-foot shot to break the deadlock, and followed it soon after with one on his right to set us on the way to a 3-0 win.

Becoming Chelsea captain – August 2023

Following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta, James was named our new club captain ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

It was undeniably an extremely proud moment for James, who followed in the footsteps of past Blues greats like John Terry, Ron Harris and Ray Wilkins in graduating from our Academy to lead the side out.

Another European trophy – May 2025

James got his hands on silverware for the first time as skipper following our 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw.

His introduction at half-time had helped swing the contest in our favour.

On top of the world – July 2025

Even better was to come later in the summer, as James captained us to a famous victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.

Showing his natural ability and versatility, James started in midfield and helped us boss the New York showpiece from the off. Earlier in the tournament, his clever free-kick had helped us get the better of Benfica in the Round of 16.

Congratulations, Reece – and here's to many more wonderful moments in blue!