Best jersey numbers in soccer: Which are the most iconic jersey numbers in the sport?

Best jersey numbers in soccer: Which are the most iconic jersey numbers in the sport?

Kevin Omuya
updated at December 19, 2023 at 10:55 AM

Soccer players can be easily identified on the pitch by their jersey numbers. Some of these figures are significantly more important than others; some are only placeholders for a roster spot. This article identifies the best jersey numbers in soccer and what they mean to players and fans.

Best jersey numbers in soccer
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match against Brazil on November 21, 2023. Photo: Daniel Ramalho
Source: Getty Images

The nos. 1–11 were used initially for soccer jerseys. Modern football players, on the other hand, have, on occasion, gone with non-traditional jersey numbers, and there are several reasons why they would have done so.

What are the most famous soccer jersey numbers?

Some numbers, however, become famous for who they are. Here is every soccer player with the most iconic jersey numbers in football.

7. Number 3

What are the most popular soccer jersey numbers
England's Ashley Cole in action in European Championships 2004 Qualifier against Macedonia. Photo: Mike Egerton
Source: Getty Images

Many players have a soft spot for no. 3, typically worn by left-backs. Although not the most exciting position on the soccer pitch, the left back is crucial and requires a player with excellent game-reading skills and strong offensive and defensive abilities.

The role of the left-back has long been the target of ridicule from supporters, who often call it the most crucial position on the field. One of the most renowned no. 3s in football history is Patrice Evra, a Frenchman who was a legend at Manchester United and won innumerable awards while wearing the jersey.

Ashley Cole, a former star of Major League Soccer, was famous for wearing jersey number three when playing for Chelsea. The English left-back won numerous trophies while wearing the jersey.

6. Number 8

Which jersey number is the best in football
Andres Iniesta of Barcelona FC reacts during the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match against Malaga CF at Camp Nou on January 16, 2013, in Barcelona, ​​Spain. Photo: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
Source: Getty Images

This shirt is typically worn by the offensive midfielder, who provides an abundance of assists and goals. Because the team needs a player with excellent field coverage and the ability to pick up passes from nearly any location on the field, the no. 8 often has more leeway than other positions on the soccer team.

Apart from the famous Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, Steven Gerrard, a mainstay for Liverpool, is among many great players to wear jersey no. 8. Among his generation's most aggressive and gifted players, the English midfielder captained Liverpool to multiple major championships. Gerrard was a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) for a while.

5. Number 11

Soccer players with high jersey numbers
Wales' Ryan Giggs gestures during an international game for his country. Photo: Neal Simpson
Source: Getty Images

Wingers and wide midfielders often wear the famous no. 11, and it is a privilege that these players can experience even though they may lack flair as wingers no. 11s are among the most technically proficient players. They commonly receive the ball further down the field and then rush forward to launch an attack.

Among the all-time greats to don the number eleven, Manchester United's record holder for appearances, Ryan Giggs, stands out. While wearing the jersey for a long time, the Welshman helped his side win some of the sport's most prestigious awards and scored crucial goals throughout his impressive professional career.

4. Number 1

What are good soccer jersey numbers
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during the EURO 2008 preliminary round group C match against France at the Letzigrund stadium, in Zurich, Switzerland. Photo: Sampics
Source: Getty Images

The starting goalie wears the no. 1 shirt, which is perhaps the most iconic number in soccer because of the role it has historically represented. To be a top-tier goalie, the number has become synonymous with the position.

One of the most straightforward jobs on the pitch is that of the goalkeeper, whose job is to stop the other team from scoring. Because no other player on the field can use their hands inside the 18-yard box except the goalkeeper, a competent goalkeeper is an asset to any squad.

Gianluigi Buffon is among many greats to have worn the illustrious no. 1 shirt. Throughout his long career, the former Juventus man has captained his team to multiple championships and many shutouts. Some legendary goalkeepers who have worn jersey no. 1 include Petr Cech, Oliver Kahn, Manuel Neuer, and Peter Schmeichel.

3. Number 10

Favorite jersey numbers
Lionel Messi of Argentina looks up during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match against Brazil on November 21, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: Marco Galvão
Source: Getty Images

The no. 10 is like the number 8 shirt. Talented playmakers wear this famous jersey and, more often than not, a sophisticated goal scorer. A second striker or offensive midfielder typically wears it.

Although a no. 10's responsibilities are comparable to those of an 8; the main distinction is that the former is expected to contribute significantly more goals to the team's total than the latter. The no. 10 player in a two-striker system will often try to slip in behind the defence and score goals by playing off the shoulders of the defenders.

While playing for Barcelona, the Catalan giants, the legendary Lionel Messi wore the no. 10, making him the most famous ten wearers in history. Messi is currently a star for United States side Inter Miami FC.

2. Number 9

What are the best jersey numbers in soccer
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United during the Premier League match against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on December 31, 2016, in Manchester, England. Photo: James Baylis
Source: Getty Images

The centre-forward or central striker typically wears the no. 9 jersey. The number nine's job is similarly straightforward: score goals and be ready to score anytime the team advances the ball. Some strikers are enormous and use their size and strength to intimidate opposing defenders.

The most well-known number nine in the world right now is Erling Haaland. Since joining Manchester City this summer, he has been instrumental and is now the league's leading scorer.

Fans will forever associate the no. 9 jersey with arguably the best striker of all time, Ronaldo de Lima of Brazil. Other goalscoring legends that have donned the no. 9 include Alfredo Di Stefano, Marco van Basten, Hugo Sanchez, Alan Shearer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Karim Benzema.

1. Number 7

What number looks best on a jersey
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final match against Barcelona on April 23, 2008, in Barcelona, ​​Spain. Photo: Jasper Juinen
Source: Getty Images

It is only proper that seven is considered the most renowned soccer number. The team's standout player, typically a dynamic winger who can score when needed and dominate the game, wears this jersey number.

The no. 7's job is to provide entertainment in whatever manner they can, all while contributing to the team and providing a crucial outlet in the more significant portions of the field. He has exceptional skill with the ball in many groups and can easily break through defences.

Over the years, particular no. 7s have been said to be haughty, with some claiming they put their interests above the team's. Manchester United's legendary players and staff, like Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best, Bryan Robson, and Eric Cantona, have made the number 7 jersey instantly recognized.

What number looks best on a jersey?

Most players have a favourite in the big leagues they look up to both on and off the field. If you have a favourite big league player, choosing the same number as them is a great way to pay them tribute.

Final word

From the best jersey numbers in soccer, such as no. 9 of prolific strikers, to the defensive stalwarts in the no. 3 jerseys, each number carries a unique legacy. The significance of a jersey number can vary by team and region, but they have stood out over the years.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.