Reece James says 'I want my peak years to be here' as Chelsea skipper extends stay at Premier League club to 2032
Updated 13/03/2026 at 21:47 GMT
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Reece James says "I want my peak years to be here" after the Chelsea captain extended his stay to 2032. James has been with the club since 2008, spending 10 years in the youth ranks before making his debut in 2018. He is the last remaining member of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League-winning starting XI still in the Chelsea squad. Meanwhile, his sister Lauren James also signed a new deal.
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Chelsea have announced that Reece James has signed a new contract, committing to the club through to 2032, with his sister Lauren also penning a long-term deal to remain a key part of the club's women's team.
The club captain's deal was set to expire in 2028, but The Blues ensured James will be at Stamford Bridge until he is 32.
James has been part of the club since first training with the academy at the age of six, and has made 225 appearances in total.
The 26-year-old has lifted five major trophies at Chelsea: the UEFA Champions League in 2020/21, the UEFA Super Cup that same year, the FIFA Club World Cup twice, and the 2025 UEFA Conference League.
He was named captain three years ago and is relishing the thought of his peak years being at Chelsea.
"I am over the moon to have extended my contract - Chelsea means so much to me," gushed James.
"I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes.
"I’m excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach and all the staff, and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years."
James has endured several disrupted seasons at Chelsea but has impressed this season and featured heavily for the team.
'I can't stop smiling' - Rosenior on James contract
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior was delighted about James locking in a new contract, calling him the best player in his position, and waxing lyrical about his ability as a player and qualities as a person.
"I can’t stop smiling because we’ve secured the best player in world football in his position," said Rosenior.
"He’s had many opportunities to leave this magnificent club, and the good thing is he’s come through from a very young age and has belief and confidence in what we’re doing here and where we want to go.
"We’ve had many conversations about it. For him to sign a deal and put his faith in us is a massive step.
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"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."
Lauren 'over the moon' with new contract
Chelsea confirmed later on Friday that Lauren James had signed a new deal that runs until 2030.
The England star, whose existing contract had entered its final 18 months, has won four Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups and one League Cup with the club.
Now 24, James joined Chelsea at Under-10 level but left briefly for spells at Arsenal and Manchester United between 2017 and 2021.
"I'm really happy and over the moon to have signed a new contract with Chelsea," the forward said.
"It's been my club since I was young, so I'm really pleased to have extended my stay here. I can't wait to make more memories, hopefully have more success and win more trophies with this amazing club."
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Serie A, Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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