In football (soccer), the jersey number 10 is iconic and typically associated with creative playmakers, attacking midfielders, or forwards known for their skill, vision, and leadership on the field. It has been worn by some of the greatest players in football history, making it one of the most revered numbers in the sport.
1. Pelé
Pelé, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history, wore the iconic jersey number 10 throughout his career. This number became synonymous with his legacy as an exceptional playmaker and goal-scorer. Pelé represented Brazil in four FIFA World Cups, winning three (1958, 1962, and 1970) a record that still stands today.
The number 10 jersey symbolized his creativity, vision, and ability to change the game single-handedly. He also wore the number during his club career at Santos FC and later with the New York Cosmos. Pelé’s performances elevated the prestige of the number 10 jersey, inspiring future generations of footballers.
2. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona, one of football’s greatest icons, famously wore jersey number 10 throughout his illustrious career. The number became synonymous with his incredible talent and vision on the field. Maradona dazzled fans with his playmaking abilities, dribbling skills, and scoring prowess, most notably during the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory.
His performance in that tournament, including the iconic “Hand of God” goal and his mesmerizing solo effort against England, cemented his legacy. At the club level, Maradona wore the number 10 jersey for teams like Napoli, where he achieved legendary status by guiding the club to Serie A titles and European glory. The number 10, under Maradona’s legacy, represents creativity, genius, and unmatched charisma in football.
3. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho, the Brazilian football legend, is one of the most iconic players to have worn the jersey number 10. Known for his incredible flair, creativity, and magical skills on the ball, Ronaldinho embodied the spirit of the number 10 traditionally reserved for playmakers and team leaders. During his illustrious career, he wore the number 10 jersey for both his club and national team.
Clubs and Achievements
- Barcelona (2003–2008): Ronaldinho famously wore the number 10 jersey at Barcelona, where he led the team to two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2006. His unmatched dribbling and ability to entertain the crowd earned him a Ballon d’Or in 2005.
- AC Milan (2008–2011): At Milan, he continued wearing number 10, contributing to their success and showcasing his signature style.
Brazil National Team
For Brazil, Ronaldinho donned the number 10 jersey in major tournaments, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He played a key role in Brazil’s victory, particularly with his unforgettable free-kick goal against England in the quarterfinals. Ronaldinho’s legacy as a number 10 highlights his position as one of football’s most beloved and gifted players.
4. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, one of football’s greatest midfielders, wore the iconic jersey number 10 during his illustrious career, primarily with the French national team. Zidane’s number 10 became synonymous with elegance, vision, and match-winning brilliance. As a playmaker, he orchestrated his team’s attacks with precise passing, exceptional ball control, and strategic genius.
Notably, Zidane’s performances wearing the number 10 were instrumental in leading France to its first FIFA World Cup victory in 1998, where he scored two pivotal goals in the final against Brazil. He continued to shine with the same number at Euro 2000, helping France claim the championship and earning individual accolades like Player of the Tournament.
The number 10 jersey further symbolized his leadership when he led France to the 2006 World Cup final, showcasing his unparalleled skills, including a memorable Panenka penalty against Italy in the final. Despite retiring after the 2006 tournament, Zidane’s legacy as the iconic number 10 remains unmatched, inspiring generations of footballers.
5. Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti, widely known as “Il Capitano,” wore the iconic jersey number 10 for AS Roma throughout his illustrious career. This number symbolized his role as the team’s playmaker and leader, highlighting his creativity, technical skill, and ability to influence matches. Totti spent his entire 25-year professional career with AS Roma, making him a symbol of loyalty and passion for the club.
Wearing the number 10, Totti won several honors, including the Serie A title in 2001 and multiple domestic cups. He also contributed to Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup victory. Known for his incredible vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability, Totti is celebrated as one of football’s greatest players. His association with the number 10 jersey remains a defining aspect of his legendary status in the sport.
6. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney, born on October 24, 1985, in Liverpool, England, is one of the most iconic footballers in the sport’s history. Known for his versatility, intelligence, and goal-scoring prowess, Rooney is the all-time leading scorer for both Manchester United and the England national team.
He began his career at Everton, where he gained attention as a prodigious talent, debuting at just 16 years old. His famous goal against Arsenal as a teenager marked the start of a remarkable journey. In 2004, Rooney moved to Manchester United, where he achieved incredible success over 13 years, winning five Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, and numerous domestic trophies.
Rooney also shone on the international stage, earning 120 caps and scoring 53 goals for England. His style of play combined technical skill, physicality, and a keen eye for goal, making him one of the most complete forwards of his era. Beyond football, Rooney transitioned into management and coaching, including a stint managing Derby County.
7. Roberto Baggio
Roberto Baggio, one of Italy’s most celebrated footballers, is known for his exceptional skills, vision, and creativity on the field. Born in 1967, Baggio played as an attacking midfielder and forward. He made his mark in European football with clubs such as Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, as well as with the Italian national team.
Baggio’s talent was undeniable, and his playmaking ability earned him the 1993 Ballon d’Or, making him the best player in the world that year. His most famous moment came during the 1994 FIFA World Cup final, where, despite a brilliant tournament, he missed the decisive penalty in a shootout against Brazil, leading to Italy’s loss. This moment is often remembered with mixed emotions, as it was a symbol of his vulnerability despite his immense skill.
8. Michel Platini
Michel Platini is one of football’s greatest legends, known for his extraordinary vision, technique, and leadership on the field. Born on June 21, 1955, in France, Platini rose to fame as an attacking midfielder. He played for clubs like AS Nancy, Juventus, and the French national team. Platini was renowned for his exceptional passing, creativity, and free-kick abilities.
He won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards (1983, 1984, and 1985) and played a pivotal role in France’s 1984 UEFA European Championship victory, where he was the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals. Platini’s club career flourished at Juventus, where he won multiple domestic titles, including Serie A and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Platini’s impact went beyond his playing career. After retiring, he became involved in football administration and served as the President of UEFA from 2007 to 2015, although his tenure ended amid a corruption scandal.
9. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is widely recognized for wearing the number 10 jersey, both at FC Barcelona and with the Argentina national team. This iconic number has become synonymous with his brilliance, vision, and creativity on the pitch.
Messi’s journey with the number 10 started early in his career at Barcelona, where he inherited the number after Ronaldinho’s departure in 2008. Over the years, Messi’s number 10 shirt became a symbol of his leadership and playmaking ability, culminating in him becoming Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, as well as winning numerous domestic and international titles, including 4 UEFA Champions League trophies and 10 La Liga titles. Messi’s exploits with the Argentina national team have also been remarkable, with the number 10 helping him lead Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title and, of course, the long-awaited 2022 FIFA World Cup win, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
10. Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr. has long been associated with the iconic number 10 jersey, both at the club and international levels. Wearing the number 10 shirt for Brazil, Neymar continues the tradition of legendary players such as Pelé and Zico. His technical brilliance, flair, and playmaking abilities have made him a standout figure in world football.
At club level, Neymar wore number 11 at Santos before moving to Barcelona, where he initially wore number 11 but later switched to number 11 during his time at PSG. However, his international career with Brazil remains firmly linked to the number 10 jersey, and he continues to wear it proudly on the world stage.
As one of the most exciting players of his generation, Neymar’s number 10 shirt has come to symbolize not just the artistry on the pitch but also leadership and a significant role in Brazil’s quest for glory in major tournaments like the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup. His name will always be remembered as part of the Brazil legacy associated with the number 10.