In football, the number 3 jersey is usually for defenders, and legends like Ashley Cole and Paolo Maldini have made it iconic. Jersey numbers matter a lot in football, showing where a player operates on the field.
Numbers 1 to 11 are often for regular players, and number 3 is commonly worn by left-backs. However, some players in other positions might choose it for personal reasons.
Still, the No. 3 jersey typically goes to the main left-sided defender. Here are some players who’ve had it at both club and international levels and how they performed in it.
Players That Wear The Number 3 Jersey
We look at players who wore the number 3 soccer jersey for their teams, in this case, we look at their:
- Years they wore the number 3 jersey
- Careers
- Accolades
- Titles and trophies
1. Paolo Maldini
- Club: AC Milan (1985 – 2009)
- Years jersey was worn: 24
- Appearances: 901
- Goals/Assists: 33/43
- Trophies: 26
Tops our list of best number 3s is the ex-Italian and AC Milan star, a soccer legend.
Maldini, a smooth and commanding defender, the ultimate left-back.
Spent his whole career at AC Milan, a true icon in Milan and Italy. With 126 caps for Italy, seven Serie A titles, and a whopping five Champions League wins.
Maldini kept his cool, making the game seem easy. Never bothered by pressure, he turned tough games into local park kickabouts.
Watching him move across the field, nabbing the ball effortlessly with head held high, you just knew he’d handle any situation. He didn’t always need a tackle; often, he’d casually walk away with the ball, reading and controlling the game like no other.
2. Ashley Cole
- Club: Arsenal (2001 – 2006)
- Chelsea (2006 – 2014)
- AS Roma (2014 – 2016)
- Los Angeles Galaxy (2016 – 2018)
- Years jersey was worn: 19
- Appearances: 674
- Goals/Assists: 35/72
- Trophies: 16
Debuting for Arsenal in 1999, Cole’s professional journey spanned two decades, nearly all at the zenith of soccer.
A constant presence for England, Cole earned 107 caps, featuring prominently for seven seasons at Arsenal before a controversial move to Chelsea across London.
In a highly triumphant career, Cole clinched three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and both Europa and Champions League victories with Chelsea.
Renowned for his stellar tackling, precise passing, and blistering pace that instilled fear in opponents, Cole’s trademark included surging down the left wing, slicing through defenses, and seamlessly recovering defensive positions with unmatched energy and speed.
Undoubtedly one of the most successful English players of recent times, Cole retains the title of England’s premier left-back in a generation.
3. Giorgio Chiellini
- Club: AS Livorno (2001/02, 2003/04)
- Juventus (2005 – 2022)
- Years jersey was worn: 19
- Appearances: 616
- Goals/Assists: 40/25
- Trophies: 21
Chiellini hailed as one of the best defenders in the world and among the finest of his era, stands as one of Juventus’s defensive legends.
In 2018, his manager at Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri, called him “the best defender in the world.”
Starting as a left-back, Chiellini evolved into an aggressive, courageous, and physically imposing center-back. He was known for scoring headers from set pieces, utilizing his height, aerial prowess, athleticism, and strength.
Wearing the iconic black and white, Chiellini won one Serie C1 title, one Serie B title, nine Serie A titles, five Coppa Italias, and five Supercoppa Italiana trophies.
With 43 goals and 28 assists in 681 club appearances, he featured in the Serie A Team of the Year five times and earned Serie A Defender of the Year thrice.
Retiring from international football in 2022 with eight goals in 117 caps, Chiellini shares Italy’s fourth-highest appearance record.
4. Roberto Carlos
- Club: Real Madrid (1996 – 2007)
- Fenerbahce (2007 – 2010)
- Anzhi Makhachkala (2010 – 2012)
- Delhi Dynamos (2014/15)
- Years jersey was worn: 17
- Appearances: 662
- Goals/Assists: 85/114
- Trophies: 15
Known as one of the most iconic left-backs in history, Carlos’s trademark was an unconventional free-kick, involving a 30-yard run-up. While many veered wide, when the Brazilian maestro struck a perfect one, it became an unstoppable force.
His free-kicks had an extraordinary bend, almost seeming destined to miss the goal by yards before dramatically curling back in for a spectacular goal.
Blessed with thighs larger than many people’s waists, Carlos possessed incredible endurance, making him one of the most attack-minded defenders in history. A masterful crosser of the ball, the Brazilian superstar felt more at home in attack than in defense.
Carlos played a pivotal role as one of Real Madrid’s key players during the “Galactico” era when the club assembled some of the most high-profile players.
5. Gerard Pique
- Club: Barcelona (2008 – date)
- Years jersey was worn: 15
- Appearances: 608
- Goals/Assists: 53/15
- Trophies: 30
Just hanging up his boots in 2022, Gerard Pique is still vivid in soccer fans’ memories, particularly for his remarkable stint with Barcelona.
Among Spain’s most honored players, Pique boasts a trophy cabinet overflowing with domestic and international accolades.
A European Champion and World Cup victor with Spain, the Barcelona center-back contributed to multiple La Liga and Champions League triumphs, part of what many deem the greatest club side ever.
From the Super Cup to the World Club Cup, Barcelona conquered every competition, and anchoring their defense was Pique donning the number 3 jersey.
For music enthusiasts, Pique’s marriage to the globally renowned singer Shakira might ring a bell, but it’s his world-class defending that defines the former Barcelona youth player.
Pique seamlessly blended strength and mental fortitude with the finesse expected from a Barcelona standout. Spain faces the challenge of filling the void left by one of its greatest players.
6. Pepe
- Club: Porto (2006/07, 2019 – date)
- Real Madrid (2007 – 2017)
- Years jersey was worn: 15
- Appearances: 482
- Goals/Assists: 23/29
- Trophies: 23
Reaching 133 caps for Portugal speaks volumes about a soccer player’s excellence, and Pepe, the former Real Madrid center-back, stands out as one of the most tenacious defenders in the game.
A fierce and sometimes imposing force, Pepe spent a decade with Madrid, known for robust challenges that often earned him yellow or red cards.
Despite his aggressive style, Pepe is a skilled and cultured player, proficient on the ball. However, he leans towards the enforcer role rather than the elegant ball-playing defender position.
Back in Portugal with Porto, even at 39, Pepe continues to command the defense, displaying no signs of slowing down.
Boasting an almost unbelievable trophy collection, Pepe cements his legacy as one of the all-time great defenders. Four Primeira Liga titles with Porto complement his three La Liga and three Champions League victories with Real Madrid.
A key figure in Portugal’s 2016 European Championships triumph, Pepe is a serial winner, even if he has a penchant for leaving his mark with a well-timed challenge.
7. Asamoah Gyan
- Club: Udinese (2003/04, 2007/08)
- Stade Rennais (2010/11)
- Sunderland (2011/12)
- Al-Ain (2011 – 2015)
- Shanghai SIPG (2015/16)
- Al-Ahli Dubai Club (2016/17)
- Kayserispor (2017 – 2019)
- NorthEast United (2019/20)
- Years jersey was worn: 14
- Appearances: 233
- Goals/Assists: 258/26
- Trophies: Five
The Ghanaian forward and seasoned journeyman consistently embraced the number 3 jersey throughout his career.
His commitment to the number was so steadfast that, if needed, he ensured the addition of No. 3 in front of another player already occupying the spot at any club he joined.
Gyan continued his tradition of wearing the number 3, earning accolades by making the CAF Team of the Year on three occasions. With an impressive 51 goals in 109 appearances, he proudly holds the title of Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer.
He won three UAE Pro League titles, a UAE President’s Cup, and a UAE Super Cup. His prowess on the field earned him the prestigious title of BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2010.
Gyan’s choice of the number 3 jersey was not merely a whim; it was inspired by his older brother Baffour Gyan, who also wore the same number during his tenure with the Ghanaian national team.
Gyan drew inspiration from the Holy Trinity in Christianity and the common practice of counting from one to three before taking action. Despite not being a left-back, he proudly donned the number associated with that position.
8. Patrice Evra
- Club: AS Monaco (2002 – 2006)
- Manchester United (2006 – 2014)
- Years jersey was worn: 13
- Appearances: 542
- Goals/Assists: 13/42
- Trophies: 15
The former left-back donned the number 3 jersey during stints with both a Ligue 1 outfit and the Red Devils, amassing an impressive trophy haul.
His achievements include one Coupe de la Ligue, five Premier League titles, three League Cups, four FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Evra’s stellar performances earned him a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year thrice, and he was recognized on the global stage by being included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI in 2009.
His success extended during his time at Juventus, where he secured an additional five trophies.
Throughout his career, the Frenchman showed his versatility in 734 games, contributing with 24 goals and 49 assists. On the international front, he represented Les Bleus in 81 games, predominantly sporting the number 3 jersey.
9. Denis Irwin
- Club: Manchester United (1990 – 2002)
- Years jersey was worn: 12
- Appearances: 529
- Goals/Assists: 33/23
- Trophies: 19
Denis Irwin, often overlooked but undeniably one of the most dependable and vital players in the history of Manchester United, was one pf the best players to wear the number 3 jersey.
An Irish international, he stands alongside fellow Manchester United legend Roy Keane as one of the most successful Irish players ever.
While not all number 3s take on the role of full-backs, Irwin spent the majority of his career as one of the most steadfast, astute, and trustworthy defenders of his time.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the former manager of Manchester United, consistently lavish praise on Denis Irwin as his greatest-ever player. Irwin’s relative lack of mention in discussions can be attributed to his rare mistakes; he consistently performed with precision.
With an impressive tally of 19 trophies and a notable World Cup run with Ireland, Irwin’s 21-year career stands tall against any player.
A skilled free-kick taker who contributed several goals, Irwin was an indispensable asset for any defense, showcasing pure quality throughout his career.
10. Leighton Baines
- Club: Everton (2007 – 2020)
- Years jersey was worn: 13
- Appearances: 420
- Goals/Assists: 39/58
- Trophies: None
The left-back always wore the number 3 jersey during his time at Goodison Park.
Baines earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year twice, won Everton Player of the Season twice, and was honored as Everton Players’ Player of the Season thrice.
Described as a “dependable left back” with expertise in set-pieces and penalties by UEFA.com, Baines initially played in midfield and attack in his early years, transitioning to the left-back position at Wigan.
In 2014, there was consideration of deploying him as a midfielder, a change akin to Philipp Lahm’s, with Baines expressing excitement about the prospect.
Baines held the record for the most assists as a defender in the Premier League and received media acclaim for his crossing, stamina, link-up play, and injury resilience.
The Blues legend, born in Kirkby, scored once in 30 international appearances for the Three Lions, but he didn’t secure any trophies at the club or country level.
11. Lucio
- Club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2002 – 2004)
- Bayern Munich (2004 – 2008)
- São Paulo (2012/13)
- Palmeiras (2013/14)
- FC Goa (2014 – 2016)
- Years jersey was worn: 11
- Appearances: 350
- Goals/Assists: 24/16
- Trophies: Eight
Widely seen as one of the best center-backs of his time, Lúcio mostly wore the number 3 jersey, in line with the Brazilian tradition for central defenders.
A tall, strong, and tenacious defender, he excelled in the air and was known for heavy marking, tough tackles, and leadership. His skills extended to precise positioning, reading the game well, and adeptly winning possession in one-on-one situations.
In the number 3 jersey, he won three Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokal cups, and two DFB-Ligapokal cups, earning a place in the kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season six times. Lúcio’s career encompassed seven extra trophies, concluding with 49 goals and 27 assists in 672 club games.
As a member of the 2010 FIFA FIFPro World XI and the recipient of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Fair Play Award, Lúcio played 105 games for Brazil, scoring four times. His international achievements include two FIFA Confederations Cups and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he played a crucial role in the heart of the defense.
12. Marcos Alonso
- Club: Bolton Wanderers (2011 – 2013)
- Fiorentina (2013/14)
- Chelsea (2016 – 2022)
- Years jersey was worn: Nine
- Appearances: 258
- Goals/Assists: 34/25
- Trophies: Six
He first played for Real Madrid, then went to Bolton Wanderers,
and later to Fiorentina in Italy. After impressing at Fiorentina, he got signed by Chelsea.
Wearing the number 3 jersey at his last three clubs, the Spanish left-back won several titles with Chelsea, including the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. In the 2017-18 season, he also made it to the PFA Team of the Year.
In his career, Alonso has played 405 games, scoring 42 goals and assisting 34 times.
13. Patrick van Aanholt
- Club: Sunderland (2014 – 2017)
- Crystal Palace (2017 – 2021)
- Galatasaray (2022 – date)
- Years jersey was worn: Nine
- Appearances: 236
- Goals/Assists: 23/17
- Trophies: None
He kicked off his pro career at Chelsea but got limited playtime and was loaned out to five different clubs.
The 33-year-old has spent most of his time in the Premier League sporting the number 3 jersey. In his career, he has played 410 games, scoring 35 goals and providing 34 assists.
Van Aanholt earned his first senior cap for the Netherlands in a friendly against Colombia, coming on in injury time for Memphis Depay in a 0–0 draw at the Amsterdam Arena.
Despite playing 19 games for the Flying Dutchmen, he hasn’t won any silverware yet.
14. Eric Bailly
- Club: Manchester United (2016 – 2022)
- Olympique Marseille (2022 – date)
- Years jersey was worn: Seven
- Appearances: 118
- Goals/Assists: One/Two
- Trophies: Three
He made his national team debut in 2015 and helped them secure the Africa Cup of Nations that year. Starting his career at Espanyol, a Spanish club, he later moved to Villarreal. After spending two seasons at Villarreal, he made the move to Manchester United in 2016.
Since joining the Red Devils, the defender has consistently worn the number 3 shirt, contributing to their victories in the League Cup, FA Community Shield, and UEFA Europa League.
In his club career, Bailly has played 191 games, scoring twice and providing three assists.
On the international stage, he has scored two goals in 46 caps for the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire. He was named to the CAF Team of the Year three times and was part of the winning team in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
15. Kieran Tierney
- Club: Arsenal (2019 – date)
- Years jersey was worn: Four
- Appearances: 94
- Goals/Assists: Four/12
- Trophies: Two
Tierney entered the senior scene for Celtic on April 22, 2015, making his debut as a substitute in a Scottish Premiership match against Dundee.
His breakout season in 2015–16 saw him in over 30 matches, securing the primary left-back position over the more experienced Emilio Izaguirre. Recognizing his performances, he received both the Players’ and Writers’ Young Player annual awards.
Since joining the Gunners, the 25-year-old left-back has consistently worn the number 3 shirt, winning one FA Cup and one FA Community Shield.
His time at Celtic brought him eight trophies and three appearances in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, and he aspires to continue his winning streak at Arsenal.
With 264 club games under his belt, Tierney has scored 12 goals and assisted in 49 others.
The three-time PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year and SFWA Young Player of the Year has found the net once in 34 senior international appearances for his country.
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