The number 10 jersey carries a weight of prestige and reverence. It represents the epitome of creativity, skill, and leadership on the pitch.
In football, certain numbers on jerseys have become famous because they are connected to greatness.
One number that stands above the rest is the number 10.
Many amazing players have worn this number, showing off their incredible talent and making a big impact on the game.
These players, who wore the number 10 jersey, were not only extremely skilled, but they also had a special ability to win matches. They have become legendary and are adored by fans all around the world.
Let’s take a look at the ten greatest footballers who have ever worn this special number 10 jersey.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, often considered one of the greatest players of all time, has made the number 10 jersey synonymous with his name.
The Argentine maestro’s extraordinary dribbling skills, close control, and ability to score goals with both precision and audacity have been awe-inspiring.
He holds the record for the highest number of Ballon d’Or awards ever, with a total of 7.
He is widely regarded as the greatest football player in history.
Although Messi currently wears the number 30 jersey for Paris Saint-Germain, it is largely due to his influence and skills that many individuals have chosen to support him over the past decade or so.
He exhibits the playing abilities of a striker (No. 9), an attacking midfielder (No. 10), and a winger (No. 11) all simultaneously, making him an exceptionally gifted attacker of his era.
With his numerous records and numerous titles, Messi has proven himself to be a true legend, he’s also one of the best players to wear the number 10 jersey for Argentina.
2. Pele
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history.
The number 10 is strongly connected to Pele, who had an impressive set of skills that would amaze even today’s best players.
Pele was famous for his ability to score goals, and his achievements while wearing the number 10 jersey put him slightly ahead of Maradona in second place.
Notably, Pele is the only player to have won three World Cups.
Known for his incredible skill, agility, and clinical finishing, Pele’s impact on the game was immense, making him an icon of the sport and a worthy wearer of the number 10.
3. Diego Maradona
An Argentine legend possessed extraordinary talent and flair.
He was a dynamic force who could break through defenses, score from set pieces, or deliver a pass that would split two defenses apart.
For an entire generation, he embodied the No. 10 jersey.
In fact, the Argentine insisted on being excluded from the national team’s peculiar numbering system (where players were assigned numbers based on alphabetical order, with Ossie Ardiles as No. 1) just to wear that special shirt.
As one of the first iconic number 10 players, Maradona set a benchmark against which all future attackers would be measured, showing their own skills.
Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and the mesmerizing solo effort against England in the 1986 World Cup exemplified his skills and vision.
His ability to control matches and inspire his teammates made him one of the greatest players to ever wear the number 10 jersey.
4. Zinedine Zidane
The elegant French playmaker was known for his exceptional technique and grace on the field.
Zidane’s ability to dictate the flow of the game, his vision, and his knack for scoring crucial goals made him a formidable presence.
With several titles, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League, Zidane’s influence as a number 10 cannot be overstated.
Zizou solidified his status as one of the most respected playmakers ever, backed by two international championships and a series of remarkable performances throughout his national team journey.
Although it was an uncommon choice for his club, there has never been a more exceptional No. 10 player in all of Europe.
5. Ronaldinho
His infectious smile and audacious style of play endeared him to football fans worldwide.
The Brazilian maestro has remarkable skills, including mesmerizing dribbles, incredible close control, and an uncanny ability to score from unusual angles.
Despite being Barcelona’s number 10 and shouldering immense responsibility, Ronaldinho consistently displayed a graceful style of play.
His time at Barcelona, where he won the FIFA World Player of the Year twice, solidified his status as one of the greatest number 10s of all time.
The Brazilian maestro was perhaps the last extraordinary showman in the sport’s history, captivating audiences and leaving defenders in awe with his mesmerizing samba skills and remarkable final product.
Although his acrobatics and flashy tricks often overshadowed his actual output, Ronaldinho eventually embraced the number 10 jersey for Brazil and thrived in it.
6. Dennis Bergkamp
The Dutch magician was renowned for his technical brilliance and creativity on the field.
His impeccable control, exquisite passing, and ability to score stunning goals made him a fan favorite. Bergkamp’s time at Arsenal saw him contribute significantly to their success, making him one of the most revered number 10s in the history of the Premier League.
It speaks volumes that fans hold Dennis Bergkamp in the same high regard as their top goal scorer, despite Thierry Henry surpassing Bergkamp’s goal tally at Arsenal.
Even Thierry himself acknowledged Bergkamp as the best player he ever played alongside.
The non-flying Dutchman possessed a unique elegance, captivating spectators with his accurate passing and silky ball control during the 1990s and early 2000s. He played a crucial role as a number 10 during the formative years of the Premier League.
7. Michel Platini
Platini was an amazing football player from France who was really good at making plays and controlling the game in the 1980s.
He was a powerful and skilled player on the field, showing off his impressive abilities. He played football from the late 1970s to the early 1980s and was really talented during that time.
One of the best parts of Platini’s career was when he played for Juventus, a famous team in Italy. He helped them win many games in their own country and internationally.
In 1984, he led the French national team to victory in the European Championship as their captain.
Platini was admired by many people because of how smooth and skilled he was when playing. He even won a prestigious award called the Ballon d’Or three times in a row from 1983 to 1985.
Even though his involvement in politics as the president of UEFA later affected his reputation, we should still recognize the amazing contributions Platini made to the world of football.
His skills, leadership, and impact on the game make him one of the greatest players ever, he’s one of the best players to wear the number 10 jersey in France.
8. Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti is considered one of the best football players ever, and many people think he’s the absolute best. In Italy, he was not only a player but also a hero, especially for his beloved team AS Roma.
He inspired a lot of Italians who admired and looked up to him. People loved his charm, talent, and loyalty to Roma, and this made him very popular throughout the country.
One of Totti’s remarkable achievements was his long and successful career at AS Roma. He played for the club for an incredible 25 years, which is quite rare in modern football.
This exceptional commitment to one team made fans and players respect him even more.
Totti’s playing style was elegant and effortless, and it brought joy to the fans. He had great skills and was a strong leader, which led him to become the captain of both AS Roma and the Italian national team.
The influence of Totti can be seen in the importance of the number 10 jersey in Italian football.
9. Juan Roman Riquelme
Riquelme, an Argentine football player, was known for his incredible ball control and unmatched skill in controlling the pace of the game.
His greatest strength was his precise passing and exceptional vision.
Playing as a midfielder, he skillfully directed the flow of the game and created scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to read the game and accurately distribute the ball made him a powerful presence on the field.
Riquelme proudly represented Argentina in multiple FIFA World Cups, where he left a lasting impact with his outstanding performances.
His influence was particularly notable during his time at Boca Juniors and Villarreal.
Riquelme’s contributions to the teams he played for went beyond statistics and trophies.
His style of play captivated football fans around the world. The way he effortlessly controlled the ball and orchestrated the game with grace and finesse made him a delight to watch.
10. Mesut Özil
Özil is famous for his graceful playing style and exceptional vision on the field.
He is highly praised for his ability to effortlessly spot opportunities and make accurate passes.
He had successful stints at Real Madrid and Arsenal, where he consistently showcased his incredible talent. He became known for his remarkable skill in providing assists and setting up numerous goals for his teammates.
His understanding of the game and ability to create scoring chances played a vital role in his team’s accomplishments.
In addition to his impressive statistics, Özil’s elegant style of play captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
His smooth ball control, fluid dribbling, and ability to control the game’s tempo made watching him a delightful experience.
His contributions went beyond his individual brilliance, as he seamlessly adapted to his teams’ playing styles and became a crucial part of their success.
Other Notable Footballers To Wear The Number 10 Jersey
- Lothar Matthäus
- Del Piero
- Zico
- Roberto Baggio
- Marta
- Gerald Passi
- Fritz Walter
FAQs
Who is the best number 10 in football history?
Lionel Messi
Messi. The 7-time Ballon d’Or winner is the best No. 10 in football of all time, thanks to his exemplary all-round skills on the pitch.
Who plays number 10 football?
A number 10 is a player who plays in the area between the midfield and the forward line.
They usually receive the ball in a space called ‘between the lines’, which is between the other team’s midfielders and defenders.
What is the classic number 10 in football?
Position: Attacking Midfielder
The traditional number 10 position is occupied by an attacking midfielder who excels in technical skills and creativity.
This player is usually positioned behind the central striker and is responsible for pulling the strings and orchestrating the team’s offensive plays. Their exceptional technique and ability to control the game make them a crucial component of the team’s attack.
Why is number 10 special in football?
The number 10 is a very special and famous jersey number in football.
Many legendary players have worn the number 10 shirt. It’s often given to playmakers, second strikers, and attacking midfielders.
Who is the greatest No 7 in football history?
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese sensation has cemented his status as one of the greatest No.7 footballers of all time.
Known for his incredible athleticism, impeccable goal-scoring ability, and versatility, Ronaldo has achieved remarkable success while wearing the number 7 for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
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