Reece James – Devastation to delight for Chelsea’s comeback captain
Reece James could have been forgiven for wondering whether his luck would ever turn. Patience and perseverance have, however, been rewarded.
A home-grown star is back on course to become a modern day Chelsea legend, with the potential there for him to spend his entire career tied to the club that gave him a big break.
There have been times in which it appeared as though fate would divert him down a different path. Injuries have been an unfortunate theme.
Trophy triumphs
Skipper. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/dKiJ4XECi1
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 29, 2025
James formed part of trophy-winning squads in 2021, but it was in 2025 that he got the chance to lift major silverware as club captain. In the space of two months, he raised Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup crowns aloft.
The Blues are now daring to dream of Premier League title glory, with Brentford vs Chelsea odds pricing Enzo Maresca’s side as 4/6 favourites to prevail in another west London derby date.
When looking at the bigger picture, football betting markets focused on the pursuit of domestic and continental honours look favourably on big-spending heavyweights from Stamford Bridge.
Leadership skills
James will have an important role to play in any trophy tilts, with his experience and leadership skills being put to good use.
The east London native helps to provide a professional bridge between those on the field and passionate supporters in the stands. He knows what tangible success means to those on the terraces.
He is also eager to ensure that physical challenges of the past are not allowed to repeat themselves, with the hope being that he can be removed from the Christmas card list of physios that he knows only too well.
International ambition
At club level, James has become an almost automatic pick for Maresca on the right of Chelsea’s defensive unit. A similar standing may yet be earned with England.
James would expect to have more international caps to his name by now, but unfortunate obstacles have been placed in his path at regular intervals. Many of those have now been removed.
He does boast tournament experience at the European Championships, but saw World Cup dreams dashed in 2022. James said at the time: “Devastated. The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight. But I always felt it was possible.”
It wasn’t, with then Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate favouring other options. There was no place at Euro 2024 for him either.
— Reece James (@ReeceJames) July 14, 2025
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James has had it tougher than most, but it speaks volumes of his character that he has overcome some considerable challenges. His mind is clearly as strong as his body is becoming.
Great pride is taken in being the on-field leader at Chelsea, with opportunities to bolster an ever-growing medal collection expected, while England’s right-back berth remains very much up for grabs.
James has faced adversity and come through the other side a better player and person. Where there was once horror and devastation, there is now hope and delight for Chelsea’s talismanic comeback captain.