Reece James aims to reclaim the Champions League title with Chelsea, calling their 2021 victory his “most special night.” As captain, he is eager to lead the team back to European glory. Chelsea faces a challenging league phase, starting against Bayern Munich, but James believes in the team’s potential.
Reece James has expressed his burning desire to recapture the Champions League title with Chelsea, stating that the 2021 victory remains his "most special night" in football. As the Blues gear up for their return to Europe's premier club competition after a two-season absence, James is determined to lead his team to another triumph on the continental stage.
Chelsea's return to the Champions League follows a period in which they secured the Conference League title and the Club World Cup, showcasing their ambition and ability to compete for silverware. However, the Champions League represents the pinnacle of club football, and Chelsea are eager to make a significant impact this season.
The Blues face a daunting challenge in the league phase, starting with a clash against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, a ground where Chelsea famously won their first Champions League title in 2012. This fixture evokes memories of past glories and sets the stage for a thrilling campaign. In addition to Bayern Munich, Chelsea will also contend with La Liga champions Barcelona, Serie A champions Napoli, and the ever-challenging Atalanta, making their path to the knockout stages a formidable one.
Reece James brings a wealth of experience to the Chelsea squad, having featured in 30 Champions League matches throughout his career. During this time, he has contributed three goals and two assists, demonstrating his ability to influence games both defensively and offensively.
The England international tasted Champions League success at a young age, playing a pivotal role in Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2021 final. James played the entire match under the guidance of then-manager Thomas Tuchel, witnessing Kai Havertz score the decisive goal that secured the trophy for the Blues.
Now, as the captain of Chelsea, James is driven to replicate that achievement and lead his team to another Champions League title. Speaking to Chelsea's official website, he conveyed his aspirations: "I won it so young, and I didn’t expect to win it so early into my career, but I hope to win it again. That was the most special night."
James also expressed his pride in captaining Chelsea, particularly in the Champions League. "Captaining Chelsea was always something I dreamt of, especially in the Champions League," he remarked. His leadership and experience will be crucial as Chelsea navigates the challenges of the competition.
Looking ahead, James is optimistic about Chelsea's prospects, highlighting the team's progress and adaptability. "Having been here a while now, and seeing the change and how we’ve had to adapt, we’re in a good position," he stated. He also emphasized the importance of building on their strong finish to the previous season. "We finished last season super strong, and I hope this season we can build on that," James added.
James remains focused on the team's internal belief and potential, disregarding external opinions. "I don’t look at what other people say; we can achieve anything as long as we understand and believe," he asserted. This mentality reflects his determination to lead Chelsea to success, regardless of the challenges they may face.
In conclusion, Reece James is determined to lead Chelsea to Champions League glory once again. With a blend of experience, leadership, and unwavering belief, he aims to make this season a memorable one for the Blues and their supporters. The journey begins with a tough test against Bayern Munich, but James and his teammates are ready to embrace the challenge and strive for European success.
Building up to Bayern. pic.twitter.com/uWUsUaoXdl
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 16, 2025