Contents
What is a jersey number?
Jersey numbers are mainly used to help referees, commentators, and fans tell players apart during a match.
– Each player is given a unique number for a season or tournament.
– These numbers are used by starting players and substitutes.
– Over time, some numbers can become famous or carry special meaning, like the number 10 often worn by star players.
How jersey numbers have changed over time
Jersey numbers weren’t always part of football. In the early days, players wore plain shirts with no numbers at all. But as the game grew and became more organised, numbers were introduced to make it easier to identify players on the pitch.
1. Early numbering by position
At first, numbers were based on player positions.
– 1 was usually the goalkeeper
– 2 to 5 were worn by defenders
– 6 to 8 were midfielders
– 9 to 11 were forwards
This made it easy to guess a player’s role just by looking at their shirt.
2. Shift to squad numbers
As football tactics became more flexible and formations changed, the strict numbering by position faded.
– Teams began allowing players to choose a number and keep it for the whole season
– The number no longer had to match the player’s role on the pitch
This change allowed players to build a personal identity with a number. Some numbers became iconic, tied to football legends and club history, for example, number 10 is often linked to star playmakers.
The meaning behind certain jersey numbers
Some jersey numbers in football have taken on special meaning over time. They’re often linked to famous players or specific roles on the pitch. Here are some of the most well-known numbers and what they usually represent:
Number 10 – The playmaker
The number 10 shirt is one of the most famous in football. It’s usually worn by creative, attacking midfielders who control the game and lead the team’s attack. Players like Pelé (Brazil), Maradona, and Lionel Messi (Argentina) have all worn number 10. Wearing this number often comes with high expectations. It’s a number for leaders and stars.
Number 7 – The flair player
The number 7 is often given to fast, skillful wingers or attacking players. Known for speed, flair, and scoring goals. Worn by legends like Cristiano Ronaldo (most notably at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus) and George Best. It represents excitement and attacking power.
Number 9 – The striker
Traditionally, the number 9 belongs to the team’s main goalscorer.. Often a strong, central forward. It has been worn by greats like Ronaldo Nazário and Alan Shearer. While today’s formations are more flexible, number 9 still signals a top striker.
Number 1 – The goalkeeper
This number is almost always worn by the goalkeeper. It symbolises the last line of defence in football history and is often given to the team’s main shot-stopper. Great examples include Buffon, Neuer and Van Der Saar.
Club and country legends
Beyond these global examples, many clubs and national teams have their own iconic numbers. These might be linked to historic captains, top scorers, or beloved players When a new player wears that number, it creates a sense of pride and connection to the team’s history.
Rules about jersey numbers
Football leagues and competitions have specific rules to make sure jersey numbers are used clearly and consistently. These rules help with player identification and maintain the traditions of the sport.
1. Number ranges
Most professional teams give each player a unique number for the season. Numbers usually range from 1 to 99. Some competitions may have stricter limits, especially in major tournaments.
2. Changing numbers during the season
Players usually cannot change their jersey number once the season has started. Exceptions may be made if a player transfers to another club or in rare special cases. This helps keep things consistent for referees, fans, and commentators.
3. Goalkeeper numbers
It’s traditional for the main goalkeeper to wear number 1. Other goalkeepers in the squad wear different numbers. While this isn’t a strict rule in all leagues, it is common practice and widely recognised.
4. No duplicate numbers
Each player on a team must have a different number. No two players can wear the same number in a match or throughout the season This is essential for clear identification on the pitch.
Why players choose certain jersey numbers
Choosing a jersey number is often a personal decision for players. It can be influenced by memories, role models, or simply what numbers are available. Here’s what usually shapes their choice:
1. Personal preferences and lucky numbers
Many players have a favourite number i.e., something they’ve worn since childhood or believe brings them luck. If that number is available at their club, they often ask for it.
2. Inspired by idols or family
Some players choose a number once worn by a football hero they looked up to, or a family member who played football. It’s a way to honour their inspiration and stay connected to their past.
3. What’s available in the squad
Even if a player has a favourite number, it might already be taken. In that case, they have to pick a different number. Younger or newer players often have fewer choices, as senior players usually get first pick.
4. Traditional position numbers
While the link between numbers and positions is not as strict today, some players still prefer numbers connected to their role. A striker might go for 9. A creative midfielder might aim for 10. These choices help express how the player sees themselves on the pitch.
Jersey numbers and their role in branding and business
In modern football, jersey numbers do much more than help identify players, they play a big part in branding, merchandise, and the business side of the sport. Here’s how:
1. Merchandise and player recognition
A jersey number is a key part of a player’s identity. Fans often buy shirts with the name and number of their favourite players. Popular players can help clubs sell millions of shirts, especially if they wear an iconic number.
2. Marketing around player numbers
Clubs and sponsors use jersey numbers in their advertising and campaigns. Numbers like #7 (Cristiano Ronaldo) or #10 (Lionel Messi) have become global brands. These numbers are used in endorsements, posters, and commercials to attract fans and buyers.
3. Personal branding for players
Players often build their personal brand around a number. Some include their number in their social media handles or logos. A consistent number across a successful career can become part of their legacy and increase their market value.
4. Iconic numbers within clubs
At some clubs, certain numbers are seen as special because of the legends who wore them. These numbers carry prestige. New players may aspire to wear them and feel honoured if they do.
Retired jersey numbers
One of the highest honours a football club can give a player is to retire their jersey number. This means the number they wore will no longer be used by any other player at the club, as a sign of respect and recognition for their achievements and legacy.
What does it mean to retire a number?
When a jersey number is retired, it’s taken out of use permanently (or in some cases, only under special conditions). No future player at the club can wear that number. It’s a way of saying “thank you” to a player who had a huge impact on the club
Why are numbers retired?
Clubs may retire a number for several reasons:
– Outstanding performance: The player achieved great success and showed exceptional talent. An example is Franco Baresi at AC Milan, with 719 appearances and numerous trophies
– Loyalty: The player spent many years at the club and remained committed. Loyalty is evident in Paolo Maldini’s 25 seasons at AC Milan
– Iconic status: The player is loved by fans and became part of the club’s history. Iconic status is clear with Johan Cruyff at Ajax, whose jersey was retired in 2007 for his Total Football influence.
– Tragic events: In rare and sad cases, a number may be retired to honour a player who passed away while still with the club. Manchester City retired number 23 for Marc-Vivien Foé after his death in 2003 during an international match.
A lasting tribute
Some argue that numbers should always stay in use so new players can build their own legacy. But for many fans and clubs, retiring a number is a powerful tribute, a permanent reminder of a truly special player and the memories they gave the club.
Sportmonks and the power of jersey numbers
At Sportmonks, we specialise in delivering real-time and historical football data to fans, developers, analysts, and businesses around the world. Among the many data points we offer, jersey numbers play a small but powerful role in how player data is organised, displayed, and understood.
Our APIs provide detailed squad information for teams in over 1,000 leagues globally, including player names, positions, stats, and jersey numbers. These numbers aren’t just cosmetic, they’re vital for player identification across platforms, whether you’re building a fantasy football app, running a live scoreboard, or analysing match data. From classic numbers like 7, 9, and 10 to custom squad numbers, our data helps users track players season by season with full context.
We also store historical jersey data, which can be used to analyse trends, like when a legendary number is passed on to a new talent or how player positions have evolved alongside number choices. By blending tradition with technology, Sportmonks gives developers and football fans the tools to explore the deeper meaning behind each shirt number.
Bring meaning to the numbers with real data
Jersey numbers aren’t just for show, they tell stories, reveal roles, and build legacies. With Sportmonks, you can track shirt numbers alongside player stats, positions, and historical records across over 2,500 leagues. Whether you’re building a football app, running a scoreboard, or analysing legends, we’ve got the data to back it up.
Try Sportmonks free for 14 days and bring deeper context to every name and number.
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