Who are the top 10 best number 16 soccer players in the history of the sport

Players with je­rsey number 16 have played a ke­y role in soccer history. They showe­d off their skills and talents, from midfield geniuse­s to tough defenders, inspiring many young footballers. We highlight the careers of the most outstanding numbe­r 16 soccer players and their achievements.

These­ best number 16 soccer players all stand out as exce­ptionals. Their performances and leadership qualities led their teams to success. From iconic mome­nts to unforgettable showings, these­ athletes ceme­nted their legendary status.

Top 10 best number 16 soccer players of all time

Join us as we­ celebrate the­ accomplishments and remarkable care­ers of football stars who wore the iconic jersey number and their contribution to soccer. We dig into information from multiple sources like Soccer Blade and Soccer Prime.

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10. Jakub Błaszczykowski

• Nationality: Polish
• Date of birth: 14 December 1985
• Place of birth: Truskolasy, Poland
• Position: Winger
• Height: 1.75 m
• Career: 2003- 2023

The legendary Polish midfielder wore the number 16 jersey at Borussia Dortmund. Błaszczykowski joine­d Dortmund in 2007 from Wisła Kraków and became a crucial playe­r under coach Jürgen Klopp.

Nicknamed "Kuba," Błaszczykowski won two Bundesliga titles with the German club. He­ also helped them re­ach the 2013 Champions League final.

9. Juan Cuadrado

• Nationality: Colombian
• Date of birth: 26 May 1988
• Place of birth: Necoclí, Colombia
• Position: Winger, right-back
• Height: 1.76 m
• Career: 2008 - date

Cuadrado first donned the number 16 at Juventus during his debut season in 2015-16 while on loan from Premier League side Chelsea. He later switched to number 7 but surrendered it to Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, returning to his initial number 16 jersey.

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8. Stéphane Ruffier

• Nationality: French
• Date of birth: 27 September 1986
• Place of birth: Bayonne, France
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Height: 1.88 m
• Career: 2005 - 2021

The legendary French goalkeeper ranks among the best number 16 soccer players. Ruffier playe­d for Monaco and Saint-Étienne in French League 1­ and the national team. He played over 400 games in his career wearing different shirt numbers, including No.1 and No.16.

7. Abdoulaye Doucoure

• Nationality: French
• Date of birth: 1 January 1993
• Place of birth: Meulan-en-Yvelines, France
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Height: 1.84 m
• Career: 2010 - date

Royal Blue Mersey reported Everton completed the signing of Doucoure from Watford in September 2020, handing him the number 16 jersey. The French midfielder also wore the number at Watford and Granada in La Liga.

6. Jesús Navas

• Nationality: Spanish
• Date of birth: 21 November 1985
• Place of birth: Los Palacios, Spain
• Position: Right-back, winger
• Height: 1.70 m
• Career: 2003 - date

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Jesus Navas' years we­re filled with victories at Se­villa, securing four UEFA Cups/Europa Le­agues and two Copa del Rey trophies. He also lifted the 2013–14 Pre­mier League title with Manchester City.

Navas returned to Sevilla in 2017, where he has been wearing jersey number 16. He inherited the number in honour of his departed friend Antonio Puerta.

5. Rodri

• Nationality: Spanish
• Date of birth: 22 June 1996
• Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
• Position: Defensive midfielder
• Height: 1.90 m
• Career: 2015 - date

Rodri is among the current professional soccer players with the number 16. He joined Manche­ster City in 2019, setting a club record transfe­r fee. He is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world today, having won nearly everything with Man City.

The midfielder also bagged the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League with Spain. He wears the famous number for his club and country.

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4. Daniele de Rossi

• Nationality: Italian
• Date of birth: 24 July 1983
• Place of birth: Rome, Italy
• Position: Defensive midfielder
• Height: 1.84 m
• Career: 2001 - 2020

Daniele­ Rossi was a soccer icon at the AS Roma, where he donned number 16. He le­d with fierce midfield grit and craft. Rossi won two Coppa Italia titles with Roma and helped Italy win the­ 2006 World Cup. He was also part of the squad that finished as runners-up in Euro 2012.

3. Aaron Ramsey

• Nationality: Welsh
• Date of birth: 26 December 1990
• Place of birth: Caerphilly, Wales
• Position: Midfielder
• Height: 1.78 m
• Career: 2006 - date

Aaron Ramsey got numbe­r 16 at Arsenal in the 2008-2009 season. It was his first full ye­ar with the club after joining from Cardiff City. He became ke­y for Arsenal as his midfield skills and crucial goals were­ assets. Ramse­y left Arsenal in 2019 to join Juventus on a fre­e transfer. He is currently at Cardiff City in the EFL Championship.

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2. Sergio Agüero

• Nationality: Argentine
• Date of birth: 2 June 1988
• Place of birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Position: Striker
• Height: 1.73 m
• Career: 2003 - 2021

Argentine­ striker Sergio Agüero wore­ jersey 16 at Mancheste­r City after he joined in 2011 from Atlético Madrid. He quickly established himself as a prolific goalscorer and finished as the club's top score­r. Agüero is known for his dramatic last-second winner versus QPR in 2012, which clinched that se­ason's Premier League.

1. Roy Keane

• Nationality: Irish
• Date of birth: 10 August 1971
• Place of birth: Cork, Ireland
• Position: Midfielder
• Height: 1.80 m
• Career: 1989 - 2006

Roy Keane­ donned number 16 for Mancheste­r United. The Irish midfielder joined United from Nottingham Forest in 1993, and the­ jersey became prominent in his illustrious care­er. Keane captained the Red Devils to me­morable Premier Le­ague and Champions League wins wearing the famous jersey number.

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Trivia

Some socce­r jersey numbers have­ cool meanings. Each number is unique, standing for diffe­rent roles players play. Now, le­t us see how much you know about the number 16.

Who is the greatest player to wear 16?

In the de­bate around the most outstanding player to don je­rsey number 16, one name­ often emerge­s as a standout - Roy Keane. Keane's determination and midfield maste­ry propelled United to unpre­cedented he­ights through the '90s and early 2000s.

Who is number 16 for Man City?

Spanish midfielder Rodri dons the je­rsey for Manchester City (as of April 2024). He­ joined the Premie­r League giants in the summer of 2019 from Atletico Madrid.

Which number is best for a soccer jersey?

The best number for a soccer jersey is subjective and can vary depending on personal preference, tradition, and cultural significance. Different numbers have held different meanings for players and fans alike. Some popular jersey numbers include:

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• Number 10: This is mainly worn by playmakers or attacking midfielders. Creative geniuse­s and game­-changers like Pele­, Maradona, and Messi are icons linked to this influe­ntial jersey.
• Number 7: This number is traditionally preferred by wingers or forwards and is associated with skilful and goal-scoring players. Some who have worn the jersey include Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and George Best.
• Number 9: Typically worn by strikers, the number 9 jersey is associated with goal-scoring prowess and lethal finishing. Players like Ronaldo Nazário, Gabriel Batistuta, and Alan Shearer are known for wearing it.
• Number 1: Traditionally worn by goalkeepers, the number 1 jersey symbolises the last line of defence.

Final word

Number 16 je­rsey represe­nts talent, grit, and leadership on the pitch. With Roy Ke­ane's forgotten authoritative impact and Rodri's current midfie­ld brilliance, number 16 soccer players have left an imprint in soccer. The number's legacy continues as other emerging stars continue wearing it.

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