What Do Football Shirt Numbers Mean?

Before the 1958 World Cup, the Brazilian team forgot to submit their player numbers. FIFA did it for them and assigned the number 10 shirt to one of their reserve players. A 17-year-old boy called Pelé. 

This same teenager was awarded Best Young Player of the Tournament after scoring an astonishing six goals in four games. As a legacy of his genius, Pelé retained the number 10 shirt for the remainder of his career. A legend was unleashed and Pelé has forever been synonymous with the number 10 shirt. 

And so, the mystique around player numbers was born. Shirt numbers may have begun as a way of identifying players but escalated into so much more. 

In this article we will explore the history of player shirt numbers and dive into both the traditional and modern number systems. We’ll look at some of the most iconic numbers and their wearers and the cultural impacts of shirt numbers. 

Historical Context of Player Numbers

In 1928, the first ever attempt to attribute numbers to players was made. The idea flopped. Instead it was decided players would be more easily discernible if teams were sent out in differing, brightly coloured socks and patterned caps.

Five years later, the Football Association (FA) determined that players would be more easily recognisable if players did indeed adopt shirt numbers. So, during the 1933 Cup Final, Everton and Manchester City went head-to-head weaning numbers. Everton took numbers 1 -11 and Manchester City 11 – 22. 

The number nine shirt was handed to the venerable ‘Dixie’ Dean. Dean scored a jaw-dropping 379 goals from 438 games during the 1920’s and ‘30’s. The number nine became imbued with his greatness. Even now, 90 years later, the number 9 is synonymous with strikers and goal scoring success. 

Numbers became a way of classifying the role of the player, so that spectators could associate the shirt number with the position of each footballer. 

The lowest numbers, such as 1, 2 and 3 denoted the goal keeper and the centre-backs. Higher numbers, such as 7, 9, 10 were given to the midfielders and strikers.

As with all things, time brought about change. Football has now shifted from the more traditional system. Today, customs surrounding shirt numbers are weighted in status, mystique and symbolism. 

Traditional Numbering System

When the original number system was determined, most teams used the 2-3-5 system, often known as the ‘pyramid’ system. The 2-3-5 system was the prevalent form when shirt numbering first began so numbers were allocated to reflect this style of play. 

Originally the number 1 shirt was given to the goalkeeper, simply because they were the first name on the team sheet. 

Numbers 2 and 3 were attributed to the right and left backs. The number 2 typically awarded to the right back and the 3, the left back. 

In line with the 2-3-5 formation, the next three shirt numbers, 4,5 and 6, were handed out to the central midfielders or central defenders and centre-backs respectively.

The five remaining players, the midfielders and strikers were awarded the shirts 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. The 7 shirt is generally associated with the wingers or second strikers. The team’s main striker taking the 9 and the 10 to the attacking midfielder.

Distributing the numbers in this way meant that spectators instantly associated player numbers with their name, and essentially position. 

Modern Interpretations of Player Numbers

The 1933 FA Cup final between Everton and Manchester City marked the first match where shirt numbers were introduced. In the final, Everton’s Dixie Dean pulled on the first ever number nine jersey .And, whilst the memories of this icon will never dim, tranche after tranche of new striking greats have felt the weight of this coveted number on their backs. 

But now, player numbers are less rigid and less likely to be solely distributed by position. It’s true to say that whilst the number 1 jersey is still typically associated with the goalkeeper, other numbers are more flexible.

But why? 

Perhaps because playing systems have changed. The 2-3-5 formation has been replaced with the more popular 4-3-3, 3,5, 3 and 4,2,3,1. New strategies make the association between number and position defunct – because differing playing systems mean positions change. 

Players also find themselves in and out of teams rendering the numbers-by-position model problematic. The FA also restricted players to the same shirt number for the entirety of a football season, so they are unable to switch depending on the position played. 

Modern day players tend to choose their shirt number and may be swayed by the symbolism linked to it. Just consider the iconic status now associated with Pelé’s number 10 shirt – Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho to name but a few. Each one a giant of the game, a miracle maker in their own right, each laying claim to the sacred number 10. 

However, there are instances where players adopt slightly more unconventional numbers and break out of the 1-11 boundaries. 

Phil Foden, Manchester City’s flexible winger adopted the number 47  and ignored the traditional 1 -11. Why? To honour his role model grandfather who died at that age. 

Mario Balotelli had hoped to snag the coveted number 9 striker’s shirt but found it taken. Imaginatively, he opted for 45. When these two numbers are added together they combine to make 9. 

Even goalies have been known to rebuke the tradition on the number 1 shirt. Christiano Lupatelli, Chievo’s keeper, consistently flew through the air wearing a number 10 shirt. 

Iconic Numbers and Their Significance

Some numbers are legacy numbers. The wearers beholden to uphold the sanctity and greatness associated with them. 

Whilst the number 10 was perhaps mistakenly given to the young reserve during the World Cup, it was globalised into god-status by Pelé’s sheer footballing brilliance. In the 1980’s Diego Maradona delivered his own style of god-status and laid claim to the number 10. In the 1982 World Cup, he was the only player on the team to pick his number; all the other players were assigned numbers alphabetically. He was immortalised as the Argenitinian number ten during the 1986’s World Cup too, making this shirt his own. 

In much the same way, the number 7 shirt has garnered itself a reputation for footballing brilliance. Generally, the exclusive number for strikers and wingers, it’s been worn by global superstars who have left an indelible mark in footballing history. 

David Beckham, one of England’s most celebrated players, donned the number 7 jersey. He inherited it from Eric Cantona when he joined Manchester United. Beckham retired with an admirable 178 goals and 214 assists under his belt. A worthy member of the number 7 club. 

Arguably one of football’s most prolific players also wore the number 7 shirt. When Christiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United, he inherited the 7 shirt from his idol, David Beckham. Ronaldo claims he chose it to emulate his hero in the field. His desire for the number 7 shirt may have also had branding connotations too – he is famous for his CR7 brand. 

Cultural Impacts of Player Numbers

With such status, symbolism and a sense of greatness attributed to certain player numbers, it is understandable that wearing them induces a sensation of self-belief. 

To consider yourself worthy to stand alongside the legends and adopt the numbers they once adorned themselves with must be a confidence boost like no other.

In a world where footballers are media focussed, their shirt number can positively impact their brand development. Many players now market products that can be bought by their adoring fans. So back numbers matter can healthily promote sales numbers too. 

The legends have sewn a rich footballing tapestry of goals, defensive tackles, and majestic attacks. Intertwined with these moments of greatness are the shirt numbers of the history makers, immortalising them in our minds for evermore.

When you take a moment to recall the names of your most beloved players you will not only conjure their name, but their player number too. That’s because shirt numbers are synonymous with names – they’re inseparable.