Mystery Solved-Why Do The Best Football Players Wear Jersey No. 10 & 7?

One of the most symbolic things in the world of soccer is the age-old tradition of numbering players. Fans anticipate and look forward to the assigned jersey numbers whenever a new player joins the club or team. But there are a few numbers that are more significant than the others, one of them is Number 10. We have witnessed and time proved that jersey number 10 belongs to the most prominent and outstanding players. The other significant numbers are 7 and 9.

Numbers were first used to specify the different positions on the soccer field. Each position was assigned a number from 1 – 11. This displayed the position and area of the field a player was playing in.

The history of using numbers on jerseys in soccer started in Australia, in 1911. The first instance of a soccer team playing with numbers on their backs was recorded back then in a game played between Sydney Leichhardt and HMS Powerful.

Next in 1923, football teams in Argentina started doing this and the United States followed in March 1924.

The most admired and respected jersey Number of all is 10. The greatest players in history wore the number on the back of their jerseys. The most influential and the best player on the team is assigned jersey number 10.

What is the significance of the Number 10, 7, and 9 jerseys?

Number 10

The playmaker or the attacking midfielder is given the number 10 on a soccer team. They are responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities for the team by playing behind the forwards. The world of football has witnessed the best players gracing the field wearing the number 10 jersey for either their club or country or both.

The accomplishments and outstanding achievements of the players while wearing the jersey number 10 on their back have contributed hugely to its prestige.

Exceptional football players like Pele, Maradona, Messi and so many more wore that number at the peak of their careers. All aspiring footballers imagine being one of these great players and wearing the number 10 jersey for their team.

Number 7

The No. 7 is often reserved for a fast, pacy winger and second strikers traditionally. Players who are great dribblers and make passes to forward colleagues in the penalty area are assigned number 7. But things are changing with time. Many notable players like Raul, Ribery, Keegan, Ronaldo, etc have worn the Number 7 jersey and increased its status over the decades.

Number 9

No. 9 is often reserved for a goalscorer and worn by strikers. They are often the highest scorers on the team. Some prominent players who wore jersey number 9 in football and raised its standards are, Filippo Inzaghi, Di Stefano, Ronaldo Nazario, Fernando Torres, Robbie Fowler, and Alan Shearer.

Let’s look at the greatest players who wore the number 10, 7, and 9 jerseys and added value to them:

1. Pelé – Number 10

The legendary Brazilian footballer who was recognized worldwide played as a forward. His mesmerizingly perfect goals and tricks on the field are unmatched. Pelé donned jersey number 10 between 1958 – 1970 for his team Brazil and created history by winning three World Cups. Pelé is known as the ‘King of Football’, his dribbling and tactics are incredible. He holds a Guinness world record for scoring a total of 1281 goals in 1363 games throughout his career.

2. Diego Maradona – Number 10

Everyone is aware of the Argentinian master of football, Maradona. He was among the world’s great number 10’s to grace the soccer field with his outstanding skills. His dribbling techniques and speed could lead any team to success. For his goal for Argentina against England in 1986, he has even been credited with scoring the ‘goal of the century’. Maradona was an expert in scoring goals. The Argentinian legend was a number 10.

3. Alfredo Di Stefano – Number 9

One of Real Madrid’s greatest players Di Stefano won 5 European Cups scoring in the final of each one, two Ballon d’Ors, and eight La Liga’s. He is still the sixth-highest scorer in La Liga even after retiring from soccer in 1966. Alfredo is Real Madrid’s third-highest league goalscorer of all time who wore jersey number 10.

4. Lionel Messi – Number 10

Having said that the best player wears the number 10 jersey, there is no denying that the Argentine forward Lionel Messi wears the number on his back. The control he has over the ball cannot be ignored. His statistics speak numbers about the talent he is. Though Messi has 6 FIFA Ballon d’Or to his name, many say that Messi cannot be termed as ‘the best of all time’ without a World Cup to his name.

Well, Lionel Messi is one of the world’s greatest-ever soccer players and there is no denying it. Messi is representing Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2022.

5. Christiano Ronaldo – Number 7

The top-scorer in Real Madrid and Champions League history, Ronaldo is no doubt one of the best football players. Popular for his step-overs and dribbling skills the center-forward became an ace goal scorer. Ronaldo plays for Portugal in International tournaments and the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been it’s last.

6. Zinedine Zidane – Number 10

Zidane was one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation to wear jersey number 10. One of the best goals ever of the Frenchman was for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002. The former Real Madrid had an elegance but sadly he ended his career with a sending-off in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.

7. Ronaldo Nazario – Number 9

Ronaldo Nazario was an extraordinary player whose name is etched in the history of football. His performance in the 1994 FIFA World Cup for Brazil was incredible. The former striker wore the number 9 jersey proudly.

8. Ronaldinho – Number 10

He sported number 10 on his back when he played for Barcelona. Ronaldinho was declared FIFA’s Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 and also won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. He was an inspiration to many aspiring soccer players all over the world. Ronaldinho had that presence on the field that he was everyone’s favorite whenever he entered the ground.

9. Zico – Number 10

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was one of the greatest players on the Brazilian team. He was considered the best player in the world by critics and fans during his time. Zico played as number 10 for Brazil and remains one of the best players who never got the taste of winning a World Cup.

10. David Beckham – Number 7

David Beckham is a renowned name in the world of football. His dead-ball skills are what separate him from the rest. This iconic player wore jersey number 7. He played in six different clubs and had a successful club career.

11. Michel Platini – Number 10

The number of goals he scored made him one of the best footballers of his generation. Platini played the number 10 role and played a major role in France’s 1984 Euro win. He reached great heights at Saint-Etienne and Juventus. From 1983-85, the Frenchman has three consecutive Ballon d’Ors. He was also declared the French Player of the Century in 1999.

12. Neymar JR – Number 10

The holder of the number 10 shirt at Paris Saint Germain (PSG) is currently Neymar. The former Barcelona forward is a world-class footballer who needs no introduction. He also represented the International team Brazil in jersey 10 in the FIFA World Cup 2022.