Soccer players with number 3: Famous soccer players with the iconic number 3

Soccer players with number 3: Famous soccer players with the iconic number 3

Lenah Ann
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA UCL
Europe
Italian Serie A logo
ITA Serie A
Italy
Spanish La Liga logo
SPA La Liga
Spain
UEFA Europa League logo
UEFA Europa League
Europe

Throughout history, soccer players with number 3 jerseys have made notable contributions to the beautiful game. These players have left a tremendous effect on the sport due to their exceptional abilities and contributions to their teams' success. The number three has a significant meaning since it represents positions like left-backs, centre-backs, and defensive midfielders.

Pro soccer players with the number 3
Yokohama F Marinos players celebrate during the AFC Champions League match against Shandong Taishan in Yokohama, Kanagawa on 13 December 2023. Photo: Jiji Press (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Traditionally, centre-backs were assigned lower numbers in soccer, whereas star players such as offensive midfielders and valuable forwards were assigned higher numbers like seven, nine, and 10. However, standard football numbering has become less common in recent years since some players have embraced unique and unorthodox numbering conventions.

Top 10 famous soccer players with number 3

Football squad numbers differentiate each player's function from one another, with each number representing a distinct duty or obligation for the player. Here is a list of the top 10 famous number 3 soccer players globally.

10. Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly, the captain of Senegal, is one of the best pro soccer players with the number 3 shirt. He has made a name for himself as one of the best defenders while playing for Napoli.

Best soccer players with the number 3
Kalidou Koulibaly in action during the AFC Champions League Group D match against Mumbai City at DY Patil Stadium on 7 November 2023 in Navi Mumbai, India. Photo: Nikhil Patil/
Source: Getty Images

Koulibaly is a hard-to-face opponent due to his powerful physical presence, quick reflexes, and superior defensive qualities. Top teams all around the world have taken notice of his achievements, cementing his standing as one of the finest defenders in the world.

9. Thiago Silva

Pro soccer players with the number 3
Thiago Silva of Chelsea looks on following the team's victory during the Premier League match against Brighton at Stamford Bridge on 3 December 2023 in London, England. Photo: Alex Pantling
Source: Getty Images

Thiago Silva, the Brazilian centre-back, is among the current soccer players with number 3 jerseys. He has shown his defensive brilliance for several clubs, including AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.

Silva is a highly respected defender because of his superb game reading, aerial supremacy, and composure under duress. His skills and leadership have been crucial to his teams, who have achieved national and worldwide success.

8. Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney is among the best soccer players with the number 3 jersey. He has wowed fans with his performances while donning the Arsenal jersey.

Tierney's toughness, work rate, and offensive intent have won him fans among Arsenal supporters. His lively displays and accurate crosses have contributed to the team's success as they strive to reclaim their former glory.

7. Gerard Piqué

Famous number 3 soccer players
Gerard Pique looks on during the Kings Cup & Queens Cup Finals at Estadio La Rosaleda on 14 October 2023 in Malaga, Spain. Photo: Cristian Trujillo
Source: Getty Images

Spanish centre-back Gerard Piqué has worn the number three shirt with pride throughout his remarkable career at Barcelona. Piqué is renowned for his precise ball-handling skills, superb passing ability, and keen game sense.

He has become one of the most admired defenders of his time because of his contributions to Barcelona's success, including several domestic and international championships.

6. Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias is one of the best professional soccer players with the number 3 shirt. While wearing the jersey for Manchester City, he has made a name for himself as a force to reckon with.

His leadership, poise, and defensive prowess greatly influence the team's performance. His defensive skills and solidifying combinations with fellow defenders have propelled Manchester City to Premier League victories and several trips to the UCL.

5. Fabinho

Famous soccer players with number 3
Fabinho of Liverpool during the Premier League match against Leicester City at The King Power Stadium on 15 May 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom. Photo: James Williamson
Source: Getty Images

Wearing number three for Liverpool, Brazilian defensive midfielder Fabinho has shown off his flexibility. His outstanding passing range, tactical awareness, and defensive skills make him a crucial component of Liverpool's midfield formation.

The team's accomplishments, like winning the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, have been greatly attributed to the legendary defender.

4. Presnel Kimpembe

Famous soccer players with number 3
Presnel Kimpembe passes the ball during a Paris Saint-Germain training session at Campus PSG on 11 December 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Aurelien Meunier
Source: Getty Images

Presnel Kimpembe, a French centre-back, is one of the most famous soccer players with the number 3 on the planet. He has been a well-known personality while donning the Paris Saint-Germain shirt.

The legendary player is well-known for his aptitude for reading the game, making critical interceptions, and starting assaults from behind. His efforts have been crucial to PSG's success at home and during their incredible run in the UEFA Champions League.

3. Gleison Bremer

Gleison Bremer, a Brazilian defender, is among the famous number 3 soccer players. Playing for Torino, he displayed his skill while donning the shirt.

He is a dependable centre-back with good positional awareness and strong tackling abilities. His contributions have enabled Torino to continue focusing on winning the Italian Serie A while still maintaining their defensive stability.

2. Éder Militão

Famous soccer players with number 3
Eder Militao of Real Madrid during the La Liga EA Sports match against Athletic Bilbao at Estadio de San Mames on 13 August 2023 in Bilbao, Spain. Photo: Alvaro Medranda
Source: Getty Images

Another player who has established himself while wearing the number three shirt is Éder Militão, who joined Real Madrid in 2019. His power, physicality, and exceptional aerial ability define his style of play.

Militão has gained attention and admiration from football fans worldwide thanks to his outstanding exploits. In several competitions, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, he has already helped Real Madrid take home several trophies.

1. Sergio Reguilón

Sergio Reguilón is among the famous football players who have proudly worn the number three shirt. From 2016 to 2020, he was a player for Real Madrid; he then joined Tottenham Hotspur and now wears a Manchester United shirt.

His agility, quickness, and precise crosses make him a valuable weapon on the attack and the defence. Reguilón has won many championships, including the 2020 UEFA Europa League with Sevilla.

Soccer players with number 3
Sergio Reguilon of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League match against Copenhagen at Parken Stadium on 8 November 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo: James Gill
Source: Getty Images

Top 5 greatest number 3 soccer players of all time

While looking at some of the best number 3 players in the world right now, we also need to know who the legendary players are who made history in the position. Here is a list of the 5 greatest legends renowned for wearing jersey 3.

  • Paolo Maldini
  • Pepe
  • Roberto Carlos
  • Ashley Cole
  • Patrice Evra

Who plays number 3 in football?

The number 3 shirt is designated for a defender, mostly the left-backs. Some notable defenders with the jersey are Ashley Cole, Paolo Maldini, and Roberto Carlos.

Can soccer players pick their numbers?

There are no hard and fast rules regarding jersey numbers and positions. Remembering that participants are frequently permitted to choose any number from 1 to 99 is vital. On the other hand, the standard 1-11 numbering schemes denote precise spots on the field.

Frequently asked questions

The game's foundation is traditional shirt numbering and number positions, significantly distinguishing each player's role. Here are some frequently asked questions about the soccer players with number 3.

1. Who plays number 3 for Chelsea?

Marc Cucurella is the legendary Chelsea defender who wears jersey number three.

2. What is 3 on 3 soccer called?

3v3 soccer is a type of soccer that is played between two teams. Each squad is limited to three players on the field at any given moment. This type of soccer is known as a "small-sided" game instead of a full-sided game with larger squads.

Famous soccer players with number 3
RB Leipzig players celebrate after scoring a second goal during the UEFA Champions League match against BSC Young Boys on 13 December 2023 in Leipzig, Germany. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images

3. What is 3 touch soccer?

The player is permitted to touch the ball but cannot move after three touches instead of being completely prohibited. This implies they can try to stall until a teammate arrives and collects the ball by shielding, holding off, and manoeuvring.

Final word

Soccer players with number 3 have become some of the game's most famous players, each bringing their style, flair, and talent to the field. These players have been vital to their respective teams, delivering memorable moments, leaving a legacy that will last for decades, and exhibiting outstanding skills.

READ ALSO: Who are the top 15 best hockey players?

Sports Brief recently compiled a list ranking the top 15 hockey players. Hockey, one of the most famous sports worldwide, has amassed a considerable fan base, especially in North America and Canada.

The National Hockey League has seen talented players rise to stardom and become legends. With their immense net worth, these players lead luxurious lifestyles. Click on the link above to find more details about the top 15 best hockey players in 2023.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.