The Best Shirt Numbers in Football

In football, a player's jersey number holds enormous significance, from serving as an identifier of who is on the pitch to now being a tool for players to build an entire marketable brand for themselves.

Typically, numbers are distributed based on a player's first-team status and their position on the pitch.

The goalkeeper ordinarily wears the number 1, while numbers 2-6 are usually assigned to players in defensive positions, and numbers 7-11 are typically worn by attacking players.

The numbers outside of the first 11 are distributed with less purpose; these shirts are often taken by players who are on the fringes of a team or, in some cases, have superstitions.

Desirable Jersey Numbers

A goalkeeper would always want to be issued the number 1 jersey, as this typically indicates that they are the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

Whereas a striker would typically be given the number 9, with this number comes an expectation to score goals.

Some of the game's greatest ever players have donned iconic numbers, and as such, these are always in high demand at a club.

For example, the likes of Diego Maradona, Pele and Michel Platini popularised the number 10, and now it is regarded as a tremendous honour and compliment to be given this shirt number.

The whole Napoli team are wearing ‘Maradona’ and the number 10 tonight. pic.twitter.com/Frwo7mHXs7

— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) November 26, 2020

Certain clubs hold importance in different numbers based on who is immortalised in their history. Barcelona's number 10 shirt carries the weight of the past, associated with the likes of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi. While, at Real Madrid, it is the number 7 which is coveted due to the legacy of Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brand of a Shirt Number

Cristiano Ronaldo is a shining example of how a number can elevate a player's brand, on and off the pitch. The Portuguese star launched "CR7" in 2006, which is simply his initials and jersey number. This branding is now known globally through his numerous ventures in clothing, footwear, underwear, health, and even hotels.

Lionel Messi has had a similar impact with his on-field performances, making his number 10 truly iconic and worn on the backs of millions of adoring fans globally.

The Power of a Number

The pressure of following in the footsteps of an icon is a near-impossible task, and the same can be said for inheriting their number.

After leaving Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, the players who took on the mantle of Ronaldo and Messi's shirt numbers proved too much for their successors. Mariano Diaz and Eden Hazard have both failed to live up to their reputations, while Ansu Fati's initial promise at Barca was quickly unravelled when given the number 10 shirt.

🚨✨ Barcelona number 10s in the 21st century:

🇪🇸 🔟 Lamine Yamal (2025)
🇪🇸 🔟 Ansu Fati (2021-2025)
🇦🇷 🔟 Lionel Messi (2008-2021)
🇧🇷 🔟 Ronaldinho (2003-2008)
🇦🇷 🔟 Riquelme (2002-2003)
🇧🇷 🔟 Rivaldo (2000-2002) pic.twitter.com/olqWOLQqHK

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 16, 2025

Lamine Yamal is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football and has been given Barcelona's number 10 shirt. Will he prove a worthy successor to Leo?

Football fans are a superstitious bunch and can quickly blame all sorts of external factors on their team's performance, take Chelsea for example and their "number 9 curse".

After a string of strikers failed to perform when given this number at Stamford Bridge, fans quickly decided that the fault lay with the number. New signing Liam Delap has just been handed this poisoned chalice. Can he break the "curse"?

the curse of the chelsea number 9 theory is back https://t.co/cL0hhpjz7T pic.twitter.com/65wEifGTkj

— Egal (@EGTVEgal) June 5, 2025

Kevin De Bruyne's recent transfer to Napoli saw him training in the number 10 kit, famously worn by Diego Maradona during his time in Naples and was subsequently retired in 2000.

De Bruyne's appearance in this number caused a stir, and he spoke of the honour bestowed upon him even to wear that number.

However, given the sanctity of Maradona and his god-like status, De Bruyne has announced that he will instead wear the number 11 ahead of the upcoming season.

"It's an honour from the club to give me this responsibility"

Kevin De Bruyne on Napoli giving him Diego Maradona's retired number 10 in training 🤝 pic.twitter.com/bvv3biNar7

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 19, 2025

Most Famous Jerseys by Number

We have compiled a list of the most iconic stars who have worn numbers 1 through 11 over the years.

1. Gianluigi Buffon

The Italian shot-stopper earns our vote as the most iconic number 1 in history. However, many others could stake a claim to this title, including Manuel Neuer, Alisson, or going way back to the likes of Lev Yashin.

2. Cafu

Cafu is arguably the best right-back the sport has ever seen. To hold such esteem and credit within the game from right-back speaks to his incredible ability on the pitch.

3. Paolo Maldini

Similar to Cafu, Maldini has few others who compare to his status as the world's most significant number 3, with Ashley Cole perhaps his greatest contender. Still, we take preference with the Italian legend.

4. Sergio Ramos

Ramos' trophy cabinet alone solidifies him as a modern-day legend of the game, still applying his trademark tough tackling in Mexico at the age of 39. Ramos' number 4 shirt at the Bernabeu will live long in the memory.

5. Zinedine Zidane

Typically, the number 5 is reserved for a defender, but Zidane was no typical player. Still adored today for his incredible technique and grace on the pitch, Zidane has an immortal hold on this number. Jude Bellingham admitted that Zizou was the inspiration for taking this number when moving to Madrid.

6. Xavi

For what he lacked in physical stature, he more than made up for with his incredible talent, the likes of which have seldom been seen before. Partnering his mate Iniesta (see number 8), in arguably the greatest club side we have ever seen.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

Regarded as one of, if not the greatest, players of all time. His iconic number 7 brand and his footballing CV make this choice a no-brainer.

8. Andres Iniesta

The second part of Barcelona's iconic midfield duo. Iniesta's manipulation of a football is unlike anything ever seen. The perfect example of why stats sometimes do not give the full picture.

9. Ronaldo Nazario

The other Ronaldo is perhaps a dismissive way to describe the greatest number 9 of all time—a career blighted by injuries, but still many people's favourite ever player to watch. Few have played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as Inter and AC, yet are still loved by all. That's Ronaldo.

10. Lionel Messi

When you consider the icons have worn this number throughout history, it says everything you need to know about the 8-time Ballon d'Or winner.

11. Mohamed Salah / Gareth Bale

We cannot decide on a final answer for the number 11 shirt. Ryan Giggs' longevity and trophy collection made him a contender, but in terms of being an icon, Gareth Bale and Mohamed Salah have made the 11 jersey their own.

Bale, who we believe is still vastly underrated, and Salah's record-breaking Liverpool career mean they both equally deserve this spot.