A list of the 10 most famous soccer players with number 15

A list of the 10 most famous soccer players with number 15

Helix Odhiambo
April 18, 2024 at 10:47 AM
In this article:
Mats Hummels logo
M. Hummels
Borussia Dortmund logoDGermany logo
Ze Roberto logo
Z. Roberto
-MBrazil logo
Daniel Sturridge logo
D. Sturridge
Perth Glory logoFEngland logo
Federico Valverde logo
F.Valverde
Real Madrid logoMUruguay logo
Andreas Christensen logo
A. Christensen
FC Barcelona logoDDenmark logo
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain logo
A. Oxlade-Chamberlain
Besiktas JK logoMEngland logo
Megan Rapinoe logo
M.Rapinoe
OL Reign Women logoFUnited States logo

Many iconic footballers have worn the number 15 in their careers and lived up to the legacy. Although the number is less popular than those from 1 to 11, soccer players with number 15 jerseys have made it prominent and important in modern football.

Famous soccer players with number 15
D. Sturridge (L) of P. Glory in April 2022. Nigeria's Sunday Oliseh (C) in 1998. Nemanja Vidic of Man United in January 2013. Photo: Alex Livesey, Paul Kane, Alexander Hassenstein (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Traditionally, footballers in the starting line-up wore jerseys from 1 to 11, while the rest were for substitutes. Today, top male and female players prefer jersey numbers exceeding 11, motivated by factors like tradition and personal interests to boost their confidence and focus.

Famous soccer players with number 15 jerseys

The world has witnessed good soccer players with number 15, known for their talents, skills, and outstanding performances. Their contribution to the sport makes them legends.

We break down the top 10 professional soccer players with number 15 shirts, compiled from numerous sources like Soccer Mavericks and Soccer Blade. The list includes past and current footballers, ranked based on their achievements and influence.

Players with number 15

Position

Nationality

Sunday Oliseh

Defensive midfielder

Nigerian

Megan Rapinoe

Winger

American

Andrea Barzagli

Centre-back

Italian

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Midfielder

English

Florent Malouda

Midfielder

French

Peter Crouch

Striker

English

Ze Roberto

Left wing-back/midfielder

Brazilian

Daniel Sturridge

Striker

English

Mats Hummels

Centre-back

German

Nemanja Vidić

Centre-back

Serbian

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić and Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels are two of the best football players with number 15 during their careers. Discover the profile of players who wore the iconic jersey and their achievements.

10. Sunday Oliseh

Sunday Oliseh celebrates after scoring against Spain
Sunday Oliseh of Nigeria celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the World Cup Group D game against Spain on 13 June 1998 at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh
  • Date of birth: 14 September 1974
  • Age: 49 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Abavo, Nigeria
  • Teams played for: Julius Berger Lagos, RFC Liege, Reggiana, FC Köln, Ajax, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, VfL Bochum, KRC Genk, Nigeria national team
  • Career: 1989 - 2006

The Nigerian icon was known for his tackling, athleticism, and ability to read the game. According to Tranfermarkt, Oliseh wore jersey number 15 while playing for the Nigerian national team, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, and FC Köln. He played at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.

9. Megan Rapinoe

Female soccer players with number 15
Megan Rapinoe of Team United States scores during their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games quarters against the Netherlands at International Stadium Yokohama on 30 July 2021 in Japan. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Megan Anna Rapinoe
  • Date of birth: 5 July 1985
  • Age: 38 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Redding, California, USA
  • Teams played for: Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, MagicJack, Sydney FC, Seattle Sounders Women, Lyon Women, OL Reign, US Women's national team
  • Career: 2009 - date

Rapinoe's ability to beat defenders makes her one of the most successful female soccer players with number 15 jerseys. The American won two FIFA Women's World Cups and an Olympic gold medal. She also bagged the 2019 Women's FIFA Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Women's Player award.

8. Andrea Barzagli

Italy's Andrea Barzagli against Germany
Andrea Barzagli of Italy runs with the ball during the International Friendly match against Germany at San Siro Stadium on 15 November 2013 in Milan, Italy. Photo: Lars Baron
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Andrea Barzagli Ufficiale OMRI
  • Date of birth: 8 May 1981
  • Age: 42 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Fiesole, Italy
  • Teams played for: Rondinella, Pistoiese, Piacenza, Ascoli, Chievo, Palermo, VfL Wolfsburg, Juventus, Italy national team
  • Career: 1998 - 2019

Italy's Andrea Barzagli is one of the retired footballers who wore jersey number 15. He was a defensive force for Juventus, winning multiple trophies, including eight Serie A titles, the 2008-09 Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy.

7. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Pro soccer players with number 15
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Liverpool during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on 15 July 2020 in London, England. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alexander Mark David Oxlade-Chamberlain
  • Date of birth: 15 August 1993
  • Age: 30 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Portsmouth, United Kingdom
  • Teams played for: Southampton, Arsenal, Liverpool,
  • Career: 2010 - date

The talented English winger has showcased brilliant dribbling and shooting skills. Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of the pro soccer players with number 15. The Beşiktaş player won three FA Cups with Arsenal before moving to Liverpool, where he lifted the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League titles.

6. Florent Malouda

Chelsea's Florent Malouda celebrating at Wembley Stadium
Florent Malouda of Chelsea celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium on 15 April 2012, in London, England. Photo: Mike Hewitt
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Florent Johan Malouda
  • Date of birth: 13 June 1980
  • Age: 43 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Cayenne, French Guiana
  • Teams played for: Châteauroux, Guingamp, Lyon, Chelsea, Trabzonspor, Metz, Delhi Dynamos, Wadi Degla, FC Differdange 03, France national team
  • Career: 1996 - 2018

The French legend went down in history as one of the greatest midfielders of his time. During his career, Florent Malouda ranked among the top and famous number 15 football players. Malouda won numerous titles, including one Premier League title, three FA Cups, one FA Community Shield, and one UEFA Champions League.

5. Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch of Tottenham Hotspur scores against AC Milan
Peter Crouch of Tottenham Hotspur scores the opening goal during their UEFA Champions League R16 match against AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on 15 February 2011 in Italy. Photo: Alex Livesey
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Peter James Crouch
  • Date of birth: 30 January 1981
  • Age: 43 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Macclesfield, United Kingdom
  • Teams played for: Stoke City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers, Aston Villa, Southampton, Norwich City, Burnley, England national team
  • Career: 1998 - 2019

Crouch was a tall, slender striker with incredible goal-scoring records. As reported by Knel Now, he has the most headed goals in Premier League history (53). The Englishman made over 450 appearances in the Premier League, playing for multiple teams and scoring 106 goals. Crouch lifted the 2006 FA Cup and Community Shield.

4. Ze Roberto

Professional soccer players with number 15
Ze Roberto of Palmeiras celebrates scoring in a penalty shootout against Santos during the 2015 Copa do Brasil final at Allianz Parque on 2 December 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: Friedemann Vogel
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: José Roberto da Silva Júnior
  • Date of birth: 6 July 1974
  • Age: 49 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Ipiranga, São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
  • Teams played for: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Palmeiras, Grêmio, Hamburger SV, Santos, Al-Gharafa SC, Portuguesa, Flamengo, Brazil national team
  • Career: 1994 - 2017

The legendary Brazilian left wing-back/ midfielder won multiple domestic titles. Ze Roberto wore jersey number 15 at Bayern Munich and with the Brazilian national team. He won two Copa America titles and two FIFA Confederations Cups.

3. Daniel Sturridge

Best football players with number 15
Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool scores during the UEFA Champions League Group E match against NK Maribor at Anfield on 1 November 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniel Andre Sturridge
  • Date of birth: 1 September 1989
  • Age: 34 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • Teams played for: Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Trabzonspor, Perth Glory
  • Career: 2006 - 2022

Sturridge is a product of the Manchester City academy and has enjoyed good spells with top English clubs. He was an outstanding goal scorer and a fan favourite at Liverpool. Sturridge won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League with Chelsea. He last played in 2022 for Perth Glory but has not officially retired.

2. Mats Hummels

Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund
Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund reacts during their Bundesliga match against TSG Hoffenheim at PreZero-Arena on 29 September 2023 in Sinsheim, Germany. Photo: Alex Grimm
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mats Julian Hummels
  • Date of birth: 16 December 1988
  • Age: 35 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
  • Teams played for: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund
  • Career: 2006 - date

Hummels' formidable defensive and leadership skills make him one of the best defenders in football. Mats is also among the most successful soccer players who wear number 15. He has five Bundesliga titles and a FIFA World Cup with Germany.

1. Nemanja Vidić

Soccer players with number 15
Nemanja Vidic poses with his Manchester United jersey after signing for the club at a Carrington training ground in Manchester on 9 January 2006. Photo: Paul Ellis
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Nemanja Vidić
  • Date of birth: 21 October 1981
  • Age: 42 (as of April 2024)
  • Birthplace: Užice, Serbia
  • Teams played for: Red Star Belgrade, Spartak Subotica, Spartak Moscow, Manchester United, Inter Milan
  • Career: 2000 - 2016

The former Manchester United's commanding centre-back headlines the list of best soccer players with number 15 jerseys during their career. Vidić won Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, and the Champions League with Man United.

Trivia

The current list of men's soccer players with number 15 includes Federico Valverde, Eric Dier, Andreas Christensen, Marcel Sabitzer, and Nicolas Jackson. The players have achieved a lot by wearing the iconic number. Here are more facts about the jersey number.

What does number 15 mean in soccer?

The number has no specific meaning in soccer; anyone can wear it. Most users of the jersey number are defenders and midfielders.

Who wears the number 15 jersey in the Argentina national football team?

According to Argentina's Transfermark stats, Fiorentina's forward Nicolas Gonzalez wears jersey No.15 with the national team and No. 10 with his club.

Who is the best number 15 female soccer player?

Legendary footballer Megan Rapinoe is the best female soccer star, donning the iconic jersey number. Her success with the United States women's national team has earned her praise and recognition.

Final word

The most famous soccer players with number 15 have established themselves among the greatest through their achievements. Many footballers have opted for unique jersey numbers like 15 instead of the traditional ones from 1 to 11.

READ ALSO: Who are the best flat-footed soccer players in the history of the game?

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.