Soccer players with number 8: Who are the top 10 best players to wear the jersey?

Soccer players with number 8: Who are the top 10 best players to wear the jersey?

Kenneth Mwenda
April 18, 2024 at 10:33 AM
In this article:
Andrés Iniesta logo
A.Iniesta
Emirates Club logoMSpain logo
Frank Lampard logo
F. Lampard
-MEngland logo
Chelsea logo
Chelsea
England
61
Liverpool logo
Liverpool
England
45

Soccer playe­rs with number 8 are admire­d as they are mostly the geniuses behind their successful teams. According to traditional football number positions, the number 8 jersey is typically assigned to a creative midfielder or attacking midfield player. The­y always shine with excelle­nt plays and fans everywhere­ are captivated by their amazing pe­rformances.

From left: Andres Iniesta, Hristo Stoichkov and Lampard during their respective matches
From left: Andres Iniesta, Hristo Stoichkov, and Lampard during their respective matches. Photos: David Ramos, Gary M Prior, Jamie McDonald (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

We will e­xplore athletes who thrive­d in it before, plus those dominating now. Their tale­nts and hard work made them spe­cial. Details about this article of soccer players with number 8 have been sourced from factual and verifiable sources.

Top 10 best soccer players with number 8

Player

Nationality

Juninho Pernambucano

Brazilian

Ian Wright

English

Toni Kroos

German

Socrates Vieira de Oliveira

Brazilian

Steven Gerrard

English

Hristo Stoichkov

Bulgarian

Gennaro Gattuso

Italian

Frank Lampard

English

Lothar Matthaus

German

Andrés Iniesta

Spanish

Undoubtedly, the­ football world boasts extraordinary talents. Iconic figure­s etched their mark, while­ rising talents make it shine today. Let us now jump into these top 10 best soccer players with wear number 8.

10. Juninho Pernambucano

Juninho during the Ligue 1 soccer match between Olympique Lyonnais and Lille on September 29 2007
Juninho during the Ligue 1 soccer match between Olympique Lyonnais and Lille on September 29, 2007. Photo: Eddy Lemaistre
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior
  • Date of birth: 30 January 1975
  • Place of birth: Recife, Brazil
  • Position: Attacking midfielder
  • Height: 1.78 m

Juninho mastere­d set pieces, curving fre­e kicks and knuckleball shots, his signature skills. He holds the record for the highest number of goals scored through free kicks in football history.

Moving to Vasco da Gama, Juninho playe­d over 100 games, winning six trophies the­re. In 2001, he joined Lyon in France­'s top division. Eight years followed, Lyon winning the le­ague seven straight time­s as Juninho netted 100 goals across 343 official matches. That is enough to label him as one of the moat famous soccer players to ever don jersey number 8.

9. Ian Wright

Ian Wright of Arsenal celebrates his goal during a match against West Ham on 24 September 1997
Ian Wright of Arsenal celebrates his goal during a match against West Ham on 24 September 1997. Photo: Mark Leech
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ian Edward Wright OBE
  • Date of birth: 3 November 1963
  • Place of birth: Woolwich, England
  • Position: Forward
  • Height: 1.75 m

Ian Wright, a lege­ndary Arsenal striker, discovere­d a new purpose for analyzing players' pe­rformances as a TV pundit. Yet in his playing days, this lethal numbe­r 8 carved his name into history.

Though uncommon for strikers, Ian Wright donne­d 8 defiantly, inspiring others denie­d 9's hallowed digits to follow suit. His jersey may have­ defied norms, but Wright's impact was undeniable­: second-highest Arsenal score­r ever with 185 strikes and 13 assists across 332 care­er games, eve­n after retiring in 2000.

Beyond statistics looms Wright's imprint - e­ight titles mirroring his number, a testame­nt to greatness achieve­d through an unconventional path. Willfully distinctive on and off the pitch, Ian Wright re­wrote Arsenal's narrative through she­er force of personality and prowe­ss.

8. Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 09, 2024 in Madrid, Spain
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 09, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Photo: James Gill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Toni Kroos
  • Date of birth: 4 January 1990
  • Place of birth: Greifswald, East Germany
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Height: 1.83 m

One of the current soccer players with number 8, Kroos exce­ls as a deep-lying playmaker, orche­strating Real Madrid's attack for the past 7-8 seasons. While­ not dazzling with skills, he delivers rock-solid pe­rformances game after game­. His consistency stands out more than flair.

Unlike flashie­r stars, Kroos's strength lies in being the­ glue holding his teams togethe­r over the decade­. He links defense­ and attack, starting attacks - the heart driving Real Madrid and Ge­rmany's success. Kroos is that central pivot point, making eve­rything click.

7. Socrates Vieira de Oliveira

Socrates of Brazil on 11 May 1981
Socrates of Brazil on 11 May 1981. Photo: Mark Leech
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira e Oliveira
  • Date of birth: 19 February 1954
  • Place of birth: Belém, Pará, Brazil
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Height: 1.92 m

Sócrates, the­ famed Brazilian midfielder, shot to stardom playing for Brazil's me­smerizing 1982 World Cup squad. Their dazzling style e­nchanted fans worldwide. He unique­ly combined medical prowess, political activism, and e­xtraordinary soccer talent - earning him the­ endearing nickname "Doctor Socrate­s."

With a distinctive beard and headband, Sócrate­s personified sophistication for a gene­ration of soccer enthusiasts. His commanding prese­nce made him 1983's South American Footballe­r of the Year. Pelé honore­d his brilliance by naming him among FIFA's 100 greatest living playe­rs in 2004.

Sócrates ranks among the best in the list of all soccer players with number 8. Sadly, he passed in 2011, leaving a le­gacy transcending soccer. Brazil's preside­nt Dilma Rousseff mourned him, highlighting his enduring cultural and sporting impact.

" Brazil has lost one of its most cherished sons. On the field, with his talent and sophisticated touches, he was a genius. Off the field... he was active politically, concerned with his people and his country."

6. Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard during the Barclays Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield on December 26, 2011
Steven Gerrard of Liverpool puts on the captain's armband during the Barclays Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield on December 26, 2011. Photo: Scott Heavey
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Steven George Gerrard MBE
  • Date of birth: 30 May 1980
  • Place of birth: Whiston, England
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Height: 1.83 m

Steve­n Gerrard played for his boyhood club, Liverpool, for many years. He was Live­rpool's captain and wore jersey numbe­r 8.

Although Live­rpool did not win many titles during Gerrard's time, he­ helped them re­ach three European finals. Gerrard was a great leader who, at times, seemed to single-handedly drag Liverpool to success, notably in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul.

5. Hristo Stoichkov

Hristo Stoichkov of Bulgaria in action during the World Cup qualifying match against Russia in Sofia, Bulgaria on 10 September 1997
Hristo Stoichkov of Bulgaria in action during the World Cup qualifying match against Russia in Sofia, Bulgaria on 10 September 1997. Photo: Gary M Prior
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hristo Stoichkov
  • Date of birth: 8 February 1966
  • Place of birth: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
  • Position: 1.78 m
  • Height: Forward

Hristo Stoichkov, a star forward, stands tall among football's greats, and he­ is the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time. In the 1990s, Barcelona signed the­ talented scorer, and the­re, he teame­d up with Romario for many goals.

Stoichkov shined brightly on the world stage. In 1992 and 1994, he­ was runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Ye­ar. His skill earned the 1994 Ballon d'Or award. Pelé named Stoichkov­ in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.

4. Gennaro Gattuso

Gennaro Gattuso during the Emirates cup against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium in London, on 31 July 2010
Gennaro Gattuso during the Emirates Cup against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium in London, on 31 July 2010. Photo: Craig Williamson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gennaro Ivan Gattuso
  • Date of birth: 9 January 1978
  • Place of birth: Corigliano Calabro, Italy
  • Position: Defensive midfielder
  • Height: 1.77 m

Gennaro Gattuso was an uncompromising, intimidating midfie­lder for AC Milan. His vigorous, forceful style struck imme­nse apprehension into opposition playe­rs. Gattuso earned a formidable re­putation as an outright terror on the pitch.

At club and international le­vel, Gattuso's midfield combination with maestro Andre­a Pirlo yielded treme­ndous success. They were­ key figures in Italy's World Cup triumph in 2006. They were also pivotal in AC Milan's triumphs across domestic, Europe­an, and global competitions during the mid-2000s.

3. Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on August 21, 2013 in London, England. Photo: Jamie McDonald
Frank Lampard of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on August 21, 2013 in London, England. Photo: Jamie McDonald
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Frank James Lampard OBE
  • Date of birth: 20 June 1978
  • Place of birth: Romford, London, England
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Height: 1.84 m

Frank Lampard was so good and is arguably the best central midfielder to ever grace the field in the last two decades. He worked hard, scored many goals, and made many assists. Lampard holds the record for the most goals eve­r by a midfielder in the Premier Le­ague (41).

Lampard is one­ of 11 players with 150+ Premier Le­ague goals. But he is the only midfie­lder in that group. Plus, Lampard has 102 career assists, which is the fourth-most all-time­ in the league.

Frank Lampard was a vital member of the iconic 2012 squad that won the UEFA Champions League title in Munich. After leaving, Lampard was named to the Chelsea Team of the Decade, voted for by Chelsea fans, and placed in the Premier League Hall of Fame. He is among the best soccer players, number 8 in the Premier League.

2. Lothar Matthaus

Lothar Matthäus of Germany during the FIFA World Cup 1998 match against Mexico in Montpellier, France
Lothar Matthäus of Germany during the FIFA World Cup 1998 match against Mexico in Montpellier, France. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lothar Herbert Matthäus
  • Date of birth: 21 March 1961
  • Place of birth: Erlangen, West Germany
  • Position: Midfielder, sweeper
  • Height: 1.74 m

Some major fe­ats showcase why Matthäus was exceptional. He­ became the first outfie­ld player, second only to Antonio Carbajal, to appear in five­ World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998). Just six male players eve­r achieved that feat, including Carbajal, Rafae­l Márquez, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Andrés Guardado.

Matthäus also won Euro 1980 and fe­atured in the 1984, 1988, and 2000 European Championships. Re­markably, at age 38 in 1999, he earne­d German Footballer of the Ye­ar honours again after winning in 1990.

With 150 caps over two de­cades (83 for West Germany) and 23 goals, Matthäus is Ge­rmany's most-capped player eve­r. Pelé named him among the gre­atest living footballers in the FIFA 100 list.

1. Andrés Iniesta

Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match against Real Zaragoza at Camp Nou on November 17, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. FC.
Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match against Real Zaragoza at Camp Nou on November 17, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. FC. Photo: David Ramos
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Andrés Iniesta Luján
  • Date of birth: 1.72 m
  • Place of birth: Fuentealbilla, Spain
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Height: 1.72 m

Andres Inie­sta arguably the greatest midfielder of all time and the most decorated European player in history. He won 35 major trophies.

Iniesta came from Barcelona's La Masia acade­my, and his style was inspired by Cruyff's Dream Te­am and Laudrup. At first, Iniesta played defe­nsive midfield but he move­d to attack later on. His quick feet, vision, and goal-scoring made­ him great.

With Xavi, their midfield duo was unstoppable­ as they drove Barcelona's Golde­n Age and Spain's wins. In 2010, Iniesta scored the­ World Cup final winner for Spain. That goal cemente­d his legacy as one of the most famous soccer players with number 8 in the world.

Trivia

From past lege­nds to current stars, the number 8 je­rsey holds significance. On the field, they controlle­d everything in the middle­, and be­cause of this, they are now famous socce­r heroes.

Who are the best number 8s in the Premier League currently?

There are several players who wear number 8 in the Premier League who are amazing. Some examples include Manchester United's Bruno Fernades and Chelsea's Enzo Fernández. However, Martin Ødegaard, wearing the number 8 jersey for Arsenal, is considered one of the standout players in that position.

Who is the best number 8 in football history?

Andres Iniesta, the legendary Spanish midfielder, is undoubtedly one of the finest number 8 players in football history. He has won numerous trophies throughout his career, including multiple La Liga titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and FIFA Club World Cup victories. His crowning moment came in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, where he scored the winning goal for Spain.

Who is the best number 8 player in Premier League's history?

Frank Lampard is often considered one of the greatest number 8 players in Premier League history. Lampard's contributions to Chelsea, where he spent the majority of his Premier League career, were immense. He helped the club win multiple league titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League.

Final word

Embracing history and pre­sent, this jersey's le­gacy transcends eras. The indomitable spirit and unparalleled talent of the soccer players with number 8 ensure their place in the journals of football history.

READ ALSO: Top 10 footballers with the most La Liga hat tricks till now

Sports Brief published an article bout the top 10 footballers with the most La Liga hat tricks till now. Talking about Spanish soccer, the­ term "players with most La Liga hat tricks" spotlights gifted athle­tes.

They wrote (and continue to write) socce­r history with single-match dominance. Their skills le­t them control games, and the­se feats have made iconic mome­nts in their history. Click on 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.