A list of the most famous soccer players with number 6

A list of the most famous soccer players with number 6

Kenneth Mwenda
December 15, 2023 at 1:14 PM

Soccer players with number 6 jerseys have long held a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts around the globe. These iconic footballers, adorned with the number 6, symbolise the essence of the sport, showcasing exceptional skills, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game.

Soccer players with number 6
Frame one: Koke during a La Liga match on November 12, 2023. Frame two: Xavi Hernandez during a La Liga match on October 15, 2011. Photo: Denis Doyle/Jasper Juinen (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

From the bustling arenas of the Premier League to the sun-soaked pitches of La Liga, these footballing maestros have graced the field, leaving indelible marks. The number 6 jersey, often associated with midfield creativity and defensive resilience, has been worn by some of the most celebrated names in football. Who wears number 6 in soccer?

Top 10 list of the most famous soccer players with number 6

In this compelling exploration, we embark on a journey through the careers, achievements, and captivating stories of ten good soccer players who have proudly worn the number 6 jersey. Their exploits, both on domestic and international stages, serve as a testament to the enduring magic and global appeal of football's illustrious number 6s.

10. Matthias Sammer

 Famous soccer players with number 6
Matthias Sammer of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League Final match against Juventus Turin, at Olympiastadion, Munich, Germany on 28 May 1997. Photo: Alain Gadoffre
Source: Getty Images

Matthias Sammer, the versatile German midfielder/defender, wore the number 6 jersey during his time at Borussia Dortmund and later at VfB Stuttgart. Known for his ability to dominate the midfield and his versatility, Sammer played a pivotal role in Borussia Dortmund's success in the 1990s.

He helped the club secure the Bundesliga title and the UEFA Champions League. Sammer was also a key part of the German national team that won the UEFA European Championship in 1996. He retired from professional football in 1998.

9. Laurent Koscielny

Best soccer players with number 6
Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 29, 2019, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo: David Price
Source: Getty Images

Laurent Koscielny, the French defender, donned the number 6 jersey during his time at Arsenal in the Premier League. Known for his composure and defensive prowess, Koscielny became a stalwart in Arsenal's backline.

Although he did not secure a Premier League title, he played a vital role in helping the club lift three FA Cups during his tenure. Koscielny left Arsenal to join Bordeaux in Ligue 1 in August 2019, where he played until he announced his retirement on 26 March 2022. Koscielny remains one of the famous number 6 soccer players in the Premier League.

8. Bobby Moore

soccer players that wear number 6
Bobby Moore pictured on the pitch at Upton Park in London prior to a match in 1970. Photo: Rolls Press
Source: Getty Images

A true legend of English football, Bobby Moore proudly wore the number 6 jersey for West Ham United and the England national team. Moore was known for his exceptional leadership qualities and remarkable defensive skills.

He captained the England squad to their first and only FIFA World Cup victory in 1966, etching his name in history. Additionally, Moore achieved FA Cup success with West Ham in 1964 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1965.

He retired from professional football in 1978. In August 2008, West Ham United officially retired his number 6 shirt 15 years after his death.

7. Koke

Current soccer players with number 6
Koke of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal CF at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on November 12, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Denis Doyle
Source: Getty Images

Koke, the Spanish midfielder, has consistently shone for Atlético Madrid, donning the revered number 6 jersey. He is famed for his vision, passing, and tireless work ethic. Koke secured two La Liga titles (2013–14 and 2020–21), clinched two Europa League titles, and earned two UEFA Super Cup trophies.

Moreover, he was a finalist in the Champions League in 2014 and 2016. Koke triumphed in the 2013 European Championship with Spain's under-21 team and made his senior debut that year. He subsequently represented Spain in three World Cups and two European Championships.

6. Franco Baresi

Players with number 6 soccer
Franco Baresi during the Boglioli AC Milan Style Partner Launch on July 23, 2019, in New York City. Photo: Gonzalo Marroquin
Source: Getty Images

Franco Baresi, the legendary Italian defender, spent his entire career at AC Milan, wearing the number 6 jersey. Known for his impeccable defensive skills and exceptional leadership on the field, Baresi was instrumental in Milan's dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

With Milan, he won three UEFA Champions League titles, six Serie A titles, four Supercoppa Italiana titles, two European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. After his final season at Milan in 1997, the club retired Baresi's shirt number 6. He was later inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

5. Thiago Silva

Who wears number 6 in soccer
Thiago Silva during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 6, 2023 in London, England. Photo: Sebastian Frej
Source: Getty Images

Thiago Silva, the Brazilian defensive powerhouse, has worn the number 6 jersey for various clubs during his remarkable career. Known for his commanding presence in defence and ability to read the game, Silva enjoyed successful spells with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. While at PSG, he helped the team secure multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups.

Thiago Silva has been a stalwart of the Brazilian national team as well. In 2020, he joined Chelsea on a free transfer, winning the Champions League in his first season and both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in his second. Silva is one of the soccer players that wears number 6.

4. Andres Iniesta

Soccer players with number 6
Andres Iniesta in action during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia between Spain and Russia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. Photo: Matthew Ashton
Source: Getty Images

Blessed with great technical ability, the Catalan legend Andres Iniesta proudly wore the number 6 jersey during his illustrious career with the Spanish international team. Known for his accurate passes and great control, the World Cup winner was able to dictate the tone and pace of the game, irrespective of the level of opposition he faced.

Iniesta was an integral part of the Barcelona sides that won two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015. He was also a key member of the golden generation of the Spanish national team that won the World Cup in 2010 and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012. As of December 2023, he plays as a midfielder for UAE Pro League club Emirates

3. Thiago Alcântara

Famous number 6 soccer players
Thiago Alcantara during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on December 22, 2022, in Manchester, England. Photo: Chris Brunskill
Source: Getty Images

Thiago Alcântara, another gifted Spanish midfielder, is known for his elegance on the ball and pinpoint passing. Thiago has worn the number 6 jersey during his time at FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. While at Barcelona, he was part of the team that won numerous La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies.

Later, at Bayern Munich, he contributed significantly to their Bundesliga domination. Thiago Alcântara joined Liverpool in the Premier League in 2020, adding his skills to the English top flight. He is one of the current soccer players with number 6.

2. Roberto Carlos

Footballers with number 6
Roberto Carlos (L) of Brazil and Mile Sterjovski of Australia during the FIFA World Cup game in Munich on 18th June 2006. Photo: Bob Thomas Sports Photography
Source: Getty Images

Roberto Carlos, the legendary Brazilian left-back, proudly wore the number 6 jersey during his tenure with the Seleção. Known for his blistering pace and thunderous free-kicks, Carlos was a fan favourite.

Roberto Carlos was a key figure in the Brazilian national team, helping them secure the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He also played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success, including winning multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. He retired from professional football in 2012.

With 125 caps, Roberto has made the fourth-most appearances for his national team and is one of the best soccer players at number 6. He has been described as the "most offensive-minded left-back in the history of the game, and one of the greatest full-backs in history.

1. Xavi Hernández

good soccer players with number 6
Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona lines up a free kick during the La Liga match against Real Racing Club at the Camp Nou stadium on October 15, 2011, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Jasper Juinen
Source: Getty Images

Number one on our list of famous soccer players, with number 6, is Xavi Hernández. The Spanish midfield maestro proudly wore the number 6 jersey during his time at FC Barcelona. He played an instrumental role in Barcelona's golden era, where the team achieved unprecedented success, including multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies.

He won 32 trophies in his career, making him the second-most decorated Spanish player in history, behind former teammate Andrés Iniesta. Xavi was also a vital component of the Spanish national football team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Final word

The soccer players with number 6 jerseys have truly made their mark in the world of football. Their on-field brilliance and contributions to championship victories will always be remembered in the history of the game.

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These defenders mostly rise to become the best of all time from their great understanding, aggressiveness, and the passion they envy. Their contribution to the game makes most of them grow to become the squad's captain. Click the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.
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