6 Great Footballers to Have Their Shirt Numbers Retired

Lionel Messi is destined to be remembered as one of the greatest footballers in history.

As the 36-year-old approaches the end of his illustrious career, Argentina has declared its intention to retire the iconic number 10 jersey that adorned his back during the triumphant 2022 World Cup.

Retiring a player's shirt number is a gesture often reserved for those who have left an indelible impact during their tenure or as a mark of respect in the event of a player's untimely demise.

In light of this, Sports Brief has compiled a ranking of the six best players who have received the honour of having their shirt numbers retired

Footballers to have their shirt numbers retired

Franco Baresi (Milan)

Franco Baresi stands as a revered figure in Italian football, holding a cherished place in AC Milan's storied history. Throughout his remarkable 20-year career, spent entirely with the club, Baresi's impact was so profound that upon his retirement, his iconic number 6 shirt was promptly retired.

Making his senior debut at the youthful age of 18 in 1978, Baresi etched his name in AC Milan's annals, amassing an impressive 716 appearances—the second-highest in the club's history.

His contribution also extended to scoring 33 goals before gracefully hanging up his boots in 1997.

George Weah (Liberia)

Undoubtedly, George Weah stands as the most exceptional player ever to emerge from Liberia. His legacy transcended the realm of sports when he assumed the presidency of the country in 2018, embarking on a six-year term. With 61 caps and 22 goals to his name, the prolific striker's iconic number 14, worn throughout the majority of his international career, was officially retired by the national team in 2018.

Weah's stature in the world of football extends beyond Liberia, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time. His historic achievement as the first African player to win the Ballon d'Or in 1995 further solidifies his place in the pantheon of football legends.

Francesco Totti (AS Roma)

He is one of the most renowned one-club men in the annals of football history, dedicating his entire 24-year playing career to his beloved AS Roma.

As a fitting tribute, once Totti decided to retire, AS Roma naturally chose to retire the iconic number 10 that graced the back of his shirt from 1997 to 2017.

Totti's extraordinary contributions include an impressive 783 appearances and 307 goals, setting records as the player with the most appearances and goals in the storied history of AS Roma.

Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)

Paolo Maldini, the sole player to surpass Franco Baresi in appearances for AC Milan, received a comparable tribute to his defensive partner upon retiring in 2009. The Rossoneri honored Maldini by forever retiring his number 3 shirt.

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Throughout his illustrious career, Maldini played a pivotal role in AC Milan's triumphs, contributing to five Serie A titles and three Champions League victories before being officially named captain in 1997.

Johan Cruff (Ajax)

Johan Cruyff is universally recognized as one of the finest and most influential players in the history of the game.

The standout figure of the Netherlands team that championed the Total Football philosophy in the 1970s, Cruyff's impact resonated with Ajax, where he devoted a total of 11 years across two distinct spells.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Ajax retired his iconic number 14 shirt in 2007.

Diego Maradona (Napoli)

Diego Maradona is widely regarded as arguably the greatest footballer in history, earning the title of Player of the Century in a FIFA internet poll in 2000. Although Argentina initially faced challenges in retiring the number 10 in Maradona's honor, the club where he made the most profound impact successfully achieved this tribute.

Maradona, idolised during his seven-year tenure in southern Italy, saw his number retired in 2000. Furthermore, shortly after his passing in December 2020, the stadium of the club was renamed in his honour, solidifying his enduring legacy.