Football jersey numbers or Squad numbers are used in association football to identify and distinguish players that are on the field. Numbers helped to indicate the position of the players in the starting XI. The starting players generally wear numbers 1–11. Although these numbers often bear little or no significance in the modern game other than the players' favourite numbers and the numbers available. However, numbers 1–11 are still the most popular on the football field.

To clarify, defenders are most likely to wear the lower numbers like two, three, four etc. Meanwhile, the higher numbers such as seven, nine and ten are reserved for star forwards, attacking midfielders and playmakers. However, the first-choice goalkeeper of a team usually wears the number one on its back.

Traditional roles of the Football jersey numbers (1-11)

Jersey Number 1

The first-choice goalkeeper of a team usually wears the number one jersey. Moreover, the number one jersey has never been a part of the outfield. Ex-Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has famously worn the number, as well as the likes of Oliver Kahn, Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer along with many other goalkeepers.

Read Also: Goals by Goalkeepers: Top 5 Highest scoring Goalkeepers

Jersey Number 2

Specifically, the right-back defenders usually don the No.2 shirt. Gary Neville wore the shirt during his long career at Old Trafford with Manchester United, along with Cafu and Ivan Cordoba.

Jersey Number 3

Specifically, the left-back defenders usually don the No.3 shirt. Legendary left-backs like Maldini and Roberto Carlos wore the number 3 back in their time.

Also Read: Players with the Most matches for a single football club

Jersey Number 4

Central defenders or defensive midfielders are given the No.4. Such as ex-Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and Arsenal legend Patrick Viera made their name wearing the no.4.

Jersey Number 5

Centre-backs typically wear the No.5 shirt, with some notable examples including the ex-Barcelona captain and one-club man Carles Puyol, Fabio Cannavaro and Franz Beckenbauer. Zinedine Zidane, a playmaking central midfielder, also wore the famous No. 5 shirt during his time at Real Madrid.

Jersey Number 6

Central Defensive/Holding Midfielder generally wears the number 6 on its back. Legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, wore the no. 6 during his time at the Camp Nou. Paul Pogba and Thiago Silva are some of the famous players who wore the no. 6. Gavi, the Barcelona and Spain star also wears the No.6 just like club legend Zavi.

Jersey Number 7

The No.7 shirt is generally reserved for wingers and second strikers. However, there are some examples of legendary central strikers who have worn the shirt. The No. 7 shirt carries a classic impression because some of the legends of the game had it on their back.

Sir Alex Ferguson gave the no.7 to Cristiano Ronaldo and he successfully carried on the legacy left by Cantona and Beckham at Manchester United. Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Foao Felix are some of the current stars who wear the No. 7 football jersey.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History

Jersey Number 8

The No.8 isn't as iconic or flashy as the seven, nine or 10 football jersey numbers. The jersey tends to be worn by goalscoring midfield players who balance the ability to regularly hit the back of the net while also providing assists and chances for their teammates. Great box-to-box midfielders with creating and scoring ability also had the number on their back.

Legendary midfielders like Steven Gerrard, Andres Iniesta and Kaka during his time with Real Madrid wore the no. 8 shirt.

Jersey Number 9

The No.9 is usually given to a football team's centre forward or main striker. A prolific goalscorer in any given formation, especially the likes of 4-3-3, 4-2-2 or 4-2-3-1. Legends of the game like Fernando Torres, and Ronaldo Nazario wore the iconic no.9. Great goalscorers like Luis Suarez and Robert Lewandowski also wear the no.9 on their back.

Also Read: 8 Players with Most Goals in Top 5 European Leagues in the 21st Century

Jersey Number 10

It is one of the most iconic numbers in football. Traditionally, the No.10 shirt is given to the team's playmaker or star-attacking midfielder. It is a number that carries a lot of respect. Players like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Pele raised the expectation bar sky-high for no.10s.

Read Also: Top 10 players with the Most goals in a single season 

Jersey Number 11

The No.11 shirt is mostly dedicated to a team's left winger. Manchester United hero Ryan Giggs donned the No. 11 at Old Trafford. Neymar also wore the shirt playing for Santos and Barcelona. Brazilian legend Romario was also a part of this elite group.

It is a childhood dream for everyone to represent their country in a global tournament like FIFA World Cup. But imagine, you are actually a young lad, and yet you are playing the tournament and winning it. For some lucky but no doubt exceptionally talented players, this became a reality. 

In this article from Sportz Point, discover the 5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup, including legends like Pele and Ronaldo Nazario, who made history at an early age.

5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup:

5. Thierry Henry | 20 Years | France:

Before Kylian Mbappe became a familiar name, there was Thierry Henry in a star-studded French team including the biggest stars like Zinedine Zidane, Lillian Thuram, and Patrick Viera led by Didier Deschamps. Henry at the age of just 20, burst into the limelight with France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

However, Henry did not make an appearance against Brazil, where France won 3-0. He had already played his role, scoring thrice in six matches. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Henry was one of the guaranteed starters in the squad.

4. Kylian Mbappe | 19 Years | France:

With astonishing speed and agility, it feels like he is in a sports car on a football field. Kylian Mbappe announced himself at the age of 19. Mbappe became the youngest player to score in the FIFA World Cup final since Pele in 1958, bringing back the title to France after 20 years.

He was one of the most important players for France throughout the season. In the round of 16, Mbappe managed to score a brace in five minutes, knocking out Lionel Messi's Argentina 4-3. Mbappe craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

3. Giuseppe Bergomi | 18 Years | Italy:

Giuseppe Bergomi was selected by the Italian national team coach Enzo Bearzot in the 1982 FIFA World Cup squad. He started the tournament on the bench and during the group stage did a great job marking Socrates and Serginho against Brazil in a memorable 3-2 win. Bergomi impressed everyone with his maturity in the Semi-final and the Final.

Giuseppe Bergomi was a FIFA World Cup winner just over a year after making his first appearance in the senior match. Bergomi is one of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup. 

2. Ronaldo Nazario | 17 Years | Brazil:

Ronaldo Nazario "The Phenomenon" was a generational talent. If not for a catalog of serious knee injuries, he would probably be known as the greatest ever to play football. In 1994, a 17-year-old Ronaldo was part of the World Cup-winning Brazil team in the United States. However, he only made it to the bench and did not play a single minute. Ronaldo Nazario placed second in this list of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo scored a staggering 115 goals in 134 games between 1994 and 1999 during two brilliant spells at Barcelona (37 goals, 34 games) and PSV (46 goals in 42 games). By 23, he had scored over 200 goals for club and country.

1. Pele | 17 Years | Brazil:

Pele is the most well-known footballer in the history of the sport and possibly the greatest attacking player of the 20th century. The Brazilian legend was just 17 years and 249 days old in 1958 when Brazil outdid Sweden by 5-2 in the final at the Rashunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden. Pele scored a brace, winning Brazil their first-ever World Cup. 

Pele is the youngest player to win the FIFA World Cup on this list. Brazil’s 5-2 triumph over France in the semi-finals saw Pele become the youngest scorer of a hat-trick in World Cup history. He also won the World Cup in 1962 in Chile. Later on, he went on to claim his third World Cup trophy after eight years in Mexico. He is the only player to have won 3 World Cup trophies.

Lionel Messi has been dropped from the Argentina squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers encounters against Uruguay and Brazil during the March international break.

Lionel Scaloni announced a 26-member squad on March 17th, excluding the World Cup-winning captain., sparking debates among the Albiceleste fans.

However, reports suggested that Messi might have sustained an injury during the Major League Soccer game for Inter Miami, making it impossible for him to attend the national fixture.

Sportz Point breaks down why Lionel Messi will not play against Uruguay and later against Brazil.

Why is Lionel Messi not playing?

The 37-year-old Argentine forward sustained a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle during Inter Miami's MLS encounter against Atalanta United on March 16th, Sunday. 

🚨⚠️ Understand Leo Messi completed a scan in the morning after the game vs Atlanta United last night.

The scan confirmed that Messi suffered from a small muscle injury in the adductor area and he won’t be available to play for Argentina. pic.twitter.com/x7v6kAukyv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2025

Although Lionel Messi opened the scoring and led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory, it has been revealed that he has suffered an injury that might keep him out of international duties.

Inter Miami issued an official statement on March 18th, stating Messi's injury updates. The statement reads:

Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi.

Messi underwent an MRI this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United.

The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.

The Argentina captain himself posted a story on Instagram which contains a photo of him in the national shirt, and he conveyed his disappointment in a short statement.

It's a shame to miss these two very special matches with the national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I wanted to be there, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again left me out. From here, I'll be cheering and supporting you like any other fan. Go Argentina!

These statements confirm that he's not expected to be sidelined for long but will miss the upcoming matches with Uruguay on March 22nd and Brazil on March 26th.

✍️ Lionel Messi makes his own statement on the injury via his Instagram account:

Noteworthy is him saying that the injury is “not significant” but that it will force him to stop playing “for a time.”#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/LtraelUO7G

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) March 17, 2025

When will Messi return to play Argentina?

However, Messi will have to wait until before donning the national crest again. In the June international break, when Argentina will travel to play against Chile on June 4th and will take on Colombia on June 9th.

The Spanish League, or Laliga, is the second most-viewed football league in the world. It is regarded as one of the top five elite European leagues and has legendary clubs. Many football legends played in this league but only a few of them managed to play for a long duration and hold the record of most matches in Laliga. Here is the list of the top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga.

Top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga history:

11. Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona | 520 Matches

One of the greatest players to ever grace this sport, Lionel Messi ranks 11th in the most matches in Laliga history's list with 520 appearances.

The Argentine forward came to Spain at a very young age and played for FC Barcelona since he was a teenager. The Catalan talisman also holds the record for the most goals in Laliga, with 474 strikes.

Read Also: Lionel Messi Stats: Goals in every calendar year by Messi

10. Antoine Griezmann | FC Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid | 520 Matches

Antoine Griezmann has now played 520 matches in Laliga, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga history.

The French international has been a pivotal player for both Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, including his short spell in FC Barcelona. Although a player like this has never been crowned with a Laliga title, his dedication to the game has made him one of the greatest players in the league.

Read Also: Most Goals in a La Liga season - Lionel Messi leads the list

9. Manolo Sanchis | Real Madrid CF | 523 Matches

Manolo Sanchis was a Centre-back and represented Real Madrid in 523 matches, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga. The legendary defender won the league a total of eight times and also has two Spanish Cups in his cabinet.

8. Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid CF, Sevilla | 536 Matches

Sergio Ramos has made 536 appearances in Laliga, making him the eighth player in this list of the most matches in Laliga history.

The legendary Spanish Centre-back represented Sevilla and then Real Madrid in the competition multiple times. The former Spaniard won four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

Read Also: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League goals

7. Paco Buyo | Real Madrid, Sevilla, RCD Mallorca, RCD Coruna | 542 Matches

Paco Buyo is one of only two goalkeepers on the list who has played the most matches in Laliga history. He made 542 appearances in Laliga, turning out mostly for Real Madrid. Buyo has a special place in the club's history and won the league title six times with Real Madrid.

6. Eusebio | Real Valladolid, Celta Vigo, FC Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid | 543 Matches

Eusebio is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders, and he played his career's most matches in Laliga. The Spanish midfielder played 543 matches in Laliga, representing four clubs. Eusebio is a FC Barcelona legend, having won four titles with them. He retired from his professional career in 2002 and has since become a manager.

5. Loren Juarros | Real Sociedad, Real Burgos, Athletic Bilbao | 546 Matches

Loren Juarros is a former Spanish footballer and is known for his longevity in Laliga, having played 546 matches in the competition. Primarily a defender, he spent most of his career at Real Sociedad becoming a club legend.

His impressive appearance tally places him among the players with the most matches in Laliga. After retiring, Lorren transitioned into a sporting director role, contributing to Real Sociedad's player recruitment and development plan.

4. Raul | Real Madrid CF | 550 Matches

Raul was one of the most lethal strikers the sport has ever seen. A club legend for Real Madrid, he made over 550 matches and cemented his in the most matches in Laliga history list.

The Spaniard scored 228 goals as well during that time. He won six La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles with the club. Currently, he is the manager of Real Madrid Castilla.

3. Raul Garcia | Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, CA Osasuna | 609 Matches

Raul Garcia has carved his place in football history by becoming one of the players with the most matches in Laliga, totaling an incredible 609 appearances.

The Spanish midfielder is known for his versatility and leadership. He played for CA Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao, leaving a lasting impact at each club. His longevity and consistency made him a key figure in Spanish football.

2. Andoni Zubizarreta | Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo Alaves, FC Barcelona | 622 Matches

Andoni Zubizarreta made 622 appearances and is the player with the second-most matches in Laliga. The Goalkeeper extensively for Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, Deportivo Alaves, and FC Barcelona.

He won the league a total of six times, four with FC Barcelona and two with Athletic Bilbao. Zubizarreta retired from the sport in 1998. 

1. Joaquin | Real Betis, Malaga CF, and Valencia | 622 Matches

Joaquin holds the record for the most matches in Laliga, with 622 appearances throughout his career. The Spanish winger, known for his time at Real Betis, Valencia, and Malaga CF, surpassed the previous record of 622 matches held by Andoni Zubizarreta.

The Premier League has seen some of the greatest figures who have led their respective teams to ultimate glory, wearing the captain's armband. These players have been monumental in shaping the clubs' history or writing the golden chapters the clubs have enjoyed over the years, in the past or now. 

The captain's armband carries a significant value and thus it deserves the players who lead the core from the front as a true leader. This list includes some of those footballers who have not only captained their sides to innumerable glories but also set examples for the upcoming generations. 

Sportz Point ranks these five footballers based on collected achievements and the long-standing impact they have created on their respective clubs as well. 

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Terry, Gerrard, Vieira, Keane and Kompany: Ranking the Greatest Premier League Captains

5. Vincent Kompany – Man City

Vincent Kompany cemented his legend at Manchester City when he captained the club to their inaugural Premier League title in the 2011/2012 season.

The Belgian center-back was among the limited number of players who stayed at City following the takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, having signed for the club prior to the takeover being completed. During his time at City, Kompany led the team to four Premier League titles, with his last championship win being in the 2018/2019 season.

10 - Since Vincent Kompany's first season with the club, @ManCity have won more domestic trophies than any other side in England (4 Premier League titles, 4 League Cups, 2 FA Cups). Era. pic.twitter.com/DOGcPOYFyy

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 19, 2019

His exceptional leadership and defensive abilities made him a true icon of the club. This is reflected in his impressive Premier League record, consisting of 265 appearances, 18 goals, 8 assists, and 94 clean sheets.

4. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool

Steven Gerrard is practically synonymous with Liverpool. Despite not winning any Premier League title as a captain, the 'Captain Fantastic' Gerrard solidified the spirit of the club by leading by example through his remarkable talent, determination, and commendable attitude.

He famously inspired Liverpool to a comeback victory in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final with a heroic performance, cementing his place in Anfield folklore as one of the greatest captains in the history of the club.

540 Games
120 Goals
92 Assists

Steven Gerrard is the latest player to be inducted into the @premierleague’s Hall of Fame.

LEGEND 👏 pic.twitter.com/NDYZrRX3yZ

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 20, 2021

Gerrard's record in the Premier League is impressive as well, with 504 games, 120 goals, and 92 assists, and this further cements his place as a Liverpool legend.

3. Patrick Vieira – Arsenal

Patrick Vieira was a very crucial part of the Arsenal team during all three of their Premier League victories. He served as club captain for the triumphs in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons. The latter season featured the famous Arsenal Invincibles, who completed the entire league campaign without losing a single match.

Patrick Vieira arrived at Arsenal in 1996, the same time Arsene Wenger did. Next season, they won the double.

He captained Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side. His final kick in Arsenal colors won the FA Cup.

He returns today as Crystal Palace manager and as an Arsenal legend 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dFCCLKjVUW

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 18, 2021

Vieira is considered one of the best footballers in his position and is also one of the most successful and respected captains of the Premier League. 

2. John Terry – Chelsea

John Terry is one of the all-time greats in the history of the Premier League. Appointed Chelsea captain by Jose Mourinho in 2004, Terry took the Blues to their maiden Premier League crown in the same year.

🔹 5x Premier League winner
🔹 5x FA Cup winner
🔹 3x League Cup winner
🔹 Champions League winner
🔹 Europa League winner

24 years ago today, John Terry began his legendary Chelsea career 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TYwvs34Qaz

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 28, 2022

During his 12 years as Chelsea captain, Terry had a very successful career winning five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Europa League, and the 2012 Champions League. In the Premier League, he played 492 times and scored 41 league goals, becoming the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history till date.

1. Roy Keane – Manchester United

Roy Keane is widely regarded as the Premier League's all-time greatest captain. Joined with intense drive and masterful leadership, Keane led Manchester United to four Premier League titles and the legendary treble of 1999. His unstoppable courage, tireless work ethic, and leadership through example made him an all-time Manchester United icon.

Roy Keane is the most decorated Irish player in Premier League history, winning seven league titles with Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/cybzycAhcs

— The Extreme Football Enthusiast (@ExtremeFootbal4) March 13, 2025

Keane's Premier League career further reinforces his legacy. He played 366 games, scored 39 goals, and won 220 matches, suffering just 61 losses during his time. Keane's incredible story goes beyond the Premier League years, however, and shows how his legacy has lasted for a long time.

Keane's stay at the Old Trafford, however, came to a sudden end following a falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2005.

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Sportz Point. Tonight we will be bringing you live updates of the Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona LaLiga 2024 - 25 match at Metropolitano.

this match probably holds the most important three points in this season's race for the Spanish League Championship. Barcelona Are just one point ahead of Atletico Madrid and a win for them might fix their position at the top of the La Liga table.

Meantime a win for Atletico Madrid would push them to the title race again and force Barcelona to slip down to number three in the points table with Real Madrid staying at the top after their win against Villarreal CF.

This is Koushik Biswas, with all the updates, stats, news and commentary of one of the most important matches of the season for you. Sit back and relax. Enjoy the coverage.