Relation between jersey numbers and player positions in Football

June 1, 2023 | Sushil Thapa 3.9K Reads

Sushil Thapa

A passionate sports lover who is always willing to explore and learn more about sports particularly team games such as Football, Cricket and Basketball. Following Real Madrid since 2011.

Sushil Thapa

A passionate sports lover who is always willing to explore and learn more about sports particularly team games such as Football, Cricket and Basketball. Following Real Madrid since 2011.

Jersey numbers play a huge role in modern football and has its own significance. Back in 1933, In the FA Cup finals between Everton and Manchester City, Everton Players wore the shirt number 1-11 and Manchester City player wore number 12-22. This is the first record of players wearing a shiirt number and playing an official football game. However the first origin of this concept emerged in Australia where two random clubs decided to play a game with shirt number on the back. The numbers came from 2-3-5 formation and were assigned roles at first accordingly where 1 was for the keepr 2 and 3 were for defenders 4,5,6 were for midfielders and 7,8,9,10 and 11 were for the forwards. However, with the evolution of football a lot has changed in shirt numbers as well.

They have been significantly important and are now also part of a teams tactics rather then just "numbers". 

Player positions / Roles

Players are assigned shirt numbers based on their roles they play on the pitch. The traditional number system included numbers from 1-11 each having a unique role to describe for themselves.

Number 1

Number 1 in football is usually reserved for the first choice goalkeeper in the team. Since the beginning of number in football, 1 has been a go to for the main keeper. Some of the most popular players to wear are Oliver Kahn, Neuer, Casillas, Alisson, etc.

Number 2, 3, 4, 5

2 and 3 are usually reserved for the fullbacks or the wide defenders in modern football. They refer to player with ability to run down the field to support attack and also be present in the defensive scenarios while off the ball. Some popular examples are Dani Alves, Roberto Carlos, Lahm, Carvajal. 

Number 3, 4 and 5 are reserved for solid center backs who are the wall of the team sitting right infront of the keeper making those crucial tackles. In modern football, a player who is a beast in defending and also has good distribution of the balls and make pin point interceptions are those allowed to take these numbers. Some popular names include Ramos, Puyol, Maldini, Pepe,etc.

Number 5, 6, 8

These are the numbers given to midfielders who control the heart of the game by staying ahead of center backs and being more actively present on the center of pitch whist also provinding line breaking passes to completely open up the opposing defence.They have the ability to stay calm under pressure and orchestrate the entire game. They are players who decide the tempo of the game. Some popular players to wear 5,6 and 8 are Busquets, Zidane, Xavi, Pogba, Kroos, Iniesta, Gerrard, etc.

Number 7, 11

These are numbers assigned to the wingers who are most threatful attackers. Fast players with a lot of fair to get past multiple defenders are seen wearing these numbers. They are most prolific finishers and chance creator and are always a threat coming from the wings.They ofter are the most skillful player in the team. Some popular names are Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Ribery, Beckham, Bale, Drogba, Klose, etc.

Number 10

They are the most creative player in the team with excellent vision and are placed right behind the center forward. They are master of creating spaces and finding the right teammate and opportunity for the goal. They are very skillful with the ball. Some popular players are Lionel Messi, Modric, Neymar, Ronaldinho, etc

Number 9

They are the striker of the team. The ones who are always looking for goals and stand the farthest ahead to finish of any good ball in back of the net coming towards them. They have the ability to create space for them and have pinpoint accurate finising. They also are the first line of press while of the ball. They are expected to score goals and are facilitated by other player. Some popular players are R9, Benzema, Suarez, Haaland, Torres, etc.

Players tend to choose other numbers then the first popular 11 such as 12(Marcelo), 17(KDB), 20(Vinicius Jr), 22 ( Scholes) and many more due to various circumstances. The first 11 and most popular shirt numbers have been discussed. Thank you!

 

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