Why Do The Best Soccer Players Wear 10? Updated (2025)
If you’re wondering ” why do the best soccer players wear 10 ” – this is for you.
In the world of soccer, the number 10 holds a special significance that transcends mere digits on a jersey. It is a number steeped in history and tradition, one that carries with it a weight of expectation and prestige.
But what makes the number 10 so revered in the sport, and why do the best soccer players consistently don this iconic number on their backs?
This article seeks to explore the enigmatic allure of the number 10 in soccer, addressing whether it designates the best player on the field, what other numbers top-tier players might wear, and how soccer positions are numbered to reveal the answer why do the best soccer players wear 10?
Why Do The Best Soccer Players Wear 10
In this article, you can read through all 5 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to stick around until the end, watch the video tutorial, and get your special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better player.
- Is number 10 the best player in soccer?
- What number do the best soccer players wear?
- Why do all the best soccer players wear 10?
- How are soccer positions numbered?
- How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more!
I hope you find this article helpful and it clearly answers your question of why do the best soccer players wear 10? Let’s go!
Is Number 10 The Best Player In Soccer?
The number 10 in soccer is often associated with a team’s most creative and skillful player, rather than necessarily being the unequivocal indicator of the best player in the sport.
While many of the greatest soccer players in history have worn the number 10 jersey, such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, it’s important to note that the perception of the “best” player is subjective and can vary from person to person.
So is number 10 the best player in soccer? Well, the number 10 is typically worn by attacking midfielders or forwards, players who are responsible for orchestrating the team’s offense, creating scoring opportunities, and often showcasing exceptional dribbling and playmaking skills.
These players are often seen as the creative engines of their teams, capable of changing the course of a match with their vision, passing, and ability to score goals.
What Number Do The Best Soccer Players Wear?
However, if we take a closer look at some of the best players in the world. We quickly find that not all of the best soccer players wear the number 10. For example:
- Lionel Messi – Jersey Number 10 (At FC Barcelona in 2021)
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Jersey Number 7 (At Juventus in 2021)
- Neymar Jr. – Jersey Number 10 (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Robert Lewandowski – Jersey Number 9 (Bayern Munich)
- Karim Benzema – Jersey Number 9 (Real Madrid)
- Kylian Mbappé – Jersey Number 7 (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Kevin De Bruyne – Jersey Number 17 (Manchester City)
- Erling Haaland – Jersey Number 9 (Borussia Dortmund)
- Joshua Kimmich – Jersey Number 6 (Bayern Munich)
- Bruno Fernandes – Jersey Number 18 (Manchester United)
Why Do All The Best Soccer Players Wear 10?
While the significance of the number 10 varies from one culture or team to another, it is generally associated with playmaking and creative responsibilities on the field. Here are some key reasons behind the importance of the number 10 in soccer:
- Playmaker Role: The number 10 is often assigned to a team’s most skillful and creative player, typically an attacking midfielder or forward. These players are tasked with orchestrating the team’s offensive play, providing crucial passes, creating goal-scoring opportunities, and showcasing exceptional dribbling and vision. They are seen as the architects of their team’s attack.
- Historical Significance: The tradition of using numbers to identify players’ positions in soccer dates back to the early 20th century. While the specific numbering system has evolved over time, the number 10 has consistently been associated with creative and influential players. Legendary figures like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff, who wore the number 10, have contributed to the mystique of this jersey.
why are the best soccer players 10
How Are Soccer Positions Numbered?
Here’s an easy-to-see list of soccer positions and their corresponding jersey numbers using the traditional numbering system:
- Goalkeeper – Number 1
- Right Full-Back – Number 2
- Left Full-Back – Number 3
- Center-Back or Central Defender – Number 4
- Center-Back or Central Defender – Number 5
- Defensive Midfielder – Number 6
- Right Midfielder or Winger – Number 7
- Central Midfielder – Number 8
- Striker or Center Forward – Number 9
- Attacking Midfielder – Number 10
- Left Midfielder or Winger – Number 11
The Best Soccer Players Wear 10
In conclusion, the mystique surrounding the number 10 in soccer is a product of history, tradition, and the exceptional talents of those who have donned this iconic jersey.
While it doesn’t definitively declare the “best” player on the field, the number 10 signifies a creative and influential role, carrying the weight of a team’s offensive aspirations.
The legends who have graced this number have left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired future generations to strive for greatness. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that soccer is a team game, and every position plays a vital role in a successful team.
If you are finding this information about – why do the best soccer players wear 10 helpful…
Common Questions
Here are some common questions related to why do the best soccer players wear 10:
Why is number 10 so special?
The number 10 is considered special in soccer because it is often associated with a team’s playmaker, the player who creates most of the team’s chances, assists, and plays an influential role in attacking.
Historically, it has been worn by the best and most skillful players, symbolizing creativity, vision, and flair. The number 10 is reserved for a player who is expected to be the heart of the team’s offensive efforts.
Why did Pelé choose number 10?
Pelé chose to wear the number 10 shirt as a young player and it became a symbol of his extraordinary talent and importance to his team.
At the time, players wearing the number 10 were often the key figures in creating and scoring goals, and Pelé exemplified this role with his brilliance on the field.
Pelé’s association with number 10 helped cement the number as synonymous with greatness. His impact on Brazil’s World Cup victories further contributed to the legendary status of the number.
Why does Messi wear 10?
Lionel Messi wears the number 10 because of his immense skill and ability to lead the attacking line for both his club and country. Wearing the number 10 is symbolic, as it signifies Messi’s role as the playmaker and focal point of the offense.
Just like his predecessors, Pelé and Maradona, Messi’s brilliance in creating, scoring, and influencing the game embodies the true essence of the number 10 role.
Messi’s ability to carry his teams to success with his creativity and individual moments of magic made the number 10 shirt even more iconic in modern soccer.
What is the number 10 position in soccer?
The number 10 position in soccer typically refers to the attacking midfielder or playmaker position.
This player operates just behind the strikers and is responsible for orchestrating the attack, distributing key passes, and linking the midfield with the forwards. The number 10 is often the most creative and technically gifted player, whose vision and decision-making ability set them apart.
A great number 10 creates opportunities for the team, provides assists, and has a central role in the team’s offensive tactics.
Which important players have worn 10 in soccer?
Many iconic soccer players have worn the number 10 shirt, making it one of the most recognizable and prestigious numbers in the sport. Some of the most important players to wear number 10 include:
- Pelé – Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Pelé wore number 10 for Brazil and his club teams.
- Diego Maradona – Known for his creativity, leadership, and magical abilities, Maradona wore the number 10 shirt for Argentina and his club teams, notably leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup.
- Lionel Messi – Considered by many to be the best player of his generation, Messi has worn the number 10 for both FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
- Zinedine Zidane – The French maestro who wore number 10, winning the World Cup in 1998 and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.
- Ronaldinho – The Brazilian trickster and playmaker known for his dazzling dribbling and flair, who wore number 10 for Brazil and Barcelona.
- Johan Cruyff – The Dutch genius who wore number 10 for the Netherlands, as well as Ajax and Barcelona, and is considered one of the game’s greatest visionaries.
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Why Do The Best Soccer Players Wear 10? Updated (2025)
