Which are the most popular jersey numbers in sports history?

Sportsmen over the years have been influential on a personal level to fans and younger sportsmen who followed their paths. For this, their jersey numbers have been admired by their fans who have adopted them, earning huge popularity all over the world. The list below features the most popular jersey numbers in sports history.

Most great sportsmen are not only remembered for what they accomplished but also for the jersey numbers they represent. This greatly shows the achievement of the athlete and the love fans have for him. Read on to find out who the athletes are with the most famous jerseys.

10. Magic Johnson (32)

NBA legend Magic Johnson rocked his no. 32 jersey his entire career with the purple and gold Los Angeles Lakers. He donned the jersey in his entire 13-season career, winning five championships as a player and five more as a minority owner of the Lakers community. He is mostly regarded as the best all-time point guard in NBA history.

9. Dale Earnhardt (3)

Dale Earnhardt’s no.3 jersey is the most popular NASCAR jersey in car racing history. The professional stock car driver and team owner is regarded as one of the greatest drivers with an incredible four-decade career. Unfortunately, Earnhardt died in a sudden last-lap crash during the Daytona 500, an occurrence that forced enhanced safety measures in NASCAR. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

8. Cal Ripken Jr (8)

The number 8 MLB shirt is the most popular baseball jersey number worn by the all-time great Cal Ripken. He is considered one of the most loyal sportsmen thanks to his successful 21-season career run with the Baltimore Orioles. He also holds the record for the most consecutive games in MLB history with 2,632, and is one of the most popular and adored MLB greats in history.

7. Richard Petty (43)

Richard Petty is arguably the most popular NASCAR driver of all time. Together with Dale Earnhardt’s no. 3, Petty’s no. 43 jersey are two of the most recognisable NASCAR shirts. Popularly known as ‘The King’, his incredible car driving skills earned him seven Winston Cup Series (making him the first to do so) and an eight-time NASCAR’s most popular driver winner. He holds Hall of Fame accolades in Motorsport, International Motorsport, NASCAR and Diecast.

6. Brett Favre (4)

Brett Lorenzo Favre is an American former NFL player, primarily for the Green Bay Packers. He played a total of 20 seasons and has the record for the most consecutive regular-season games in league history with 297. His no. 4 jersey is the most popular NFL jersey, going head-on-head with Tom Brady’s no. 12. The three-time MVP and eleven-time Pro Bowl winner is regarded as one of the best NFL quarterbacks and is a Pro Football and Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Famer.

5. Peyton Manning (18)

Peyton Manning holds the record for the most popular jersey number in American football, greatly accomplished by his worldwide popularity. His no. 18 shirt goes unmatched against other NFL greats and is a worldwide phenomenon. In his 18 seasons in the NFL, his most notable experience is with the Indianapolis Colts for 14 seasons. While with the colts, he earned multiple awards including two Super Bowl titles and five MVP titles.

4. Wayne Gretzky (99)

Representing the Canadian nation, Wayne Gretzky is undoubtedly the greatest ice hockey player of all time. His accomplishments have gained him worldwide respect and popularity among NHL fans, including his shirt number 99. During his time in the league, he broke the record for most MVPs with nine, ten-time top scorer and won the Stanley Cup playoff MVP award twice.

3. Babe Ruth (3)

Babe Ruth is not only one of the greatest baseball players of all time but also one of the greatest sports heroes of American culture. He played in Major League Baseball for 22 seasons, earning multiple awards before retiring in 1935. His legacy has made his number 3 jersey one of the most famous sports jerseys. He was one of the first five to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

2. Jackie Robinson (42)

Jackie Robinson is the first African American to play in modern-day Major League Baseball. He was a starter at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers where he first rocked his number 42 shirt. African baseball players were being relegated to other leagues before that but his move caused the permanent change that brought equality in the sport regardless of colour. He is widely respected for his bold move and went ahead to earn remarkable career achievements and worldwide recognition. His 42 jersey number is one of the most popular and highest-selling sports jerseys in history.

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1. Michael Jordan (23)

Michael Jordan, commonly known as MJ, is the greatest basketballer of all time. He was a tool to popularize basketball in the 80s and 90s, becoming a global cultural icon. He had an incredible career, one of the most successful in the NBA that earned him a lot of love and respect in the whole world. His number 23 jersey earned popularity at this time and even after his retirement, and is the most popular number in all sports.

Best number to have on a jersey

One of the best ways to decide on a jersey number is by choosing the same as one’s favourite athlete. If a player inspires you in any way, the best thing you can do is by choosing the same number as them as a way to pay them tribute.