Who are soccer’s most famous players who sported the number 20 jersey with aplomb?
Some jersey numbers didn’t just become legendary, they do because of who wore them either for their club or nation.
Soccer jerseys were created to identify players and certain positions in a tactical formation on the pitch at a time when players’ names were not written on the back of shirts.
While the above statement is a fact, it must be noted that before now, jersey numbering was usually 1 to 11, but with the game evolving every time numbering of jerseys has gone beyond the conventional style with players now sporting different numbers on their shirts.
- 1. Bernardo Silva – (Manchester City)
- 2. Oliver Bierhoff – (Germany)
- 3. Robin van Persie – (Manchester United)
- 4. Anderson Deco – (Barcelona & Chelsea)
- 5. Diogo Jota – (Liverpool)
- 6. Javier Mascherano – (Liverpool)
- 7. Ole Gunner Solskjaer – (Manchester United)
- 8. Dani Alves – (Barcelona)
- 9. Joseph Yobo – (Everton)
- 10. Glenn Hoddle – (Chelsea)
1. Bernardo Silva – (Manchester City)
The 2022-23 campaign was a stellar one for the Portuguese who clawed his way to the pinnacle of European football with Manchester City.
In the same vein, Silva has also started the new season like a house on fire even though he and City are yet to reach their full gear, particularly with the absence of Kevin de Bruyne.
Bernardo Silva doesn’t only wear the number 20 shirt for the Cityzens, he does it with deftness, finesse, and elegance anytime he steps on the pitch for Manchester City.
2. Oliver Bierhoff – (Germany)
Germany’s legendary forward, Oliver Bierhoff, is one of the country’s most revered players who enjoys a statesman-like status in his homeland for his contributions to the game.
Standing at 6ft 3inches tall, the fledgling forward who was blessed with an imposing physique and strength, sported the number 20 jersey for AC Milan, Udinese, and Monaco at the highest level of the game.
Bierhoff may not possess the nimbleness and trickery of Mbappe and Vini Jrs, but his immense aerial ability marked him out as one of the best in his days.
3. Robin van Persie – (Manchester United)
If you’re talking about a divisive figure who lit up the Premier League with his astounding flair, techniques, and fox-like instinct in front of goal, it is the legendary Dutch forward Robin van Persie.
The wonderfully gifted forward sported the number 20 shirt at Manchester United, where he won his first Premier League title under the direction of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Van Persie’s goal-scoring prowess during his time in England will forever be talked about for how prolific he was when he was not plagued with injury.
4. Anderson Deco – (Barcelona & Chelsea)
Deco is a Brazilian-born Portuguese midfielder who clawed his way to the pinnacle of soccer from FC Porto under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho.
The intelligent midfielder donned the number 20 shirt at Barcelona and Chelsea, two heavyweight clubs where he stood as a legend for his contributions.
Anderson Luis de Souza also known as Deco was an amazing player who remains without honor in his home capital of Brazil, but his decision to don the Portuguese shirt will forever be one of his finest decisions.
5. Diogo Jota – (Liverpool)
Jota, who switched from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Liverpool, had a great run last season with 15 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League games.
What makes Jota stand out is his ease with both feet, making him unpredictable while dribbling past opponents.
Whether he goes left or right, he does it confidently. Plus, his knack for scoring in the air adds another level to his game. Portugal surely wishes he was on the field, bringing his skills to the World Cup.
6. Javier Mascherano – (Liverpool)
Javier Mascherano, a San Lorenzo-born, was a divisive figure who was equally loved by all the clubs he donned their jersey.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona versatile player may not be in the same as the Maradona’ and Messi’ of the world in terms of qualities and talent, but we can easily say he also left a mark on the beautiful game of soccer before he retired.
As a defensive midfielder who sported the number 20 jersey at Liverpool, Mascherano’s influence and deftness on the ball was second to none.
7. Ole Gunner Solskjaer – (Manchester United)
Looking through the success stories of this Manchester United legend who donned the number 20 shirt with aplomb, you could argue that only a few players could match his records despite not being a starter.
The “Baby-Face Assassin” as his nickname was a fox in the box for United during his stint at the club, but surprisingly when he signed for United the fans never thought he could be that deadly in front of goal.
His most renowned contribution to Manchester United was his heroic display in the final of the 1999 UEFA Champions League, where he literally dragged Fergie’s side to the pinnacle of success with his goal against Bayern.
8. Dani Alves – (Barcelona)
In an era where tactics and formations are constantly evolving, the Brazilian stood out in his position as a full-back with his mesmerizing pace and trickery.
The beautiful game of soccer no doubt saw different breeds of full-backs gracing the climax of soccer with their talents, but without mincing words, Alves set the bar higher in redefining what a wing-back does.
Alves didn’t only dazzle the fans with his talent, his leadership skill was also fully felt at Barcelona where he sported the number 20 shirt for just one season.
9. Joseph Yobo – (Everton)
With 220 appearances, 8 goals, 2 assists, and 62 clean sheets, you’ll agree with me that Yobo was a rocky defender at Everton’s backline throughout his eight seasons at the club.
The former Super Eagle defender was a key part of the successful sides under the tutelage of David Moyes, that qualified for the Champions League and reached the FA Cup final in 2009.
Yobo was revered for his athletic performances and energetic defending which made him a key cog in Everton’s backline in the 2006-07 season when he played every minute of all 38 league games.
10. Glenn Hoddle – (Chelsea)
Hoddle is without mincing a word one of the Englishmen who is up there with the very best of the game.
His time as a manager particularly in North London was in stark contrast to his days at Tottenham Hotspur, where he sported the Lillywhite jersey as a true attacking genius.
For those who saw him laced a cleats, they boldly and outrightly compared him to a Maradona without pace connoting how good he was as a player.
Other Famous Soccer Players That Wear No. 20 Jersey
- Gonzalo Higuain – (Real Madrid)
- Dele Alli – (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Vini Junior – (Real Madrid)
- Steven Pienaar – (Everton)
- Michael Dawson – (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Adam Lallana – (Liverpool)
- Sergi Roberto – (Barcelona)
- Johan Djourou – (Arsenal)
You Might Also Want To Read This
- 15 Famous Soccer Players Who Wear The Number 3 Jersey
- 10 Best Soccer Teams With Read Jersey
- 10 Best Players To Wear The Number 4 Jersey In History
- 10 Of The Greatest Players To Wear The Number 10 Jersey
- Soccer Stadiums: How Much Does It Cost To Build
- What Happened To Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium?
- 5 Of The Best stadiums in the Chinese Super League
