As Chelsea take on Djurgarden in the Conference League semi-final first leg, the Blues are posed with the opportunity to reach a first European final since 2021.
Enzo Maresca’s side have been seen has heavy favourites to win the competition since they qualified back in August, and have boasted a near-flawless run so far on their way to the final four.
This has included some tough away trips, including playing in beyond-freezing conditions in Kazakhstan and now featuring on a heavily-criticised artificial turf.
With potentially just three games to go though, the chances of Chelsea lifting a European trophy are very real.
Chelsea fans watching their first leg in Sweden will perhaps have noticed a big difference in the kit that the Blues are playing in compared to the one they have used this season.
For the first time in this campaign, the first team have boasted a front-of-shirt sponsor in the form of DAMAC, who will be present on the shirt for the rest of the season.
Chelsea announced on their official website that they had signed a new, long-term partnership with DAMAC Properties, with that allowing them to sponsor the kit for the rest of the current campaign.
The Blues have not had a front-of-shirt sponsor throughout the 2024/25 season, after their deal with Infinite Athlete for that privilege came to an end.
Who are DAMAC?
DAMAC Properties are at the forefront of the Middle East’s luxury real estate market, and are a sign of intent that the club are looking to expand worldwide.
As per the Chelsea website, President Jason Gannon stated that the collaboration is set to massively increase the club’s presence in Dubai.
He said: “DAMAC are world renowned in building luxury properties, and we are thrilled to be working with the industry leader to bring to market a first-of-its-kind branded Chelsea FC residence in Dubai. With the club located in the heart of London, the collaboration will bring Chelsea to life in Dubai, support our continued growth on the global stage. We can’t wait to see Chelsea Residences take its place in the Dubai skyline.”
Chelsea will have DAMAC on their shirt up until the potential Conference League final, as well as the last game of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest.
