When we’re watching the beautiful game, football shirt numbers allow us to easily recognise who’s got (or lost) the ball.
But what do football shirt numbers mean? Because we’re pretty sure players don’t just pick a number out of a hat…
In this blog, our experts share the history behind football shirt numbers, their meaning, and how they work for current football shirts.
The History of Football Shirt Numbers
Back in the day, football squad numbers were used as a way to distinguish each player of the team and their role. It’s worth noting that this system’s the same for both men’s and women’s football shirts.
Traditional Football Squad Number Meanings
Position Number |
The Meaning |
|
Number One |
Typically, the number one is saved for the goalkeeper's shirt. |
|
Number Two |
The number two is usually saved for defenders - specifically, right backs. |
|
Number Three |
This number is also reserved for defenders. |
|
Number Four |
Midfielders who are more defensive usually wear the number four. |
|
Number Five |
As we get to the middle of the range of numbers, the centre-backs typically wear this number. |
|
Number Six |
The number six is also typically worn by centre-backs. |
|
Number Seven |
This is where it gets complicated! Traditionally, number seven is reserved for second strikers or wingers, but some famous strikers have worn this number. |
|
Number Eight |
Number eight shirts are usually for striking midfielders (and we don’t just mean in the looks department!). |
|
Number Nine |
Typically, strikers and centre-forwards wear the number nine. |
|
Number Ten |
The number ten shirt is usually worn by the football team’s playmaker - talk about pressure and responsibility! |
|
Number Eleven |
Lastly, number eleven is typically for the left winger. |
Do Shirt Numbers Mean the Same in Modern Football?
Nowadays, football shirt numbers are much more random and don’t signify the skills or talents of the players.
For example, it says number ‘10’ on the back of Phil Foden’s England football shirt for the Euros despite the fact he’s a midfielder. Of course, national football teams with 23 players have to abide by FIFA competition rules of squads wearing the numbers 1-23.
These days, football players are able to select any double-digit number - as long as the club approves, of course. Usually, players pick numbers for reasons to do with branding, keeping the peace with fellow teammates, or even football superstitions!
So, you may not be able to instantly know what position they play, but if you want a football shirt with the number printed to support your favourite player, you’ll soon learn who plays in what number!
Football Players with Significant Shirt Numbers
Certain players are synonymous with their football squad number. Our Company Director, Matt Cole, says:
“Some players become famous and build a brand through their squad numbers, and this is something that I think every football fan secretly loves about the game.
“My personal favourite is Trent Alexander Arnold and the number 66, just because of how unique it is!”
Will you instantly know the number of any of our top picks?
David Beckham
David Beckham is a prime example of players starting with traditional numbers for their football shirts before mixing it up a little.
For example, his England and Manchester United shirts had the number 7.
Image Source: David Beckham
When Beckham moved into football teams in the USA and La Liga, the shirt he wore had number 23.
For his moves to the Italian football team, AC Milan, or his PSG football shirt he wore the number 32.
Pep Guardiola
We know what you’re thinking: He may have worn a Manchester City shirt, but did Pep Guardiola play for The Cityzens?
He wore the number 4 shirt for Barcelona between 1990-2001 - yes, that means he wore some of the most iconic 90s football tops!
Cristiano Ronaldo
In the summer that Beckham moved to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Manchester United and was persuaded by Sir Alex Ferguson, manager at the time, to don the special number.
He has since gone on to wear the number at every team and even has the brand (and trademark) CR7!
Image Source: Cristiano
Bobby Moore
We’d be remiss to not include Bobby Moore on this list! Wearing the number six shirt for multiple teams - including England when they won the World Cup in 1966.
He’s an icon in the sport and the number six holds such weight to British defenders thanks to him.
Lionel Messi
If there’s anyone with a recognisable number, it’s Lionel Messi. The forward has worn the number ten since 2008!
Although, when he originally joined Barcelona, he wore the number 30 as 10 was taken by Ronaldinho.
Image Source: Leo Messi
He has since gone to don the ten shirt at PSG and Inter Miami! Well, he is ten out of ten…
Get an 11/10 Football Shirt from MysteryFootball!
So, that’s the meaning behind football shirt numbers… or at least it used to be!
Sure, modern football doesn’t follow the traditional football squad number layout but it is always interesting to see what numbers will be used.
You can get a football shirt that’s off the (number) charts here at MysteryFootball. We have a wide selection of retro football tops as well as mystery football boxes if you prefer the element of surprise.
No matter which you opt for, you’re sure to think it’s five stars!
We’ve helped over 100,000 happy customers, will you be next?
